Biz funding tools from Washington state
27 strategies to raise money for your business
Starting a business is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also be financially overwhelming. Whether you're launching a bakery, opening a boutique, or starting a consulting service, one of the biggest hurdles is finding the money to make it happen.
For women entrepreneurs in Southwest Washington, accessing capital can feel especially challenging.
Whether you're in Vancouver, Longview, or rural Clark County, StartUp Washington provides funding tools designed to level the playing field for women-owned businesses in our region. Yes, there are comprehensive resources for Washington State entrepreneurs and mentorship support that helps you manage funding wisely.
Startup Wisdom guide highlights
StartUp Washington offers a guide called Startup Wisdom, which outlines 27 different strategies to raise money for your business. It’s not just about loans and grants—this guide explores creative options like:
Crowdfunding platforms
Angel investors
Community development financial institutions (CDFIs)
Vendor financing
Strategic partnerships
It’s a goldmine for anyone who’s ever asked, “Where do I even start?”
Read the guide here: https://issuu.com/choosewa/docs/startup_wisdom_online2?e=0
Microloans & Grants: Small Dollars, Big Impact
StartUp Washington connects entrepreneurs to microloan programs and grant opportunities tailored for small businesses. These are especially helpful for:
Women-owned and minority-owned businesses
Rural entrepreneurs
Gig workers and sole proprietors
Even a small infusion of capital can help you buy equipment, hire staff, or launch a marketing campaign.
Real Life Example: The Lighthouse for the Blind
This nonprofit in Seattle received a state grant to expand its services and hire more staff. The funding helped them scale operations and deepen their impact in the community
Real Life Example: Housing Connector
Another Seattle-based nonprofit, Housing Connector, secured grant funding to build tech solutions that connect landlords with people in need of housing. Their success shows how targeted grants can fuel innovation and social impact
Source: https://fundraiseinsider.com/blog/recently-funded-startups-seattle/
Financial Education & Support
Beyond funding, StartUp Washington emphasizes financial literacy. You’ll find workshops, webinars, and one-on-one consulting to help you:
Build a business budget
Understand cash flow
Prepare for loan applications
Navigate taxes and bookkeeping
Because getting the money is just the beginning—knowing how to manage it is what keeps your business alive.
StartUp Washington is leveling the playing field by offering tools that are:
Free
Easy to use
Designed for Washington entrepreneurs
Funding opportunities for Southwest Washington women entrepreneurs
Woman of Wonder connects with aspiring women business owners throughout Clark and Cowlitz Counties. We've seen how access to even small funding amounts—microloans of $5,000 or $10,000—can be transformational for women starting businesses in our communities.
Woman of Wonder scholarships for women in Southwest Washington pursuing business education.
Small Business Saturday Tip:
This week, take 30 minutes to explore the Startup Wisdom guide or run a SizeUp report for your business. Knowledge is power—and profit.
