Washington Area Community Investment Fund: Laying the groundwork for a more connected small business ecosystem in Washington, DC

Our programs

Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) is a CDFI that drives economic opportunity in the Washington, DC area by providing access to capital, technical assistance, and strategic, affordable workspace.

How WACIF supports small businesses in the United States

Since 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) has worked to expand economic opportunity in underinvested communities across the Greater Washington, DC region. As a trusted Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), WACIF provides capital, technical assistance, and advisory services to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs, with a focus on inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and inclusive economic development.

WACIF’s work is deeply place-based. The organization supports entrepreneurs historically excluded from traditional finance, while also convening and strengthening the broader network of organizations that small businesses rely on to start, grow, and sustain their ventures.

Program overview

Our work together

Through our work together, we will conduct a comprehensive ecosystem mapping and gap analysis for the small business ecosystem in Washington, DC, and also establish an ecosystem coordinating group that will help to scale products and services for local entrepreneurs. We will reach at least 800 small businesses through convenings, workshops, and referral pathways.

By the numbers

WACIF’s track record in the DC region:

  • Nearly 40 years supporting entrepreneurs historically excluded from traditional finance across the Greater Washington, DC region
  • $100M+ in capital deployed, 5,000+ entrepreneurs supported with technical assistance, and 44,000 local jobs created or retained

“Ecosystem coordination is the missing link for inclusive small business growth in the DC region. This support helps us build the relationships and infrastructure that make the system work better for those who need it most.”

Shannan Herbert

CEO, The Washington Area Community Investment Fund

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