Seed to Storefront

Small businesses are the heart of thriving communities.

Seed to Storefront is a collaboration of leading D.C. nonprofit organizations, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Building Bridges Across the River, supported by Wells Fargo and designed to support entrepreneurs east of the Anacostia River.  

Through this initiative, selected business will receive free technical assistance, pro bono legal support, access to capital and reduced rent retail opportunities, all rooted in a shared commitment to strengthen Ward 7 and 8’s business ecosystem. 

About the Opportunity

These are not traditional retail leases. They are part of a retail incubation model designed to support your growth while building a stronger pathway for small retailers in DC. 

If selected, you will receive affordable space and hands-on support.  

This is a partnership, grounded in shared commitment to your business growth. 

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

Seed to Storefront is a retail incubation opportunity, not a traditional lease. Through this partnership, selected businesses will receive below-market retail space paired with hands-on technical assistance, legal support, and cohort-based business training. 

Entrepreneurs will rent space at either the Anacostia Arts Center or The Edmonson, while participating in a structured growth program designed to help build long-term sustainability and wealth. 

This is more than a storefront, it’s a partnership focused on strengthening your business and the Ward 7 and 8 small business ecosystem. 

Expectations For Participation

Participation in Cohort

Engage in cohort meetings and peer learning with fellow participating retailers.

Participation in Technical Assistance

Participate in trainings and coaching to strengthen your business operations and growth.

Escalating Rent Structure

Begin at below-market rent, with gradual increases over time to support long-term sustainability.

Data Sharing

Share select business data confidentially to help guide support and strengthen future retail opportunities.

How to Apply

The Spaces

Anacostia Arts Center

A 350 sq ft, window line retail space housed within a muti-discipline dynamic community building in the heart of Anacostia. Retail space housed alongside arts and culture gallery, co-working space and community center.

Download Flyer

The Edmonson

Newly developed retail opportunities in Anacostia, featuring three prime commercial spaces: a 10,901 sq ft market anchor space with $80,00 in fit out support. In addition, a 4,940 sq ft retail space and a 6,560 sq ft food service space are available. Designed to support vibrant, community-serving businesses, these storefronts offer high-visibility, brick-and-mortar opportunities in a growing corridor.

Learn More

What Does Cohort Participation Mean?

When you join the program, you’ll be a part of a select group of incredible retailers launching into the space together. Cohort participants move through the program at the same time, creating opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside fellow entrepreneurs. Participants will also receive hands-on advisory support from experts at Booz Allen Hamilton, including guidance on:

  • Retail readiness
  • Financial planning
  • Store operations and space management
  • Business growth strategy

In addition, cohort participants will receive a $5,000 grant to support onboarding into the retail space. 

Program Timeline

We will be hosting a series of info sessions and technical assistance opportunities to help prospective applicants learn more and prepare.

  • March 23 – Application Open (rolling application)
  • April 3 – Info Session & Walking Tour
  • April 8 – Info Session (virtual)
  • April 30 – Application closing
  • End of May/Early June – selected retailers announced
  •  

Application Materials

The application will open on March 23rd. While you won’t be able to submit until then, we encourage interested retailers to begin preparing materials in advance.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • Business Plan
  • 2 Years of Personal and Business Tax Returns*
  • 3 Months of Personal and Business Bank Accounts*
  • Personal Financial Statements
  • Your goals for participating in this retail incubation opportunity
  • Additional Items needed for AAC
    • Business License*
    • Clean Hands*
    • Provide response to Landlord’s Letter Of Intent

*these items are required if the business is currently established. If not, please proceed with the other listed application materials.

Information Sessions and Support Opportunities

We will be hosting a series of info sessions and technical assistance opportunities to help prospective applicants learn more and prepare.

In-Person Info Session and Tour — April 3 [Register Here]

Virtual Program Info Session — April 8 [Register Here]

Legal Info Session on Retail Leases — Coming Soon

Expert Office Hours on Retail Readiness — Sign Up Below

Additional sessions and support opportunities will be added. Save the date and stay tuned for updates.

Ready to Grow Your Retail Business? Apply Today.

