Our Success and Results

Washington CASH was founded in 1995 to transform people’s lives and communities by creating a pathway out of poverty using small loans and business training to build individuals’ businesses, credit, knowledge and confidence.  As of November 2009, approximately 2,800 people with low incomes have participated in our business training courses, more than 800 businesses have been started or expanded, and 362 loans have been made to low income individuals, totaling $748,000.  Washington CASH builds “social collateral” among its members through networking events, trainings and peer groups, and thus currently maintains a 96% loan repayment rate. In addition, 112 individuals have built assets through Washington CASH’s Individual Development Account (IDA) program.

Washington CASH seeks to aggressively serve the people with the greatest need and the programs outcomes reflect this focus.  According to MicroTest, a national microenterprise evaluation tool administered by the Aspen Institute, Washington CASH successfully helps individuals to leave poverty; 82% of Washington CASH clients left poverty within 18 months of receiving services.  The household income of Washington CASH clients increases by 120% on average, after participating in Washington CASH.

The services that WC provides are the wind in the sails of hundreds of Puget Sound businesses:  the coffee shop, the eco-friendly housecleaning service, the catering business, the landscaping venture, the tax preparation service, and many others.  Underserved, ambitious business owners learn to survive and to thrive with help from Washington CASH.  In the last year, Washington CASH helped start 128 new businesses, a 68% increase from the previous year. 

·         97% of Washington CASH clients experience an increase in their household income 18 months after receiving services.

·         On average, these clients experience a 120% increase in their household income (from $15,943 to $35,000).

·         82% of Washington CASH clients left poverty within 18 months of receiving services.

·         42% of our clients were able to save money in the past 6 months.

·         70% of Washington CASH clients are still in business 18 months after graduating from our program.

·         61% of the clients enter the Washington CASH program without a business; of these clients, 65% have started a business after 18 months of receiving services

·         The business survival rate for the clients that enter our program already in business is 77%.

·         23% of Washington CASH entrepreneurs have hired an employee.

·         Nearly 100% of Washington CASH clients are considered "unbankable" upon entering our program.

·         46% of Washington CASH clients are no longer in need of government assistance one year after graduation.

·         Since inception, over 2,800 people have participated in the Washington CASH training courses, and more than 800 businesses have been started or expanded.