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Sustainable DC Project

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) is partnering with Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) to propel small businesses into a greener future.

CAPITAL ACCESS

Secure loans up to $250,000 and grants to finance sustainability projects

GREEN CERTIFICATION AND PROCUREMENT

Navigate green certifications and connect with institutions to grow readiness and capacity

ADVISORY SERVICES AND COHORT LEARNING

Identify strategies to obtain green entrepreneurship opportunities through coaching, training, and peer mentoring

Overview

At Wacif, we’re dedicated to supporting small businesses like yours with seizing opportunities for growth and success in the green economy. 

The Sustainable DC Project supports capacity building for green entrepreneurs or those seeking to implement sustainable practices.

Who’s Eligible:

DC resident or small business (focus on Ward 5, 7, 8)
Entrepreneurs seeking to implement sustainable practices, materials, and/or energy efficiency installations
Entrepreneurs executing projects in sustainable or green economy industries (EV charging, retrofitting, waste management)

*lending eligibility restricted to businesses with $50,000 or more in revenue and minimum of one year in business. More information can be found on our Lending Page when you visit the QR code below.

Planning

In partnership with CNHED, we are designing a holistic approach to ensure underinvested businesses can access the green economy through:

  • Capital Access
  • Technical Assistance
  • Certifications
  • Opportunity Identification
  • Advocacy

Implementation

Term loans are available now.

In 2025, technical assistance and grants will be available to entrepreneurs interested in entering and growing in the sustainable economy ecosystem.

Monitoring

Individuals and families are enhancing their income levels, skills, and career prospects, through Sustainable DC Project.

Our team tracks outcomes to ensure impact and scalability.

Anticipated Impact (over 3 years)

>1,000

Small businesses supported through capital access, technical assistance, cohort programs, and trainings.

>200

Jobs created in underserved communities by investing in entrepreneurs.

Anticipated Outcomes

Drive Economic Equity and Sustainability

Build and Grow Supplier Diversity

Scale Impact

>$300,000

Grant funding allocated to help small businesses implement sustainable efforts. 

>$2,000,000

Loan capital deployed to finance sustainability projects. 

Resources

Wacif Secures $3.6 Million Sustainable DC Grant to Boost Green Economy for Communities of Color

CNHED and Wacif Awarded $3.6M to Open The Green Economy For Communities Of Color

Sustainable DC Project