# 501c3 - Non Profit
Sip and Empower Foundation
Our Story
The Sip & Empower Foundation was created to address a critical gap in the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries—one that has long marginalized Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs. While the beverage industry is a multi-billion-dollar business, less than 1% of négociants (wine merchants) are Black women. The barriers to entry are significant: lack of access to capital, limited industry knowledge, systemic exclusion from distribution networks, and few mentorship opportunities.
Recognizing these challenges, we founded CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival—the first-of-its-kind festival in Chicago—to celebrate and amplify BIPOC-owned brands while fostering meaningful connections between makers, consumers, and industry leaders. But we knew we needed to do more.
This led to the launch of The Sip & Empower Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap for BIPOC entrepreneurs by providing education, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Our mission is to create a hub of resources that empower and equip the next generation of beverage entrepreneurs.
What We Do
The Sip & Empower Foundation is committed to breaking down barriers by offering:
- Educational Programming – Hands-on workshops, business strategy sessions, and industry insights from leading professionals.
- Networking & Mentorship – Connecting emerging entrepreneurs with established industry leaders who can help them navigate the business.
- Pop-Up Events & Food & Wine Pairings – Partnering with local BIPOC restaurateurs to highlight food and beverage pairings that celebrate culture and community.
- Pitch Competitions – Providing funding opportunities for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas and receive financial support to scale their ventures.
- Industry Advocacy & Representation – Elevating the voices of BIPOC professionals to ensure greater diversity and inclusion across the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries.
Why Chicago? Why the Midwest?
Chicago and the greater Midwest region house a vibrant food and beverage scene yet still lack equitable representation for BIPOC entrepreneurs. Many talented makers struggle to break into the market, find shelf space, and receive the mentorship they need to succeed. Sip & Empower aims to change that.
Through our festival, educational experiences, and entrepreneurial support, we are creating a one-stop resource hub where BIPOC innovators in the hospitality and beverage industries can thrive, connect, and grow.
This is more than a festival. It’s a movement. And we invite you to join us in shaping a future where BIPOC entrepreneurs have the opportunities, resources, and visibility they deserve