Office Of Women's Initiatives

The Enterprising Women of Color District, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) Business Center (Center) empowers and invests in women of color entrepreneurs across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. The Center’s robust business services—including financial capital, business advisory services, and networking support—are dedicated to supporting the growth and resiliency of our clients. This Center is powered by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif), which has served women entrepreneurs of color since 1987, and is made possible through a partnership with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Established in 1987, Wacif's mission is 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. In 2020, Wacif was one of five organizations nationwide to receive a competitive, national grant by the MDBA to launch the Center and join their national Enterprising Women of Color Initiative focused on assisting women entrepreneurs of color to build their businesses, secure contracts and capital, and increase partnership opportunities. Wacif’s partnership with the MBDA represents a shared commitment to support women of color entrepreneurs.