CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival

Marshelle Sanders
Sep 19
3 min read

The Sip & Empower Foundation: Empowering BIPOC Entrepreneurs in the Beverage Industry

The beverage industry, spanning wine to spirits, is a multi-billion-dollar sector. Yet, one critical issue persists: less than 1% of wine merchants (négociants) are Black women. While the industry continues to thrive, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs face significant barriers—ranging from limited access to capital to exclusion from distribution networks and scarce mentorship opportunities. In response to these challenges, The Sip & Empower Foundation was founded to bridge this gap and create lasting change for BIPOC entrepreneurs in the hospitality and beverage industries.

According to The Sip & Empower Foundation team, “We recognized that there was a need for a platform that specifically addresses the barriers BIPOC entrepreneurs face in this multi-billion-dollar industry. It became clear that a more holistic, inclusive approach was necessary to create lasting impact.”

In 2022, the foundation launched CLINK Wine & Spirits Festival, a pioneering event in Chicago designed to amplify BIPOC-owned brands while fostering essential connections between makers, consumers, and industry leaders. This initiative was met with enthusiastic support, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to promote diversity in the industry. The foundation’s leadership added, “The success of the festival reaffirmed our belief that this space is not just needed—it's long overdue.”

Mission: Empowerment Through Education, Mentorship, and Funding

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering BIPOC entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. Its mission is clear: “Our goal is to provide a robust support system for emerging beverage entrepreneurs by offering education, mentorship, and funding opportunities,” says the foundation’s founder.

Through its various initiatives, The Sip & Empower Foundation is actively working to break down barriers and create pathways to success for BIPOC innovators.

Programs That Make a Difference

The foundation offers a comprehensive range of programs aimed at fostering long-term growth and representation for BIPOC entrepreneurs in the beverage industry:

Educational Programming – “We offer hands-on workshops, strategy sessions, and insights from industry leaders to equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and skills,” says the foundation’s program director. These sessions cover everything from business strategy to the nuances of wine and spirits production.
Networking & Mentorship – “One of the most powerful aspects of our work is connecting emerging entrepreneurs with established leaders who can help guide them,” says the foundation’s networking coordinator. By facilitating these relationships, the foundation helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the industry with greater confidence.
Pop-Up Events & Food & Wine Pairings – Partnering with local BIPOC restaurateurs, the foundation hosts events that highlight food and beverage pairings that celebrate cultural heritage. “These events are about more than just great food and drink; they’re an opportunity to honor and showcase the richness of BIPOC culture,” the foundation notes.
Pitch Competitions – “We want to give entrepreneurs the opportunity to secure the funding they need to scale,” says the foundation’s operations manager. Through pitch competitions, participants can present their business ideas and receive financial backing to help them expand their ventures.
Industry Advocacy & Representation – “Representation is key. By advocating for BIPOC voices in the wine, spirits, and hospitality sectors, we’re pushing for greater diversity and inclusion at every level,” emphasizes the foundation’s advocacy director.

Why Chicago? Why the Midwest?

Chicago and the Midwest region are home to a thriving food and beverage scene, yet there remains a lack of equitable representation for BIPOC entrepreneurs in the industry. “While the region has immense potential, many BIPOC entrepreneurs still struggle to secure shelf space, find mentorship, or break into the market. That’s where we come in,” says the foundation’s leadership.

Through its festival, educational programs, and entrepreneurial support, The Sip & Empower Foundation is working to create an ecosystem where BIPOC innovators can not only survive but thrive.

A Movement, Not Just a Festival

For the Sip & Empower Foundation, this is more than a festival—it’s a movement. “Our mission is to create a space where BIPOC entrepreneurs have the opportunities, visibility, and resources they need to succeed in an industry that has long overlooked them,” the foundation explains.

With a clear focus on empowerment, education, and advocacy, the foundation is actively working to ensure that BIPOC entrepreneurs in the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries receive the representation and support they deserve. The foundation invites everyone to join in this movement: “Together, we can shape a future where all entrepreneurs, regardless of background, have equal access to success in the beverage industry.”

Website: Clink Festival - CLINK Festival

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