This application is for small business owners seeking to participate in a structured, program with specific participation requirements. Selected businesses must commit to required trainings, technical assistance, and program activities. Submit your application by April 30!

*applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

Apply Now

Expert Open Hours

Martina
DC Bar Pro Bono Center

Martina W. Pickett

Martina Watson Pickett is a Staff Attorney with the Nonprofit & Small Business Legal Assistance Programs at the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center. Read More
In this role, she focuses on providing legal support to nonprofit organizations through direct counseling, legal clinics, and educational programming. She also builds partnerships with community organizations, law firms, and government agencies to expand access to legal resources for nonprofits across the District. Before joining the Pro Bono Center, Martina was a Clinical Teaching Fellow at Georgetown University Law Center. There, she began developing scholarship focused on business sustainability and alternative ownership structures. Her work pays particular attention to racial equity and the long-term economic resilience of mission-driven organizations and communities of color. Martina holds a B.A. in Psychology from Winston-Salem State University and a J.D. from New York Law School, and an LL.M. in Advocacy from Georgetown University Law Center. She is licensed to practice law in New York and the District of Columbia. Read Less

Ask Me About: Entity formation, Corporate law, Contracts, Leasing, Nonprofit

Book A Session with Martina
Marisela Rodela
Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)

Marisela Rodela

Marisela Rodela is the Program Director for the Office of Women’s Initiatives at the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), where she advances inclusive economic development by expanding access to capital, knowledge, and networks for women entrepreneurs across the DC Metro region. Read More
A passionate leader in economic and community development, she brings over a decade of experience as a small business owner and has worked in public health, the food & beverage sector, and the local small business ecosystem. She previously held leadership roles with DC Brau Brewing and the DC Brewers Guild, and currently serves on the boards of the Heurich House Museum and Craft x EDU, among others. She holds dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health from the University of Michigan and a BA from Trinity University. A Ward 5 resident, she is a trained facilitator, dedicated community volunteer, and champion of locally owned businesses. Read Less

Ask Me About: Access to capital, Small business resources in the DMV, Small business governmental and corporate certification, Retail, Business development, Operations (including compliance) 

Book A Session with Marisela
Reynolds_Allen
EDENS

Reynolds Allen

As Managing Director, Reynolds Allen oversees development and investment management activities in EDENS’ Mid-Atlantic region, primarily focused on development strategy, execution and operations at Union Market District, the 45-acre mixed-use project in Washington, DC. Read More
Since joining EDENS in 2006, Reynolds has been an integral part of the company’s development team, leading ground-up and redevelopment projects across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. In 2010, he expanded his role to Vice President – Development, relocating to Washington, DC, where he leads the EDENS team responsible for the development of Union Market District. He has held positions for EDENS creating new business units, leading special initiatives across the company and directing corporate operations of leasing, legal, property management, events and retail operations across the national portfolio. Reynolds led the formation of the Union Market Coalition, a non-profit entity providing community services throughout Union Market District, for which he has served as Chair since 2016; he has also served as Chair of the Union Market Infrastructure Corporation since its formation. He has also served as Vice Chair of the EDENS Community Enrichment Foundation and Co-Chair of EDENS Operational Risk Committee. Reynolds is active with the DC Building Industry Association (DCBIA), serving on the Public Policy & Regulation Committee and the Construction & Development Committee. He joined the DCBIA Board of Directors in 2025. Reynolds received a Master’s of Business Administration from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering Sciences and Human & Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University.Read Less

Ask Me About: Real Estate Decisions, Lease terms and negotiations, Food halls 

Book A Session with Reynold
Darryl
DC Bar Pro Bono Center

Darryl Maxwell

Darryl Maxwell is the Director of Nonprofit & Small Business Legal Assistance Programs for the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, the largest provider of pro bono services and information in the District of Columbia. Read More
His focus is on providing pro bono counsel to community-based nonprofits and disadvantaged small businesses.  Prior to working with the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Darryl worked in private practice. Darryl is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the George Washington University Law School. He serves at his law school alma mater as a Professorial Lecturer in Law.  He has been published in the Journal of Affordable Housing & Community Development Law.  He currently serves as Board Chair of the Latino Economic Development Center, an organization that assists Latinos and other DC-area residents with small business development, microlending and affordable housing preservation.  Darryl also serves on the Corporate Advisory Board of So Others Might Eat (SOME) an interfaith, community-based organization that supports D.C. residents experiencing homelessness and poverty with food, clothing, healthcare as well as affordable housing, job training, addiction treatment, and counseling. Read Less

