A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Sip & 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. Despite the beverage industry's significant economic impact, Black women and other entrepreneurs of color remain severely underrepresented across ownership, distribution, and leadership. 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.
By The Numbers:
- 1,185+ 2025 Festival Attendees
- 40+ Participating Makers
- 30% Of Guests Traveled to Attend
- 5 Years Of Community and Connection
What We Do
The Sip & Empower Foundation helps diverse entrepreneurs build knowledge, relationships, visibility, and sustainable opportunities across the beverage and hospitality industries.
- Education and Business Development – Workshops, business strategy sessions, and practical industry guidance led by experienced professionals.
- Networking and Mentorship – Connections between emerging entrepreneurs, established founders, buyers, distributors, and hospitality leaders.
- Community Events and Pairings – Collaborative events that spotlight diverse beverage makers, restaurateurs, chefs, and cultural experiences.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities – Programs designed to help founders strengthen their businesses, expand their visibility, and prepare for growth.
- Industry Advocacy and Representation – Elevating diverse voices and encouraging greater inclusion throughout wine, spirits, food, and hospitality.
Why Chicago? Why the Midwest?
Chicago and the greater Midwest are home to a vibrant food, beverage, and hospitality community. Yet many diverse entrepreneurs still face barriers to capital, mentorship, distribution, retail placement, and meaningful industry connections.
The Sip & Empower Foundation is working to help close those gaps. Through CLINK & SIP Festival, educational experiences, mentorship, and community partnerships, we create opportunities for emerging and established entrepreneurs to connect, learn, gain visibility, and grow.
Our work begins in Chicago, but our vision extends throughout the Midwest and beyond.
This is more than a festival. It is a growing community committed to opportunity, representation, and lasting impact.