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About Certified Up​

Certified Up is an innovative business development program powered by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) and designed to empower small businesses through comprehensive certification training and technical assistance.

Program overview​

Certified Up provides specialized education and support to small businesses, including retail establishments and businesses operating at the Hive, focusing on two key areas:

  • Understanding and obtaining various business certifications
  • Leveraging certifications strategically to increase sales and secure contracts

program Components

Hive Workshops – Workshops hosted at the Anacostia Arts Center (AAC) with focused training sessions on certification processes and strategies.

Bootcamps – Intensive training sessions for certification preparation

Expert Open Hours – 1-2 hour sessions at the Anacostia Arts Center including direct access to certification experts and one-on-one consultation opportunities.

Technical Assistance Opportunities – Group assistance sessions support with access to diverse coaches and instructors and personalized guidance for certification processes.

SEE OUR EVENTS

Who should Participate

  • Small business owners
  • Retail establishments
  • Businesses operating at the Hive
  • Entrepreneurs seeking to expand their market opportunities through certifications

Participants Recieve

  • Expert guidance on different types of business certifications
  • Technical assistance throughout the certification process
  • Strategic training on using certifications to grow business opportunities
  • Support in developing competitive advantages for contract bidding
  • Access to resources for increasing sales potential

Our Program Aims To:

  • Increase the number of certified small businesses
  • Enhance business owners’ understanding of certification benefits
  • Improve access to contract opportunities
  • Drive sales growth through certification advantages
  • Strengthen the local small business ecosystem