As one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, Spokane provides an enabling environment for small businesses growth, particularly for women. With over 11,000 women-owned businesses, the city has been listed as one the best for rising female entrepreneurs. Moreover, Spokane is recognized nationally as a great place to live because of the availability of job opportunities, recreational options as well as affordable childcare for women.
The Women’s Business Center (WBC)
Women Business Center offers business consultation services, financing, networking opportunities, and access to business resources to women in Spokane. Other services WBC provides include:
- Technology training for websites and brand development.
- Electronic accounting systems training.
- Access to small business funding.
- Access to online learning through https://www.sba.gov/learning-center/.
- Members get to learn the issues faced by women in small business.
One-on-one business counseling plus additional classes are available after completion of the Get Started Workshop. Discount is available for women residing within Spoken at 20%. You can visit the WBA website at https://www.snapwa.org/womens-business-center/.
Women Helping Fund
Women Helping Fund provides funds to programs in Spokane that ensure that women and their children have the opportunities to make them reach their highest potential. To identify organizations, Women Helping Fund conducts extensive research including a needs assessment to find out those that are able best meet the needs of women. Organizations that have been funded must report how the money has been used and whether the intended goals are achieved.
Funding Focus Areas
WHF has increased opportunities available for funding to include programs that offer proactive initiatives in:
- Education and training.
- Basic needs and healthy lifestyles.
- Increasing financial stability and opportunity.
Any agency within Spokane which is dedicated to offering services that support women and children are encouraged to apply for funding through https://whwfspokane.org/grants-and-scholarships/grant-information.
Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI)
GCI is an Associate Development and Business Development for Spokane. The Organization works with the local community to accelerate economic development in the region and champion a talented workforce among women. It provides business development services such as:
- Site location assistance.
- Referral to professional service providers.
- Connects women to local government and regulatory decision-makers.
- Assist in conducting research and collecting data.
- Workforce and talent development.
- Support women entrepreneurs to rise and grow.
GCI also provides international trade services for women-owned businesses looking to export their products. Visit their website at http://www.greaterspokane.org/.
Business Startup
Startup Spokane works to connect female entrepreneurs and startups with the resources they need to grow and expand their local businesses. It provides programs such as entrepreneur assistance, co-working space, marketing, and mentorship for women in the City. Find out more at https://startupspokane.com.
Women to Work
Women to work is a job readiness employment program is designed for women actively looking to get employed. The program works to reduce barriers to employment with support from BFET (Basic-Food, Employment, and Training) funds thereby creating a secure pathway to retaining jobs for women in Spokane City.
How to qualify for Women to Work Program
- You must be actively looking for employment.
- You must be receiving DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) food benefits or EBT card funds.
- You must not be receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).
Other support qualified women will receive include:
- Access to the computer lab.
- One-on-one support from professionals from the area.
- Assistance with developing a resume, cover letter, and systems that help in securing employment.
Women who want to enroll can email women2work@ywcaspokane.org. You can learn more about the program at https://ywcaspokane.org/programs/heal-and-grow/women-to-work/.
SNAP Financial Access Business Development Services
SNAP Financial Access Business Development Services is dedicated to creating business assets and income for low-income women through business development and expansion. This is achieved through technical assistance, business plan development, training, and funding to those with low access to loans from commercial sources. The main benefits of business Development Services Include:
- To encourage economic self-sufficiency among women and their families.
- To create opportunities for job stabilization and creation among low and moderate-income women.
- To build the capacity of low-income female entrepreneurs to enable them to thrive.
- To find out more about Business Development Services or contact the program at https://www.snapwa.org/business-idea-form/.
Rental and Housing Assistance
There are supportive resources for single mothers looking to help them with rent or housing assistance. There are organizations, programs, charities, private and public agencies in Spokane that are out to help single mothers avoid evictions and prevent them from being homeless. Most of the Spokane Organizations are willing to work together with single moms to ensure their long term success by providing counseling, referrals, and case management services to those in need. Resource organizations include:
Spokane Cares Inc. – this organization is dedicated to supporting single mothers and their families by connecting them with needs, community resources, volunteer opportunities, and other activities to enjoy and share among themselves.
Spokane Center for Independent Living (SCIL) – the organization work to enhance the lives of women with disabilities in Spokane through innovative approaches that empower them to be self-reliant and continue advocating for their participation I the community.
Conclusion
Spokane has proven to be one of the best places for rising female entrepreneurs by creating an enabling environment where they can surely prosper and take their businesses to the next level. With abundant support resources, the City works to eliminate unemployment in the region by reducing the barriers such as childcare and homelessness to secure jobs for women.