The Washington Area Community Investment Fund – Investing in Equity and Economic Opportunity
In 1987, The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) was established with a mission to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, D.C., area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Wacif is dedicated to investing in underrepresented communities and equipping them to build their own wealth.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship & Access to Capital
Wacif’s work begins with inclusive entrepreneurship. An inclusive entrepreneur is an individual who has access to resources such as capital, mentorship, technical assistance, and other support services that they need to start or grow their business. Wacif provides access to capital products such as small business loans, microloans, lines of credit, SBA loan guaranty programs, and other financing options for low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. These products are designed to help expand businesses that are operated by individuals who have been traditionally excluded from accessing traditional financing options due to a lack of credit history or collateral.
Community Wealth Building & Capacity Building Technical Assistance
In addition to access to capital products for entrepreneurs, Wacif also offers capacity building technical assistance services such as workshops on topics like managing finances and marketing strategies, one-on-one consultations with experienced counselors from the field of small business ownership and development consulting services tailored specifically for each entrepreneur’s unique needs. Through this type of assistance Wacif helps bridge the gap between having an idea or a dream for a business venture but not having the means or skillset needed to make it a reality.
Equitable Economic Development & Financial Empowerment
Wacif’s mission doesn’t end there; they also promote equitable economic development through its Financial Empowerment program which provides free financial coaching services designed specifically for low-income families living in DC neighborhoods affected by poverty. The goal of this program is to reduce household debt levels while increasing savings so that participants can build wealth over time. This program helps individuals become independent financially so that they can more effectively reach their personal goals while creating more equitable economic opportunities within their community at large.
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) has worked tirelessly since 1987 towards its mission of increasing equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities throughout the Washington D.C., area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital into low-and moderate-income entrepreneurs. From providing access to capital products for entrepreneurs through small business loans and lines of credit; offering capacity building technical assistance such as workshops on various topics; promoting equitable economic development through its Financial Empowerment Program; Wacif is committed to empowering members of underserved communities by helping them build their own wealth while creating lasting change throughout the region at large. With a proven track record over 30 years strong we look forward continuing our work well into the future!
Contact Information
Harold B. Pettigrew, Jr.
CEO
2012 Rhode Island Ave NE
Washington, DC 20018--283
info@wacif.org