Helping founders find community and connections
No-cost, confidential, one-on-one business consulting for DC-based small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs at all stages, provided by certified business management consultants through the DC Small Business Development Center Network at Howard University.
Coaching/Consulting
in
DC Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC)
SBA-designated Women's Business Center operated by WACIF, providing DC-area women entrepreneurs with one-on-one counseling, training workshops, technical assistance, mentoring, and connections to capital through WACIF's CDFI lending and the Office of Women's Initiatives.
Service
in
WACIF – Washington Area Community Investment Fund
Business development and certification support program helping DC-area small businesses — especially MWBE and underrepresented entrepreneurs — obtain relevant certifications, access government contracting opportunities, and strengthen business operations.
Training/Course
in
WACIF – Washington Area Community Investment Fund
Nine-month cohort-based entrepreneurship and workforce training program for underemployed DC residents, combining business development education with employment pathways and financial coaching through WACIF's community investment network.
Training/Course
in
WACIF – Washington Area Community Investment Fund
Selective 12–36 month 'growth engineering' incubator for transformational social impact ventures addressing persistent global challenges, providing embedded strategic, operational, and financial scaffolding across four stages: Discover, Design, Build, and Exit.
Incubator
in
Global Development Incubator (GDI)
Fully virtual, equity-free, no-cost accelerator for early-stage Georgetown University alumni entrepreneurs with at least an MVP, providing weekly expert-led workshops, mentorship, and peer cohort support across any industry.
Accelerator
in
Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative
Student-run, equity-free, no-cost 10-week accelerator at Georgetown University providing undergraduate-founded or early-stage startups with teams of student consultants (creative, tech, business), professional mentorship, and access to funding opportunities.
Accelerator
in
Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative
Global accelerator for early-stage, impact-driven startups in Climate, Health, and EquityTech — providing fellowship-based programming, stipends, mentorship, and connections to the Halcyon Venture Partners impact investment ecosystem. Celebrating 10 years in 2024; 600+ entrepreneurs from 50+ countries supported.
Accelerator
in
Halcyon
The only community bank-focused fintech accelerator in the world, running two 10-week cohorts per year. Fintech companies are vetted and matched with 1,400+ community bankers and ICBA executive leadership for structured 1:1 meetings, product validation, and partnership development — with no equity taken.
Accelerator
in
ICBA
Five-month cohort-based training program for DC-based small businesses with at least 18 months of operating history, recurring revenue, and an existing customer base — providing weekly workshops, 1:1 mentorship, and access to DC Chamber resources to accelerate growth.
Accelerator
in
DC Chamber of Commerce
Community-driven, pay-what-you-can accelerator for underrepresented founders in DC, offering iterative business education by world-class practitioners, peer-facilitated Talent Exchange sessions, mentorship, and exposure to capital across all eight DC wards.
Accelerator
in
Street Entrepreneurs
Partnership between WACIF and the Coalition (formerly CNHED) providing DC small businesses in Wards 5, 7, and 8 with capacity building, green certification support, sustainability training, and access to WACIF's Green Growth Fund for capital to enter the green economy.
Training/Course
in
WACIF – Washington Area Community Investment Fund
Free and low-cost virtual and in-person workshops for DC small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, covering business startup fundamentals, marketing, e-commerce, financial management, cybersecurity, and government contracting throughout the year.
Training/Course
in
DC Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC)