Washington Credit Unions: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Growing Small Businesses.
Across the Evergreen State, the GoWest Foundation and its member credit unions are partnering with community organizations and the Washington Department of Commerce to help Washingtonians start or grow small businesses.
Turning Vision into Reality
The Credit Building Pilot Program’s Small Business Resiliency Loan (SBRL) program is opening doors and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs who might not have been able to obtain funding from the traditional financial services industry. As of 2025, more than 630 businesses had received more than $4 million in capital. Loans ranging from $500-$25,000 are offered at below-market interest rates. Once the loans are repaid, the business owners can receive a grant matching their original loan amount, allowing them to sustain and expand their businesses.
Read the Full 2025 Credit Building Pilot Program Report Here
Impact Stories
The following stories highlight partnerships between credit unions, local organizations, and the Washington Department of Commerce are closing gaps in traditional financing and helping entrepreneurs evolve their businesses.
WrightWay Beauty Supply, the only Black veteran-owned beauty supply store in Spokane, partnered with AHANA and Canopy Credit Union to secure a $20,000 CBPP grant. The funding allowed the business to purchase additional inventory and stabilize its finances, ultimately adding two staff positions at competitive wages to attract strong candidates. Expanding her team has given Wright the opportunity—after eight years—to step back from working solely “in the business” and focus more intentionally “on the business.” The CBPP loan will be fully repaid in July 2026, and Wright plans to retain the grant funds as an emergency reserve to support continued stability and growth.
Inclusive Imagination designs and manufactures universally designed tabletop games and accessories for everyone — especially individuals with sensory or physical disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. In partnership with William Factory Small Business Incubator and O Bee Credit Union, the company secured a $25,000 CBPP loan. Owner Garrett Whitmyre, a full-time teacher of students with visual impairments, used the funding for manufacturing setup and initial inventory of accessible dice featuring both print and braille, as well as the professional artwork, production, and launch of an original card game. After successfully completing the loan, Whitmyre received the matching grant in June 2025 and plans to use those funds to expand outreach and grow awareness of the business.
When Jawahir Ahmed set out to open Learn N’ Play Home Daycare in Maple Valley, Washington, she had the passion and savings to get started—but needed additional funding to turn her vision into a safe, enriching space for local children. After being turned away by her own financial institution, she found support through Unitus Community Credit Union, which provided a $15,000 Small Business Resiliency Loan through the CBPP. The financing allowed Jawahir to create a dedicated classroom and outdoor play area, hire staff, and expand learning opportunities for the children in her care. After successfully repaying the loan and receiving a matching grant, Learn N’ Play continued to grow—strengthening families and creating a trusted, nurturing environment for kids in King County.
With mentorship from the William Factory Small Business Incubator and financing from North Coast Credit Union, Pierce County entrepreneur Nikki Battles turned her vision for Fluffy Girl Creations into reality. Focused on celebrating plus-sized individuals through bold, whimsical grooming products and jewelry, Nikki secured a $4,000 Small Business Resiliency Loan that helped her expand inventory, purchase supplies, and grow her presence at vendor events. After repaying the loan and receiving a matching grant, she strengthened both her business and her credit—proving that with the right support system, determination and representation can power lasting opportunity.
