Focused Development Programs
Breaking Barriers, Creating Opportunities
At WDC, we believe that everyone deserves access to the resources, mentorship, and support needed to thrive—regardless of background, race, or socioeconomic status. Our Focused Development Programs are designed to uplift BIPOC women, immigrants, and historically underrepresented communities, helping them overcome systemic challenges and achieve personal and professional success.
Empowering Communities, One Program at a Time
Explore Our Programs
Tailored Support for Historically Underserved Communities
For many individuals, the path to success is filled with barriers that make it difficult to access funding, mentorship, and career opportunities. At WDC, our Focused Development Programs provide culturally relevant, community-centered support to help women, immigrants, and other underrepresented individuals break through these barriers and build thriving businesses, careers, and futures.
Each program within this category is designed to meet the unique needs of its participants, offering mentorship, business development guidance, leadership training, and tailored career resources. Whether you’re a woman seeking empowerment, a Hispanic entrepreneur navigating language and business challenges, an immigrant building a new life, or a Black professional looking to advance in your industry, we have a program designed to support your growth and long-term success.
Explore Programs Designed for Empowerment and Growth
Elevate: Women’s Empowerment Initiative
Empowering women with mentorship, leadership training, and business support to help them navigate career and entrepreneurial success.
Avanzar: Hispanic Business & Leadership Program
Providing Hispanic entrepreneurs and professionals with mentorship, business
New Roots: Immigrant Advancement Program
Equipping immigrants with tools and resources to build sustainable businesses in a new environment.
Legacy: Black American Advancement Program
Supporting Black entrepreneurs with mentorship, business development, and funding for success.
Providing Resources and Support for Underserved Communities
Focused Development Programs
Elevate: The Women’s Empowerment Initiative
Designed to empower and uplift women, this initiative provides mentorship, leadership development, and business support to help women navigate career challenges and entrepreneurial opportunities. Through community networking, tailored workshops, and access to funding resources, Elevate ensures that women have the tools to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
Avanzar: Hispanic Business & Leadership Program
Avanzar is a comprehensive program supporting Hispanic entrepreneurs and professionals, providing them with leadership development, business mentorship, and career advancement resources. The program is divided into two pathways:
- Spanish-Speaking Only Track: Dedicated to providing resources, training, and mentorship exclusively in Spanish, ensuring linguistic and cultural inclusivity for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and professionals.
- Bilingual/English Track: Designed for individuals who are comfortable operating in both Spanish and English, this track provides business and leadership development with a focus on navigating bilingual markets and expanding career opportunities.
New Roots: The Immigrant Advancement Program
The New Roots program provides immigrants with the tools and guidance they need to successfully integrate into new professional and business environments. This initiative includes entrepreneurship training, career placement assistance, financial literacy education, and legal navigation resources to help immigrants build sustainable careers, start businesses, and achieve long-term financial stability.
Legacy: The Black American Advancement Program
Legacy is designed to support Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders by providing mentorship, business development training, and access to funding opportunities. This program equips participants with the resources and knowledge necessary to overcome systemic challenges, build generational wealth, and strengthen Black-owned businesses and professional networks.
Creating Lasting Impact for Future Generations
“At WDC, we believe that empowerment starts with access. Through our Focused Development Programs, we are investing in communities that have been historically excluded from economic and leadership opportunities. By breaking down barriers today, we are shaping a stronger, more equitable tomorrow.”
— Maya Wheeler, Executive Director