More commonly referred to as WHIDC (pronounced "WIDIK"), this not-for-profit local development corporation was organized in 1978 to serve the residents and businesses in the Washington Heights Inwood and Harlem communities of northern Manhattan.

WHIDC's initial programs centered on commercial revitalization, including major capital improvements to 181st Street and the redevelopment of the Coliseum Theater. In 1982, its commercial revitalization efforts were expanded to Inwood and WHIDC initiated a highly successful employment placement services program. WHIDC's housing development program commenced in 1986; the first 49 units of low income housing were completed in 1989.

Other efforts include spurring the development of a marina/restaurant facility on the Hudson at Dyckman Street and production of the annual Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park since 1983. The one day festival attracts an average of 40,000 visitors from throughout the tri-state region to see that this Northern Manhattan community is not only a nice place to visit, but a great place to invest, live and conduct business in, as well.

WHIDC's current activities include the management of a micro-business development program, called the Business Operating Success System:

The program has two sections: a Micro-Business Loan program and the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP).

The BO$$ program has assisted in the creation of over 350 micro enterprises in our community since 1992.Thirty three percent (33%) of our loans have gone to start up businesses, Ninety three percent (93%) of our loans went to minority and thirty eight percent (38%) went to women-owned businesses.

For more details and for a loan application, click here.