Every entrepreneur WACIF supports is writing a story of resilience and innovation. For Topaz Terry, founder of Bicycle Trash, that story is about creativity, perseverance, and finding the right community to help bring an idea to life.

As a maker and entrepreneur, Topaz knows firsthand that building a business from something you create with your hands comes with unique challenges. Turning creativity into a sustainable business requires more than talent—it requires knowledge, resources, and support.

That’s where WACIF came in.

Through the Ascend Retail Cohort, supported in part by Citi Foundation, Topaz gained deeper insight into the tools, resources, and community available through WACIF. The program became a turning point, helping her better understand what it takes to grow a business while connecting with a network of entrepreneurs facing similar challenges.

 For Topaz, the experience wasn’t just about learning, it was about empowerment.

“It’s about building community that was also empowering, and I felt supported.”

Topaz’s journey was also highlighted during the launch of WACIF’s Office of Women’s Initiatives (OWI), where she was featured as an entrepreneur whose story reflects the power of investing in local businesses and creative entrepreneurs.

By investing in people first—with capital, community, and confidence—WACIF helps entrepreneurs like Topaz turn their ideas into impact.

Watch Topaz’s story and see how WACIF turns vision into impact.

Have a vision for your business? Speak with a WACIF advisor to learn how we can help turn it into impact.