Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund's (Wacif) mission is to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Their mission is driven by three strategic pillars: inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic development, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low-and moderate-income entrepreneurs.
Contact Information
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) provides access to capital, one-on-one advisory services, group sessions and events, and specialized programs and initiatives designed to help small businesses grow and create opportunity.
Their specialized programs include:
Capital Access for Entrepreneurs
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Term Loans – Flexible, affordable financing to support business growth
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Green Growth Fund – Mission-driven financing paired with a bonus grant to support environmentally sustainable businesses
- Resilient Growth Fund – Long-term, stability-focused capital for small businesses
Specialized Business Centers
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Anacostia Arts Center (AAC) – A community hub where arts, culture, and small business intersect, using physical space and programming to strengthen DC’s creative economy.
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The HIVE – A launchpad for DC-based entrepreneurs and creatives, offering co-working space, free workshops, and networking opportunities.
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Office of Women’s Initiatives – Provides capital, coaching, and community to support and empower women-owned businesses.
Signature Initiatives Include
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Ascend Capital Accelerator – A multi-week, hands-on accelerator offering interactive workshops, one-on-one expert advising, and tailored business support for entrepreneurs across the DC region, Maryland, and Virginia.
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Certified Up – A certification and contracting readiness program providing workshops, bootcamps, expert consultations, and individualized technical assistance to help businesses grow sales and secure contracts.
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Sustainable DC – Supports entrepreneurs in building green and sustainable businesses through funding, expert guidance, and environmental business resources.
- Access to Capital
- Bookkeeping Assistance
- Cash Flow Analysis
- Micro-Loan Packaging
- Business Management
- Business Start-Up Information
- Phone Consultation
- Strategic Planning
- Video Conferencing Consultation
- Business Development
- Product Development
- Sales & Marketing
- Social & Other Web-Based Media Training
- Website Development
- Management & Leadership
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