Accion International

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to promoting equity and economic opportunity in underserved neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C. region since 1987. They fulfill their mission by providing access to capital products and services, as well as capacity-building technical assistance, to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Wacif's strategic pillars of inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic development drive their efforts to support local businesses and create a more inclusive and thriving economy. With a focus on small and micro business loans, workshops and trainings, advisory services, and specialized programs, Wacif meets entrepreneurs where they are and helps them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Their impact is evident in the thousands of jobs created and retained, millions of dollars in flexible financing provided, and hours of counseling and support offered to local entrepreneurs. Wacif's commitment to supporting disadvantaged businesses, particularly those owned by women and minorities, has made them a trusted resource in the D.C. area.Generated from the website

Founded in 1961, Accion International is a private, nonprofit organization that establishes several microfinance institutions worldwide. It provides microenterprise loans, business training and other financial services for self-employed and underprivileged individuals. With locations in more than 25 developing and underdeveloped countries, the organization serves over 2.5 million individuals in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the United States. It offers savings and credit services, as well as credit scoring for improvement in loan evaluation processes. The organization develops marketing strategies, practice guides and systematic strategies to improve customer retention and microentrepreneur's business. It additionally provides market analysis, data management, poverty assessment and social performance evaluation services. Accion International maintains a location in Washington, D.C.