Purpose:

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To launch an annual entrepreneurship incubator that nurtures and accelerates 10 local business startups founded by Ward 7 and 8 residents—particularly young adults, renters transitioning to homeownership, and underrepresented founders—aiming to generate local employment and community-serving businesses.

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Cohort-Based Model:​​

Ten early-stage entrepreneurs per year will complete a 12-week intensive program. Recruitment will focus on residents engaged in Lydia’s housing and financial counseling pipeline as well as local workforce centers.
Curriculum:
Bi-weekly workshops and coaching sessions covering business planning, customer discovery, pricing,

marketing, basic accounting, business registration, and digital tools.

Mentorship & Networking:

Participants are matched with local mentors and connected through Lydia’s House-hosted mixers with chambers of commerce and funders.

Micro-Grant Fund:

Recipients must present a use-of-funds plan and submit quarterly updates.

Incubator Alumni Network:

Graduates receive 12 months of follow-up support, including co-working space access, technical assistance, and opportunities to promote and scale their businesses.
Participant Interaction:
Entrepreneurs engage weekly through sessions, mentor meetings, and progress reviews.

Outcomes include new business registrations, increased sales, and local job creation.

Cross-Program Integration

One of LEEP’s greatest strengths is its interconnected design:

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to complete homeownership education offered by Lydia’s House to build both personal and business assets.
Financial coaching runs through every stage, reinforcing stability and reducing systemic barriers.
This circular empowerment model ensures that participants progress in both personal and professional arenas, with Lydia’s House as a consistent support system.

Key Partnerships

 

• LEEP thrives on community collaboration. Lydia’s House is working with:

• Government Agencies:

• DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

• DC Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

• Community Organizations:

• Wards 7 & 8 Business Partnerships

• Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative

• Anacostia Economic Development Corporation

• ClearPath Solutions

• Financial Institutions:

• Citibank

• Industrial Bank

• LEDC (Latino Economic Development Center)

These partnerships expand access to capital, technical expertise, and wraparound support.

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