Erik Cochran, Author at wacif.org

Meet Wacif’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence: Experts Helping Your Sustainable Business Thrive

By Erik Cochran | June 3, 2025

WACIF is excited to announce the launch of our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) initiative — a new program designed to provide expert consulting for small businesses focused on sustainability or aiming to become more sustainable. We’ve brought together three dynamic leaders with deep industry experience and a shared commitment to advancing inclusive, green, and community-centered business practices.…

Wacif CEO Leads Panel On Compelling Narratives: Mastering the Craft of Effective Storytelling

By Erik Cochran | October 15, 2024

When was the last time a story moved you to action? What are the essential elements of a story that can inspire, motivate, and draw others into your world? The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) is proud to serve a diversity of entrepreneurs with inspiring stories that embody perseverance, resilience, and strength. Our CEO Shannan…

Empowering Communities: Weaving Culture into Art: A Conversation with Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell

By Erik Cochran | October 9, 2024

By: Shannan Herbert Today, we spotlight Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell, an award-winning artist, educator, advocate, and small business incubator whose work has been featured internationally. As the former Vice President of Black Artists of DC, she is transforming Washington, DC’s Ward 7 through her co-founded space, Terrell Arts DC. Through partnership with the Anacostia Arts Center…

EWOC Spotlights Black Women Entrepreneurs for Black Business Month

By Erik Cochran | August 20, 2024

By: Brianna Rhodes What do a med spa, a leadership development company, an event staffing company, and a CPA firm have in common? They’re all owned by Black women entrepreneurs, and each company is making a difference in consumer lives in the Greater Washington, D.C. region. August is National Black Business Month, and EWOC is…

Sustainable DC Project: Unleashing the Power of the Green Economy for Communities of Color

By Erik Cochran | August 16, 2024

DC’s flag may be red and white. However, if you talk to the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) or the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (CNHED), they’ll tell you that the future of DC is green –specifically green economy. “The green economy presents an incredible opportunity for our community – not just…

Empowering Communities: Dr. Nekia Staley’s Vision forInclusive Dentistry

By Erik Cochran | August 9, 2024

Meet Dental Health Expert Dr. Nekia Staley by Shannan Herbert, Chief Executive Officer of Wacif Today, we’re honored to spotlight Dr. Nekia Staley, a shining example of Black excellence in entrepreneurship and healthcare. A native Washingtonian and graduate of Howard University, Dr. Staley has established a thriving dental practice while passionately dedicating herself to community…

Check Out Our Essential Planning Checklist For The Cultivate Summit

By Erik Cochran | June 19, 2024

By: Brianna Rhodes Our second annual Cultivate Summit is two days away, and we can’t wait to meet the women entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. We have been working very hard over the past few months to cultivate a space for our attendees to receive the support, recognition,…

Empowering Communities: The Role of Mental Health in the Financial Wellbeing of Small Business

By Erik Cochran | June 3, 2024

by Shannan Herbert, Chief Executive Officer of Wacif Meet Mental Health Expert Dr. LaNail Plummer In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, I sat down with Dr. LaNail Plummer, owner of Onyx Therapy Group to discuss money, trauma, and how we must engage with our small business community. As a leading professional in the mental…

Wacif Boosts Fresh Food Factory Owner, Amanda Stephenson’s Vision for Food Equity, East of the River with New Lending Options

By Erik Cochran | May 3, 2024

Residents of Ward 7 and 8 once traveled extra miles by bus, by car or by foot, to find healthier food. Some needed to make dietary changes to improve their health. Amanda Stephenson, the owner of Fresh Food Factory, recognized this concern growing up. At just ten years old, she helped manage her family’s meat…

Earth Day Spotlight – Geneva Greene

By Erik Cochran | April 22, 2024

Planting Seeds of Change: How Geneva Greene Cultivates Green Business Practices for a Better Tomorrow At a young age, Geneva Greene quietly vowed to join the fictitious Planeteers, of the show Captain Planet, who strived to protect planet Earth. Although the Planeteers do not exist, Geneva found ways to incorporate environmental consciousness into her personal…

Posts by Erik Cochran

Meet Wacif’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence: Experts Helping Your Sustainable Business Thrive

Wacif CEO Leads Panel On Compelling Narratives: Mastering the Craft of Effective Storytelling

Empowering Communities: Weaving Culture into Art: A Conversation with Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell

EWOC Spotlights Black Women Entrepreneurs for Black Business Month

Sustainable DC Project: Unleashing the Power of the Green Economy for Communities of Color

Empowering Communities: Dr. Nekia Staley’s Vision forInclusive Dentistry

Check Out Our Essential Planning Checklist For The Cultivate Summit

Empowering Communities: The Role of Mental Health in the Financial Wellbeing of Small Business

Wacif Boosts Fresh Food Factory Owner, Amanda Stephenson’s Vision for Food Equity, East of the River with New Lending Options

Earth Day Spotlight – Geneva Greene

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