The Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) continues to expand economic mobility and community well-being across Washington. Through its three key strategies: Career Accelerator Incentives, Matched Investment Savings Accounts (MISAs) and Business Support, CRP is helping job seekers complete training, eliminate financial barriers, and achieve long-term financial stability, while providing critical resources for small businesses to grow and hire.
This quarter alone, over 3,000 individuals benefited from CRP-funded Career Accelerator Incentives, with $17.6 million invested statewide. These incentives help people stay engaged in education, complete certifications, and move into family-wage careers.
MISAs are proving to be one of CRP’s most transformative tools, providing participants with matched funds, savings support, and financial coaching. As of March, 278 individuals had enrolled, with 117 receiving at least one matched deposit statewide. Locally, a total of 32 accounts were funded with an average savings goal of $20,000. To date, MISA account holders have been able to use their matched savings funds to buy vehicles, pursue homeownership, pay down debt, or launch small businesses.
More than $6.2 million has also supported businesses statewide through mini grants which provide technical assistance, asset grants, and workforce training. Over 2,400 priority businesses have been engaged so far, with 85% of those receiving direct funding being Black, Latine, or Tribal-owned.
Locally, we have invested CRP funds into our partners at Fourth Plain Forward, Business Impact NW, and LatinoBuilt to make a strong impact on our local small business community in Southwest Washington.
Hidden Gem Salon in Vancouver, WA, led by entrepreneur Yecenia, is one of many small businesses thriving with CRP support. Yecenia participated in multiple workshops hosted by Fourth Plain Forward, including Branding, Networking, and Elevator Pitch training. She also received a CRP mini-grant that allowed her to invest in new equipment, expand her team, and grow her business. “These workshops helped me connect with other business owners and build my confidence as a leader,” Yecenia shared. “The mini-grant gave me the tools I needed to take my business to the next level. I’m truly grateful for the support.”
In Longview, Business Impact NW visited the Mi Familia Swap Meet, a vibrant bilingual street market that draws dozens of local food and craft vendors. Claudia Cardenas, Business Opportunity Specialist, shared flyers in English and Spanish and connected with vendors about licensing, funding, and coaching resources. “The lack of resources in the area is huge,” Claudia said. “When vendors heard about Business Impact NW, they were really engaged.” Several have already followed up for one-on-one coaching and loan information. “We definitely had people interested in learning more,” added Darren Guyaz, Senior Business Consultant. “Some have signed up for coaching, and others may take more time, but we’re ready when they are.”
LatinoBuilt has also helped local businesses by hosting Safety, Contract Management, and Bidding and Estimating classes in Spanish for construction contractors in Southwest Washington. The safety training (CPR/AED First Aid) offered a $120 value and six continuing education credits toward renewing an Oregon CCB License, meeting both safety and licensing needs for small, often underserved, contracting businesses.
CRP investments are not only closing equity gaps, but creating lasting systems of support for entrepreneurs, workers, and families throughout the region. With continued collaboration, trust, and investment, we will continue to invest CRP funds in Southwest Washington to imagine new possibilities and turn them into reality.
Thank you to the Washington State Department of Commerce for funding and supporting the Community Reinvestment Program. Their leadership and investment have made this work possible and continue to create new opportunities for individuals and businesses across the state.
