Washington, D.C. – February 5th, 2025 – The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) releases its first Sustainable Entrepreneurship Report featuring insights and findings gained from more than 200 entrepreneurs in the Washington, DC metro area. The report includes possible applications for organizations seeking to empower entrepreneurs addressing climate and environmental challenges. View the report here.
In 2022, Wacif identified an opportunity to advance its understanding of how to support entrepreneurs seeking to enter industries centering environmental sustainability or grow their sustainability practices. Wacif devised a comprehensive research plan including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
“Communities overburdened by negative environmental and climate change impacts require solutions from entrepreneurs residing in such neighborhoods. Wacif’s research sought to understand how we can amplify the important work entrepreneurs are doing to promote economic and environmental advancement,” said Wacif Head of Sustainability Megan Carras.
Wacif’s report findings identified financing products most suitable for entrepreneurs’ centering sustainability. Insights reveal technical assistance program approaches and topics most interesting to respondents. Communications can facilitate awareness, education, and innovation.
“The research data plays an integral role in furthering how Wacif shapes products and services for the entrepreneurs we serve. We will continue to collaborate closely with our stakeholders to ensure we are meeting the community’s needs,” said Carras.
Wacif recently announced its new Sustainable Entrepreneurship Advisory Council and will introduce several Sustainable DC programs in the coming months.
About Wacif
Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s mission is to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our mission is driven by three strategic pillars: inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic development, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Wacif has been continuously certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 1996, making the organization one of the nation’s first CDFIs.
For more information about Wacif and its programs, please contact:
Kaelyn Green
Senior Communications Manager