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WACIF

@wacifdmv

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Investing in underserved entrepreneurs in the D.C.-area to build a more equitable society. Since 1987
@anacostiaarts @owidmv @capregionwbc @thehive2.0

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A new chapter begins today at the Anacostia Arts Center!

As of today, October 15th the AAC is officially closed to the public while we prepare for a major transformation that will reimagine our space for the future. 🚧

✨ But our work doesn’t stop here. ✨

We’ll continue supporting the entrepreneurs and artists who call AAC home through satellite programs and pop-up experiences across Anacostia and beyond.

Coming soon:

✅ Launching the Anacostia Arts Centers Makers’ Resilience Grant to help pop-up vendors find new markets and grow their businesses
✅ Partnering with Anacostia BID for the Umoja Holiday Market (Dec) and Afro House (Feb)
✅ The HIVE Coworking space continues at WACIF’s Rhode Island Avenue office
✅ Monthly favorites like Crate Convention and Release Open Mic continue at local partners including Grounded and the Go-Go Museum
✅ Look out for AAC-curated exhibits across Anacostia and beyond

The building may be dark for now, but the creativity, community, and culture live on.

🔗 Click the link in our bio to read the team’s letter to the Anacostia Arts Center. by @wacifdmv

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a year ago

We’re keeping the momentum going at DC Startup & Tech Week!

Kim Newman, our Program Director of the Capital Region Women’s Business Center (WBC), will join fellow industry leaders for Investor Corner: How to Raise and Make Money to Sustain Impact-Driven Startups? on Friday, October 23!

The discussion will explore what it takes to secure funding for mission-driven businesses, from navigating investor expectations and crafting winning pitches to balancing profitability with long-term impact.

We’re looking forward to another opportunity to share insights, strengthen connections, and support the next generation of entrepreneurs across the DMV!

Join us at #DCSTW26! Learn more and register via the #LinkInBio. by @wacifdmv

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2 days ago

📚 Meet Pages & Volumes, coming to the Anacostia Arts Center!

Founder Shannon has spent six years building toward this storefront: curating monthly book boxes, running a mobile bookstore, and growing a community of readers. Now she's bringing it all under one roof, with a curated collection including something for every reader, and the plan is for the space to be as much a gathering place as a place to browse, with author signings, book clubs, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops for readers of all ages.

Pages & Volumes will open as part of AAC's Grand Reopening in February 2027. Until then, get to know Shannon and her work at @pagesandvolumesdc and on our Shops page (link in bio).

Selected through a competitive application process in Spring 2026 for the Seed to Storefront Pilot, a partnership between WACIF, @buildingbridgesdc, @dcbarprobonocenter, @poahcommunities, and @WellsFargo Foundation.

#Pages&Volumes #AnacostiaArtsCenter #SeedToStorefront #Anacostia #BookstoresOfInstagram #ShopLocal by @wacifdmv

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2 days ago

Innovation, entrepreneurship, and community are taking center stage at @dcstartupweek!

We're excited to have WACIF @ceoshannanherbert and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Consultant Dr. Geneva Greenejoining fellow industry leaders for conversations on access to capital, clean energy, and growing DC's startup ecosystem!

Here's where you can catch them:

Oct 22 | Alternative Capital: Enduring Impact & Financing Growth Without Mission Drift — Shannan Herbert
Oct 23 | The Clean Energy Advantage — Dr. Geneva Greene
Oct 23 | Building in DC: Creating an Ecosystem Where Startups Can Launch, Grow & Scale — Shannan Herbert

We're looking forward to connecting, sharing insights, and helping shape the future of entrepreneurship in the DMV!

Join us at #DCSTW26! Learn more and register via #LinkInBio. by @wacifdmv

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2 days ago

Yesterday, WACIF @ceoshannanherbert led a Campfire Circle titled Beyond the Credit Decision: AI, Trust, and the Future of Lending at Amazon HQ2 during DC Fintech Week.

As technology continues to transform the financial landscape, we’re asking an important question: How can we embrace innovation while keeping trust, relationships, and the human experience at the heart of lending?

Building on insights from WACIF’s Beyond Access white paper and our work with @onyxtherapygroup, @buildingbridgesdc, and Stratyfy, the discussion explored the intersection of AI and human connection, and what it means for the future of access to capital.
Thank you to everyone who joined us- conversations like these help shape how we continue to support entrepreneurs and build a more accessible financial future for the communities we serve. taken in Amazon Hq2 Town Center - Arlington, Va by @wacifdmv

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3 days ago

Every great movement is built on powerful stories of resilience, innovation, and unwavering vision. We are honoring the leaders who are writing the next chapter of transformative excellence across our community.

