Economic development with CRP

CRP’s economic development program is repairing wealth disparities. This includes creating opportunities for individuals and families to buy homes, save money, receive financial education, training and grants for small businesses.

CRP is investing $35.2 million into a comprehensive set of economic development strategies.

Workforce strategies

CRP is investing $14.5 million through a partnership with the Employment Security Department to expand career and business support across all 12 workforce regions. This includes:

• Providing up to $1,000/month incentives for underemployed or justice-involved individuals working toward better jobs
• Matched savings accounts (up to $10,000) for education, housing or business
• Financial coaching, career navigation and paid work experience
• Business support and wraparound services delivered by local workforce board

Local Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) run these programs. To help them better serve people from different backgrounds, each WDC must complete an assessment based on the Protocol for Culturally Responsive Organizations.

If you would like to learn more about accessing support, contact your local Workforce Development Council.

Contact your Workforce Development Council

Small business technical assistance

CRP is investing $2.5 million through the Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN) —a group of 29 trusted community organizations across Washington that provide personalized, culturally and linguistically relevant support to historically excluded small business owners. This includes:

• Help applying for grants, loans and capital
• One-on-one business coaching, planning and digital tools training
• In-language business support
• Navigation of government relief and support programs

If you own a business and want to learn about this program, contact your local SBRN-trusted community-based organization.

Contact a local SBRN-trusted organization

Housing and assets strategies

CRP is investing $15.3 million to help people—especially those historically excluded—with purchasing homes and building generational wealth. This biennium, CRP provides funding to local partners who offer homeownership services across the state. This includes:

• Land acquisition for developers of color to build starter homes
• Down payment assistance to help first time homebuyers qualify for a loan
• Debt reduction support to help buyers become mortgage-ready faster
• Foreclosure remediation for homeowners to help support long-term success and stability
• Home repairs to promote health and safety needs such as:
  • Aging in place
  • Disability upgrades
  • Major systems like heat, water and roofing

After a competitive process, CRP has selected its housing partners for the 2025-2027 biennium. If you would like to learn more about accessing support, contact a housing partner in your region.