Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif)

It’s been a whirlwind for the past few weeks but I couldn’t neglect giving a big thank you to the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif) for an inspiring collaboration! Looking forward to growing this partnership and continuing to support the entrepreneurs making a difference. The recording is live now: https://lnkd.in/drWx_hU6

Meet NCRC's Fellowship for Economic Development fellow, Ibrahim Onafeko! Ibrahim attends Howard University and is a fellow working with the Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif). At WACIF, he is assisting with the client's experience by analyzing marketing channels and evaluating the entrepreneural journey in hopes to increased their reach and impact in underserved communities.#JustEconomy https://hubs.ly/Q02_CBd30

Over the past year, we have successfully deployed more than $10 million in grants and loans, supporting 1,100 underserved entrepreneurs in the Washington D.C. area. This achievement would not have been possible without the generous contributions from our donors, investors, and partners. We deeply appreciate your commitment to fostering equity and opportunity. As we look forward to the new year, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead!

#ThrowbackThursday to our very first Wacif Week! Last week, we embraced the holiday spirit by coming together to celebrate community and service. On Wednesday, our team volunteered at Bread for the City, Holiday Sharing Family Distribution, Martha's Table, and Meade Memorial Episcopal Church. The following day, we hosted our first "Welcome to Wacif" open house at the Anacostia Arts Center. Thank you to the organizations and people who made this #WacifWeek special - here's to an impactful new year!

🚀 Incredible Day yesterday at FinRegLab's 2024 AI Symposium: Shaping the Future of Financial Services Technology isn't just about #innovation —it's about human impact. From promoting financial inclusion to addressing accountability, efficiency, accuracy, and evaluation. Attending FinRegLab's AI Symposium with my collegues Jessica G Randolph and Rasul Sha'ir, MBA on Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif)'s Innovation task force gave us access to listen to critical conversations shaping our technological future. I was so inspired by the philanthropic perspectives of Meredith Shields, Clarence Wardell III, PhD, and Jimmy Chen. And the on-the-ground work that John Hope Bryant, Lisa Rice, Mike Calhoun, are doing as we consider how to create pathways for our communities to gain access through participation, responsible innovation, and monitization of AI. Super excited for the ways that we can share information with our small business, manufactures, and communities. Also a big thank you to Carrie Bailey and Lily!

THAT’S A WRAP! The WACIF Ascend Retail Business Accelerator has officially come to an end! Last night, we celebrated the end of an incredible six-week journey with a beautiful graduation reception…with good food and drinks to boot. As if the experience wasn’t rewarding enough, WACIF surprised us with a $15K grant to be shared among the 15 businesses in the inaugural retail cohort. This program has been a game-changer, providing invaluable resources, connections and insights to help grow and scale our brands. We are leaving with not just tools for success but also a community of inspiring entrepreneurs who will continue to support and uplift each other. Thank you, Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif), Seedspot and Walmart, for believing in small businesses and investing in our future. #StoryCandlesAndGoods #WACIFAscend #SmallBusinessGrowth #DCentrepreneurs #CandlesCultureCommunity #DCBusiness #candlemakersofcolor #dmvsmallbusiness

Today, November 19, marks Wacif Founding Day of Giving, and we invite you to be part of our continuing mission. For 37 years, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) has been more than a financial institution—we've been a catalyst for community transformation. Since our founding, we've remained committed to driving community wealth building for underserved entrepreneurs in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Your contribution doesn't just support an organization; it fuels the dreams of a community of entrepreneurs through access to capital, one-on-one coaching, and opportunities to learn and grow their networks. Donate: https://hubs.la/Q02YP1xH0 We thank you for your support! #WacifFoundingDay

From our earliest days in 1987 to our current position as an active community development force, Wacif has remained focused on one goal: creating economic opportunities where they're needed most. Our journey from a local loan fund to a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and expert small business technical assistance provider has allowed us to: - Provide access to capital in underinvested communities - Deliver expert advisory services to local entrepreneurs - Create sustainable economic growth across the Greater Washington Area - Build pathways to community wealth through networking and education opportunities Tomorrow, November 19th, is Wacif Founding Day of Giving- your contribution will directly support local entrepreneurs who are ready to grow, innovate, and create positive change within their communities. We thank you for your support - donate today: https://hubs.la/Q02YFLrK0

In 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (Wacif) was founded in Virginia by a coalition representing local business community, lending institutions, community-based organizations, residents, and ecumenical organizations who identified the need for an alternative source of community development capital in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.   By 1996, Wacif was one of the first loan funds in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to be certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Today, Wacif continues to create economic opportunities for underinvested communities. Through well-placed capital and technical assistance, we remain as committed as ever to supporting the region’s small businesses. Wacif's services help drive community wealth building in neighborhoods in the Washington, DC metropolitan area that need it most.   This November 19, Wacif Founding Day of Giving, you will have the chance to be a part of this continuing legacy. Your gift will provide local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to turn their dreams into thriving businesses that create jobs and strengthen our neighborhoods.   Be a part of our mission this #WacifFoundingDay. Your support creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to gain access to capital, one-on-one coaching, and opportunities to learn and grow their networks. Donate: https://lnkd.in/ei_DUFCF

Wacif is proud to support the Capitol Region Women's Business Center with the Verizon Skill Forward Grant! This grant allows us to offer complimentary business training to help entrepreneurs and small business owners sharpen their skills in digital marketing, technology, financial literacy, and leadership. Whether you aim to boost your online presence, strengthen cybersecurity, or build a solid financial plan, these courses (offered through EdX) help you thrive. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to grow your business and reach new heights! Sign up below today and start your journey to success. Sign Up: https://hubs.la/Q02Vl6YT0 #smallbusinessgrowth #empowerentrepreneurs #VerizonSkillForward #EdX #Wacif #WacifDMV #CapitolRegionWBC