Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 30th, from 6-7 p.m. at Sycamore & Oak. This event marks Round II of the Ward 8 Community Investment Fund (Ward8CIF) launch, an initiative dedicated to providing startup and working capital to entrepreneurs in Ward 8.
A substantial $800K is available through grants and loans, with individual awards up to $40K to be announced in July. This round introduces a new mini-grant opportunity for youth entrepreneurs aged 14-21, offering funding up to $2K to help grow their businesses.
The mission of Ward8CIF is ambitious and impactful. Focusing on closing the 81x racial wealth gap in DC, the fund aims to support entrepreneurs in Ward 8 by fostering a vibrant small business economy and strengthening the community through culture building and job creation. Ward 8 businesses receive only 2.3% of all working capital in DC from banks and financial institutions. This initiative seeks to change that narrative.
Are you a resident entrepreneur or a business enterprise in Ward 8? You may be eligible for the Ward8CIF. This credit-building, grant-secured loan program is designed for aspiring or current small business owners, though nonprofits are not eligible. The program offers support through information sessions and technical assistance to help you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Ward8CIF partners include Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, DC Community Development Consortium (DCCDC), DC Department of Small Local Business Development (DSLBD), LISC DC, Life Asset, Ballard & Spahr, H2DesignBuild, and Ward8 Arts Collaborative.
Visit DCCDC.org for more information, RSVP, or apply by June 30th. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more vibrant Ward 8 community.
