Join us for an uplifting and transformative full-day gathering where innovation, inspiration, and impact will take center stage. Designed for local entrepreneurs, the Cultivate Summit will bring together bold visionaries, industry leaders, and changemakers to explore cutting-edge ideas, share insights, and inspire the future of local businesses. Through dynamic discussions, hands-on workshops, one-on-one technical support, and meaningful networking, attendees will gain the tools, strategies, and connections they need to lead with innovation and create lasting impact for their businesses.
This exclusive event caters specifically to entrepreneurs in the DMV Region, offering a platform for cross-sector collaboration, educational opportunities, networking, and individualized technical assistance.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees.
The day will culminate with the Pivot Project Networking Happy Hour.
Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s mission is to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our mission is driven by three strategic pillars: inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic development, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. WACIF has been continuously certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 1996, making the organization one of the nation’s first CDFIs.
The Cultivate Summit features dynamic speakers who are redefining what it means to build, scale, and sustain impactful businesses. From seasoned entrepreneurs to industry experts, our speakers share actionable strategies, candid lessons learned, and forward-thinking ideas designed to help local business owners thrive in an evolving marketplace. Expect honest conversations, innovative thinking, and insights you can immediately apply.
Shannan Herbert
Chief Executive Officer, WACIF
Kimberly D. Gayle
Chief Programs Officer, WACIF
Madia Brown
Founder, Brandire and Hellobrand
Janet Lopez
Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Financial Partners
AGENDA
8:30AM
9:30AM
Registration Open & Light Breakfast
Opening Plenary
Welcome from WACIF Team
Partner Remarks
12:00PM
Networking Lunch
Technical Assistance Expert Hours
Register to Connect with our Experts!
12:00 - 5:00PM
Innovation Marketplace
10:00AM
State of the Ecosystem Panel Conversation
Moderated by Shannan Herbert, CEO of WACIF
2:00PM
Afternoon Plenary
End of Day Remarks from WACIF & Partners
Keynote Conversation with Madia Brown, Brandire & Hellobrand
3:00 - 5:00PM
The Pivot Project Networking Reception
11:00AM
Concurrent Breakout Tracks:
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Track 1: Resources to Support Small Business Expansion
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Track 2: Tech Innovation
In Partnership with -
Track 3: Pivot Project - Fed to Founder
In Partnership with
1:00PM
Concurrent Breakout Tracks:
-
Track 1: Resources to Support Small Business Expansion
-
Track 2: Tech Innovation
In Partnership with -
Track 3: Pivot Project - Fed to Founder
In Partnership with
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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
EXPERT HOURS
WACIF partners with DC Area Expert Advisors to provide technical assistance and one-on-one services during Expert Open Hours at the Cultivate Summit. Through the Cultivate Summit registration, attendees will have the opportunity to pre-enroll in these one-on-one meetings.
Expert Open Hours will take place from 11:00 am through 1:50 pm. During this time expert advisors will be available to meet one-on-one with Summit attendees to provide support and technical assistance on a variety of topics such as accounting, legal matters, Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) certification, Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Capital readiness and business financing, credit building, and banking.
2026 Sponsors & Partners
The Cultivate Summit is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and partners who share a deep commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening the regional business ecosystem. Their investment, expertise, and collaboration play a vital role in cultivating innovation, fostering meaningful connections, and expanding access to resources that help entrepreneurs thrive. Together, we are leveraging entrepreneurship as a catalyst for sustainable growth and lasting impact across communities throughout the DMV region.