Swipe through the full carousel to meet this year’s Art of Black Business Honorees:

Innovator of the Year — Pioneering bold new ideas, breaking boundaries, and setting new standards of industry excellence.

Advocate of the Year — Championing equity, uplifting surrounding voices, and building sustainable pathways for economic growth.

Legacy Award — Honoring enduring leadership, foundational excellence, and a lifelong commitment to community empowerment.

Social Impact Award — Driving purpose-led change and creating meaningful, measurable improvements across our neighborhoods.

Partnership of the Year — Exemplifying the power of strategic collaboration, shared vision, and combined success.

Ascension Award — Recognizing extraordinary momentum, rapid expansion, and an inspiring future trajectory.

Be a part of their story. Join us on Thursday, October 22, 2026 to celebrate these trailblazers. Reserve your ticket or table today to secure your seat in the room!

To purchase tickets please visit the link in the bio or visit gwbcc.org and select the tab "Art of Black Business".

Drop your congratulations in the comments below! by @wacifdmv

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Finding capital shouldn’t feel like a maze. 🧭

Meet the SmallBiz Support League: WACIF and five partners working together so entrepreneurs across Greater Washington get clearer paths to capital and support.

Link in bio for the full announcement.

#DCSmallBusiness #SmallBizSupportLeagueWACIF by @wacifdmv

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4 days ago

One thing we learned from listening to hundreds of entrepreneurs might surprise you.

Most entrepreneurs aren't afraid of hard work. They're afraid of making the wrong financial decision.

We heard stories about confusing loan terms, past experiences with lenders, and the pressure of trying to provide for their families while keeping a business alive. Heavy stuff.

But here's what else we learned: when entrepreneurs have a trusted partner who explains the process and stays connected after the loan closes, they make stronger financial decisions and build stronger businesses.
Relationships matter. We're here when you're ready.

🔗 http://wacif.org
#WACIF #DMVBusiness #SmallBusiness #ResilientFutures #EntrepreneurLife #FinancialWellness by @wacifdmv

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4 days ago

At WACIF, our work goes beyond capital; it’s about helping entrepreneurs build stronger businesses and move forward with confidence.

Yesterday, WACIF Director of Credit and Risk Grace Butler joined two conversations focused on helping entrepreneurs better understand financing and prepare for sustainable growth.

At the U.S. Black Chambers National Conference @usbccedc and the @dcsbdc & Metro Washington Bankers Group Small Business Expo at Howard University, Grace shared insights on capital readiness, lender relationships, and how mission-based lenders like WACIF can help entrepreneurs access financing that meets them where they are.

Learn more about our upcoming events via #linkinbio taken in Washington D. C. by @wacifdmv

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9 days ago

Meet the five businesses joining Seed to Storefront! 🎉
A bookstore, a grocer, a boxing club, and two restaurants are coming to the Anacostia Arts Center and The Edmonson at Barry Farm, with storefront space, capital, legal support, and hands-on coaching to help them grow.

📚 Pages and Volumes
🛒 Dreaming Out Loud
🥊 Major Boxing
🍽️ Eatopian Eats + Dionne's Good Food

Seed to Storefront is a 12-month partnership between WACIF, @buildingbridgesdc , @dcbarprobonocenter , @poahcommunities and supported by the @wellsfargo . It's built to help East of the River entrepreneurs grow and build lasting wealth.

Read the full announcement at the link in our bio.

#SeedToStorefront #EastOfTheRiver #Ward8 #Anacostia #SmallBusiness #ShopLocal by @wacifdmv

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11 days ago

Here are three patterns our CEO Shannan Herbert sees in entrepreneurs all the time.

1. Avoiding financial conversations because they create anxiety.
2. Trying to bootstrap everything, even when affordable financing is available.
3. Making rushed financial decisions because you're operating from fear instead of a plan.

If any of those sound familiar, you are not alone. These are patterns we hear about from entrepreneurs every single day.

The good news? Recognizing them is the first step to changing them. And you don't have to figure it out by yourself.

🔗 Connect with us via #linkinbio.
#WACIF #SmallBusiness #DMVBusiness #ResilientFutures #EntrepreneurLife #FinancialWellness by @wacifdmv

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11 days ago

Your next opportunity to learn, connect, and grow is right around the corner.

From networking events and certification workshops to AI for entrepreneurs, vibe coding, and resources designed to help you strengthen and grow your business- there are plenty of ways to learn, connect, and take your next step this month.

Swipe through to see what’s coming up and find the opportunity that’s right for you. Register now via #linkinbio.

#WACIF #SmallBusinessSupport #DMVEntrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship by @wacifdmv

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