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Washington CASH 

Description

Washington C.A.S.H. (Community Alliance for Self-Help) empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with limited resources—and unlimited potential. Our nationally-recognized program provides the hands-on education, support, and access to capital needed to launch and manage successful small enterprises. We serve those in our community for whom traditional business development services are out of reach, with a focus on low-income, women, and minority populations. Working together, we are committed to the growth of small businesses, stronger communities, and brighter futures throughout the Puget Sound region and beyond. 

Mission Statement
Washington CASH (Community Alliance for Self-Help) provides the business training, supportive community and capital to help enterprising individuals with limited financial resources gain self-sufficiency through small business ownership.
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Washington CASH
2100 24th Ave S Ste 380 
Seattle 
WA
98144-4646 
(206) 352-1945 

Gylan Green 
Executive Director 

Programs

Washington CASH Programs

Washington CASH began in 1995 after founder Peter Rose traveled to Bangladesh, where he was inspired by the work of the Grameen Bank to alleviate poverty. Since then, our program has continued to evolve from its original microfinance inspiration to adapt to local clients’ needs. Today, Washington CASH's programs are offered year-round in three interwoven strategies, in multiple locations and in three languages.

Strategy #1 - Business Development Training (BDT)
Clients start their journey toward small business ownership with business development training. New entrepreneurs learn the fundamental practices of successful business operation in an eight-session, 20-to-36-hour BDT course, designed specifically for the start-up entrepreneur with little or no business experience.

Strategy #2 - Business Acceleration Services
After graduating the BDT, clients have access to a wide range of training and support services.  We offer several advanced training programs, which incorporate skill-building, goal-setting, one-on-one coaching, mentorship and networking. Clients can also access a free computer lab; Ventures, our retail store in downtown Seattle; and more!

Strategy #3 - Access to Capital
Washington CASH’s goal is to make clients bankable. In Peer Loan Groups, which meet twice per month, clients engage in a system of peer lending, accessing small, collateral-free loans. This allows people with no credit or low credit scores to capitalize their businesses and build good credit. Other microfinance products include collateralized Business Builder loans, credit-building AssetPlus loans and matched savings accounts for the purpose of business capitalization.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

Every day new, inspiring success stories emerge from Washington CASH's Program. For example, Fernando Alarcon and Rosie Rodriguez, a married couple, were struggling with unemployment when they arrived at Washington CASH in early 2008, each with a business idea. With Washington CASH's help, Rosie started her business first: a bi-lingual preschool called El Cuento, which has now capped enrollment (www.elcuentospanishclass.com).  When Rosie was up and running, Fernando started his business, Innovart, a remodeling and construction business.  After taking Washington CASH's business development training course and receiving help from the business incubator, Fernando landed a contract to remodel a bathroom. The owner of the bathroom was so impressed with his work that she referred 10 remodeling contracts to Fernando. Today, Innovart has a full docket of work, including a contract with Wells Fargo to remodel several bank branches. Other businesses started through Washington CASH's programs include Alicia's Cleaning, a home-cleaning business, CompuClass, a bi-lingual computer instruction business, Acosta Welding, a maritime welding business, and many others.

One of our biggest current needs is for dedicated, knowledgeable volunteers. We recognize that volunteers play an integral part in almost every aspect of our organization; they help staff the retail store, mentor and coach aspiring business owners, and tutor students in training courses. We value the input and experience of our volunteer business-experts, and make an effort to engage them in the process of developing new programs. We are working on tapping into networks of qualified volunteers who want to commit to helping low-income entrepreneurs on a regular basis.

Evaluation


Washington CASH has an important role in the region’s small-business development sector as the only mircolender serving unbankable individuals in the state. CASH helps low-income people transition from poverty to successful small-business ownership, reduce or eliminate their dependence on public assistance, and build the personal assets to remain self-sufficient by providing loans and financial education.

Proven Success
According to 2010 evaluation results, 41% of CASH clients reported significant increases in their household income despite a down economy and 67% of assisted businesses increase their revenue within 18 months after receiving services. On average, revenues increased between $15,124 and $70,000. Demand for their services continue to be high, in two years clients served has grown 109%. As a result training courses in Seattle and Tukwila have been expanded.

Use of Best Practices
Washington CASH is a leader in microenterprise development and utilizes best practices identified by the Aspen Institute and the Association for Enterprise Opportunity. CASH’s peer-lending model ties an individual's loan to that of others to encourage persistence and full repayment. This model provides a built-in support network for participants from the time they begin the education program through the launch and evolution of their businesses.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
Last year the agency served over 645 people who would not otherwise qualify for support from traditional lending and business development institutions. Their Community-Based Business Training program provides language- and culturally-appropriate business training and other services to low-income immigrants in the Greater Seattle area. 99 percent of the people CASH serve are low-income individuals, the majority of which and people color, women and immigrants and refugees.

Collaboration
Washington CASH has forged numerous partnerships to reach more low-income entrepreneurs in more impactful ways. Their “train-the-trainer” partnerships extend programs to diverse communities in a cost-effective manner at a time when the economic downturn has fueled a significant increase in demand for Washington CASH services. Other partners included: Express Credit Union, Horn of Africa Services, Casa Latina, El Centro de la Raza, SCORE, The University of Washington and Seattle University.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
9/10/2011 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/10/2009 $20,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/21/2007 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.
9/16/2004 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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