Ask Me About: Entity formation, Corporate law, Contracts, Leasing, Nonprofit 

Book A Session with Darryl
Michael Johns
Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)

Michael Johns

Michael is leading the repositioning of the Anacostia Arts Center. His work focuses on bridging the gap between real estate and equity, ensuring that low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs have the knowledge capital they need to thrive in the heart of Historic Anacostia. Read More
This mission-driven work is backed by a career spent shaping the D.C. landscape. A DMV native with a multicultural background, Michael has participated in the development of over 1,000,000 square feet of mixed-use space in the Shaw and Convention Center areas alone. His experience ranges from advising Michelin-rated restaurateurs to mom and pop retailers, facilitating over 75 leases with a proud emphasis on securing more than 25 locations for minority and women-owned businesses. By combining a marketing background with deep real estate expertise, Michael remains dedicated to the growth of brick-and-mortar businesses that define the character of the nation’s capital. Read Less

Ask Me About: Site  Selection and Analysis, Business Plan Development

Book A Session with Michael

Additional Resouces

 

Frequently Asked Questions

DC Residents and DC Based Businesses

Note that non-DC residents or businesses can also lease the Edmonson but will not receive full benefits of the program.

Anacostia Arts Center (AAC): Base Rent is underwritten below market rates to support sustainability and will introduce percentage rent as the term advances. Base Rent includes common area maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance, and utilities. Landlord’s boilerplate LOI will be provided once the application is open and applicants will have an opportunity to provide a response with their submission. 

Edmonson: Rent is intentionally below market rate and follows an escalating structure over the lease term to support sustainability. Each tenant will be charged a gross rent which will include all common area expenses and real estate taxes. The rent amount will be set by the respective landlord at the time of the execution of the letter of intent with the tenant. 

AAC: 3 Year term provided that the tenant satisfies participation requirements.  

The Edmonson: 3-10 Year term provided that the tenant satisfies participation requirements. 

AAC: A subsidiary of the Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. 

The Edmonson: A subsidiary of Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. 

Ideal businesses for each location  

Anacostia Arts Center: 

  • Neighborhood asset with accessible price points 
  • Complimentary to Art Gallery, Events, and HIVE CoWorking Space 
  • Seeking a permanent location in Anacostia 
  • Non-Food related 

The Edmonson 

  • Food service/casual restaurants 
  • Food hall and market operators 
  • Grocers 
  • Service based businesses (gyms, salons, etc.) 

Interested in owners with a growth mindset—entrepreneurs who are eager to learn, open to feedback, and interested in growing their business in partnership with our nonprofit teams through collaboration, coaching, and cohort-based support.

No, these are structures as retail incubation agreements leases that pair below-market rent with required participation in technical assistance, trainings, and a cohort-based support model.

As non-profits committed to the growth of communities and small businesses, these retail spaces will be different than a typical Landlord/Tenant transactional relationship. We are fully invested in the success of your business. 

Selected retailers will receive ongoing technical assistance, required trainings, participation in a retail cohort (including Booze Allen programming), and hands-on partnership throughout the rental lease term including expectations to share data with BBAR and their respective landlords.

Selected retailers are expected to fully participate in trainings, engage in cohort activities, share select business data (inclusive of financial data like revenues, visitor numbers, etc.) for learning and impact, and operate as committed partners in this model. Full engagement is a requirement of being a tenant in the space and will partially determine long term participation as a tenant.

Full expectations for program participation will be outlined in the MOU and rental lease agreement.

Due to the variances between the spaces, applicants are encouraged to apply for a specific project.

Application will be available on March 23, 2026.

Refer to “What Materials Are Required for Application” section for details.

Email to ask any questions not addressed here, we’re happy to help!

You can also join us at the info sessions scheduled for: