Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif)

Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif) Empowering underserved entrepreneurs in Greater Washington; building an equitable, just society. Since 1987.

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) advances equity and opportunity in the Washington, D.C. area’s underserved communities by providing financial capital, business advisory services, and strategic networking support to underinvested entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 1987, Wacif has deployed more than $50 million in capital, served more than 3,500 entrepreneurs with business a

dvisory services, and helped create or retain more than 20,000 local jobs. To learn more about Wacif’s work, visit www.wacif.org.

We're proud to share that our CEO, Shannan Herbert, was recently featured in Built to Thrive, a new report from CHC's Le...
06/24/2026

We're proud to share that our CEO, Shannan Herbert, was recently featured in Built to Thrive, a new report from CHC's Leadership Council for Healthier Communities that explores the connection among community well-being, economic growth, and workforce success.

In her contribution, "The Cost of Financial Trauma — and the Case for Trust" (page 37), Shannan reflects on WACIF's Resilient Futures initiative and the lessons we've learned about the role trust, relationships, and lived experience play in financial decision-making.

Read the full report here: https://hubs.la/Q04myGhx0

Big news for Anacostia. 🎉We are proud to announce that Messay Derebe has been named Executive Director of the Anacostia ...
06/23/2026

Big news for Anacostia. 🎉

We are proud to announce that Messay Derebe has been named Executive Director of the Anacostia Arts Center, owned, operated and programmed by WACIF.

Messay has been with us through one of the most significant chapters in AAC's history. From navigating a major renovation, taking programming into the community, and never losing sight of the people this place is built for.

“Messay brings the kind of leadership this moment requires,” said Shannan Herbert, CEO of WACIF. “She understands the importance of arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and community, and she understands what the Anacostia Arts Center means to the people who call it home."

Now, as we prepare to reopen in February 2027 with a reimagined space and an even stronger vision, she steps into this role ready.

AAC has always been the living room of Anacostia. It’s a place where artists show their work, entrepreneurs build their businesses, and neighbors find each other. Messay understands that balance. And under her leadership, we can't wait to show you what's next.

Congratulations, Messay!

Read the Full Press Release: https://hubs.la/Q04mmKzt0

| Powered by

This month and next, we’re creating space for you to grow with confidence. From free business certification workshops an...
05/26/2026

This month and next, we’re creating space for you to grow with confidence. From free business certification workshops and the next session of our WBC Business Certification Program to practical guidance on understanding your business cash flow, we’re bringing you the tools, insights, and support to help move your business forward.

Plus, join us for a fireside chat + networking opportunity designed to connect you with a fellow entrepreneur, hear honest lessons from her business journey, and build community with others navigating entrepreneurship alongside you.

Whether you’re refining your foundation or preparing for what’s next, we’re here to help you grow — one step at a time. Register now: https://hubs.la/Q04hS_r-0

Every entrepreneur WACIF supports is writing a story of resilience and innovation. We are proud to share the stories of ...
05/06/2026

Every entrepreneur WACIF supports is writing a story of resilience and innovation. We are proud to share the stories of Sapodilla's, Bicycle Trash, DC Vegan, the Peach Cobbler Factory, and the entrepreneurs behind them. At WACIF, we believe that entrepreneurship is about more than products - it’s about building resilient businesses that strengthen communities and shape the future. When vision is backed by the right support, it becomes impact.

Watch the full client story videos: https://hubs.la/Q04fypRr0

That's a wrap on DC Climate Week! From meaningful conversations at our Earth Day Happy Hour in partnership with Sycamore...
05/01/2026

That's a wrap on DC Climate Week! From meaningful conversations at our Earth Day Happy Hour in partnership with Sycamore and Oak where we spotlighted incredible entrepreneurs at the Sustainable Showcase to our Small Business Procurement Roundtable in partnership with the Coalition, DC Climate Week was a powerful reminder that small businesses are at the forefront of building a more resilient, sustainable local economy.

On Earth Day, our Chief Development & Communications Officer and Head of Sustainability, Megan Carras, was featured in The Washington Informer, highlighting the importance of investing in community-driven climate solutions.

Watch the full video here: https://hubs.la/Q04fbt4l0

Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared ideas, and continues to move this work forward with us.

05/01/2026

This month in our From Vision to Impact series, we’re spotlighting DC Vegan: a business proving that sustainability and community can go hand in hand.

As a recipient of WACIF’s Green Growth Fund, DC Vegan received the capital needed to strengthen operations and continue growing their mission-driven business.

From plant-based dining to community leadership as a Sustainable Entrepreneurship Ambassador, DC Vegan is creating lasting impact in Washington, DC.

Their story shows what’s possible when entrepreneurs are backed by the right support.

Read more and see how WACIF turns vision into impact: https://hubs.la/Q04f4LQz0

This May, we’re creating space for you to level up. From our Ascend Capital Accelerator information session to the next ...
04/30/2026

This May, we’re creating space for you to level up. From our Ascend Capital Accelerator information session to the next session of our WBC Business Certification Program, we’re bringing you the tools, guidance, and community you need to grow your business with confidence.

Reserve your spot: https://hubs.la/Q04dWyVz0

Applications close tomorrow for Seed to Storefront - a collaborative initiative designed to support DC entrepreneurs wh...
04/29/2026

Applications close tomorrow for Seed to Storefront - a collaborative initiative designed to support DC entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. Through a partnership with the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), and Building Bridges Across the River, with support from Wells Fargo, this initiative provides affordable retail space, capital, legal support, and hands-on business coaching.

Selected businesses will receive:
- Free technical assistance + hands-on coaching
- Pro bono legal support
- Access to capital
- A reduced-rent retail opportunity at the Anacostia Arts Center or Barry Farm

Apply now: https://hubs.la/Q04dWL4c0

It’s been one month since our Cultivate Summit! From powerful conversations to actionable insights, this year’s gatherin...
04/28/2026

It’s been one month since our Cultivate Summit!

From powerful conversations to actionable insights, this year’s gathering reminded us what’s possible when entrepreneurs, partners, and community come together to innovate and grow.

A few ideas we’re carrying forward—
• Staying adaptable as digital tools and capital continue to shape the landscape
• Using AI intentionally to work smarter, while keeping creativity at the core
• Building a strong, distinct brand voice that truly stands out
• Leaning into community and resources to navigate growth and change

Whether you attended the conference or are diving in now, there’s so much more to explore. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s summit so impactful—we’re just getting started.

Read the full recap: https://hubs.la/Q04dPhlg0
Check out our upcoming events: https://hubs.la/Q04dPrMG0

The Pivot Project is a collaborative initiative between the Latino Economic Development Center(LEDC) and the Washington ...
04/24/2026

The Pivot Project is a collaborative initiative between the Latino Economic Development Center(LEDC) and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), supported by Capital One, designed to help DMV-area professionals transition into entrepreneurship or scale existing small businesses through training, advising, and access to capital.

This educational workshop supports aspiring and transitioning entrepreneurs interested in purchasing an existing business by offering a practical overview of ownership pathways and key decision-making factors. Participants will examine the benefits and trade-offs of buying versus starting a business, explore how lifestyle goals such as time, income, and involvement influence ownership choices, assess financial readiness and risk tolerance, and understand the differences between owner-operator and absentee ownership models to align with their long-term vision.

Reserve your spot today: https://hubs.la/Q04drZ-J0

Address

2012 Rhode Island Avenue NE
Washington D.C., DC
20018

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12025295505

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif) posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif):

Shortcuts

Featured

Share