Comprehensive Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Empowering entrepreneurs in the Greater Washington DC region with capital, education, and business networks
Our mission at the Capitol Region Women’s Business Center is to empower and equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support needed to overcome the systemic challenges they face in starting and growing their businesses.
By providing tailored assistance, mentorship, and a community of like-minded individuals, we aim to break down barriers, foster resilience, and cultivate a thriving ecosystem where women-led businesses can flourish.
In 2024, WACIF was entrusted with the SBA Women’s Business Center, a significant milestone that marked a deepened commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by business owners—ranging from securing funding to being taken seriously in male-dominated fields—SBA Women’s Business Center is dedicated to leveling the playing field. The Capitol Region Women’s Business Center at WACIF is a beacon of support, offering comprehensive resources, mentorship, and step-by-step guidance to help Capital Region entrepreneurs navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and achieve their business goals.
Capitol Region WBC Services
Empowering women entrepreneurs with tailored resources and expert guidance to start, grow, and scale their businesses.
Core Support Services
The Capital Region Women’s Business Center offers a wide range of services tailored to women entrepreneurs, including:
- one-on-one counseling,
- training,
- networking,
- workshops,
- technical assistance,
- and mentoring.
Business Development Focus
Our programs cover essential business development topics such as:
- business startups,
- financial management,
- marketing,
- procurement.
As part of the SBA Women’s Business Center network, we are dedicated to helping Capital Region women entrepreneurs access the resources they need to succeed. Through the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO), the 17 new WBCs – including 13 hosted by MSIs – will help diverse entrepreneurs pivot, grow, and navigate SBA resources they can use to ensure their businesses thrive.
The 2025 Standard Terms and conditions includes the following language:
Pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (P.L. 117-328) Section 632 Title VI Division E, all grant recipients must ensure they clearly state in all press releases pertaining to their current SBA grant award the following:
- The percentage of the total costs of the program or project which will be financed with Federal money;
- The dollar amount of Federal funds for the project of program; and
- The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-governmental source
Section 632 is actually broader than that:
SEC. 632. When issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all grantees receiving Federal funds included in this Act, shall clearly state— (1) the percentage of the total costs of the program or project which will be financed with Federal money; (2) the dollar amount of Federal funds for the project or program; and (3) percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources.