Thank you to all the Ascend Capital Accelerator graduates, City Swing staff, trainers/collaborators, and Wacif staff who came out on Thursday, August 17, at City Swing! We were so happy to see everyone! We celebrated the Ascend Capital Accelerator program and all the Ascend graduates while networking and having fun playing golf. Ascend.Her Beauty Cohort…
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In this question-and-answer series, you’ll get to know some incredible entrepreneurs we have encountered in our community. We are thrilled to share their entrepreneurial stories and encourage you to contact them for connection or partnership! Q: What is your name? A: Kim Frye Q: Where are you from? A: Washington, DC (Native Washingtonian) Q: What…
Read MoreWashington, D.C. (August 17, 2023) – WACIF announced that it is transitioning management of the Minnesota Avenue Main Street (MAMS) program after five years of service. The Department of Small Local Business Development (DSLBD) awarded the contract to H Street Main Street (HSMS), recognizing the need for continued effective management of the MAMS program. “MAMS…
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Creating and maintaining one successful business is a fantastic feat. But for second-time founder Twee Nguyen, who has crossed seas and industries to chase dreams, two-time success tastes even sweeter than the sweet treats she serves in her ice cream and coffee shop. That’s the position real-estate-mogul-turned-shop-owner Twee Nguyen found herself in when she decided…
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In this question-and-answer series, you’ll get to know the incredible entrepreneurs Wacif has encountered in our community. We are thrilled to share their stories and encourage you to connect with and support them! We’re kicking off this Q+A series with Ayisha Lockett, the first 2023 Cultivate Summit Grant winner and Wacif Enterprising Women of Color grant recipient! Q: What is…
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Nicole Nixon is a testament that you can accomplish anything with goodwill, tenacity, and a passion for growth. Her quest to entrepreneurship has been one of curiosity, self-discovery, and knowledge. Nicole Nixon is a local, growing up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, as the oldest daughter of a single father, ministry, and military professional.…
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On Wednesday, July 19, Wacif celebrated graduates of the first Ascend.Her Beauty Cohort at Ìpàdé! The program was the first cohort designed by a beauty entrepreneur for beauty entrepreneurs. For this special cohort, we partnered with DMV-based beauty entrepreneur Rahama Wright and her team at the Yeleen Beauty Makerspace to develop a program that was impactful and supportive…
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“Nonprofits do really good work and a terrible job at marketing themselves,” joked Mike. Mike is the CEO of Black Digital, a marketing agency specializing in digital solutions for nonprofits, higher education, and government organizations. Mike saw a need for mission-based organizations to craft marketing messages that inspired their audiences to act. He founded Black…
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Most small businesses launch with a dream to serve and support others. However, for Connie Russell, the CEO of C.L. Russell Company, a workforce development agency, training people to become better employees has been a lifelong passion. “Ever since high school, I’ve been training somebody,” said Connie with a chuckle. Her passion was sparked at…
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For a restaurant, the quality of service can be the difference between a good restaurant and a great one. Dr. Erinn Tucker Oluwole has made it her entrepreneurial mission to instill five-star service into the culture of every restaurant she touches. She continues to excel at this mission year after year. Dr. Erinn Tucker Oluwole…
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