The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) is offering the MBYLI Futurepreneurs Grant for Fiscal Year 2025 to support entrepreneurship education and workforce development for youth in Washington, D.C. This grant is administered by the Office of Youth Programs and aims to equip young participants with entrepreneurial knowledge, leadership skills, and business acumen to succeed in the modern labor market. The Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute (MBYLI) is a four-level youth leadership development program designed to empower 14- to 18-year-old District residents by providing hands-on experiences and practical skill-building opportunities.

The MBYLI Futurepreneurs program is focused on business, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training. Participants will engage in a structured curriculum that includes business plan development, financial literacy, public speaking, marketing, grant writing, and pitching to investors. The program emphasizes real-world learning experiences, networking opportunities with business leaders, and a capstone project where youth will develop and present a business plan. Additionally, students will participate in field trips and a pitch competition, providing them with exposure to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and opportunities to present their business ideas to investors.

A total of $50,000 in grant funding is available for award. The anticipated number of awards is at least one. The grant period will run from the date of award through September 30, 2025, with a possibility of single-year renewal for up to four additional years if funding is available and performance criteria are met. Funding comes entirely from local appropriations in the District of Columbia.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit and for-profit organizations, public and charter schools, post-secondary institutions, and community-based organizations that have experience in facilitating career exploration programs for youth. Applicants must be in good standing with federal and local tax obligations and should have prior experience working with youth in entrepreneurship, business development, or related fields. Organizations must ensure staff have required background checks and compliance with relevant legal and safety requirements.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Grants Management Portal no later than February 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. A pre-application virtual conference will be held on February 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., where interested applicants can seek clarifications. The application must include an organizational profile, program narrative, staffing plan, past performance documentation, itemized budget, budget narrative, and proof of organizational compliance (e.g., tax clearance, licenses, and financial statements).

Proposals will be evaluated based on organizational experience, program design, participant engagement strategies, past performance, and budget feasibility. A review panel will score applications on a 100-point scale, assessing program alignment with the grant's objectives, innovative approaches, and the applicant’s capacity to execute the program effectively. Award notifications are expected by late March 2025.

Selected grantees will be responsible for implementing entrepreneurship training sessions, coordinating field trips, organizing a pitch competition, and ensuring program participants complete a capstone business plan project. Regular data collection and reporting will be required, including monthly progress updates, expenditure reports, and participant performance metrics.