At first glance, The Village Cafe might seem like a coffee shop. However this coffee shop does more than serve up lattes and cold brew. The young people behind this storefront are using their energy and space to showcase local products from the DC area, encourage entrepreneurship, and create community workspaces.

In this episode, we speak to its creative director, Mohammed Mangum, who tells us the cafe is “like an incubator to help smaller businesses, artists, and people gather their thoughts and ideas, and utilize our space to grow themselves.” What’s more, 60% of the businesses they showcase are owned by people of color, and 75% are woman-owned.

Learn why mission drives metrics here, the ongoing role of mentors and advisors at the Village Cafe, and more!