Program Description

Washington C.A.S.H. (Community Alliance for Self-Help) empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with limited resources—and unlimited potential! We provide the hands-on education, support, and access to capital needed to start or grow small businesses.

We are a nonprofit organization and most of our services are free or very low-cost (we serve low-income entrepreneurs—see our income guidelines here). Following is our program at-a-glance:

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> Orientation | Get Ready for Business Workshop: The first step in getting involved with Washington C.A.S.H. is signing up for a Get Ready for Business Workshop. This 1-session workshop is designed to introduce you to Washington C.A.S.H.'s programs and training courses. At the end of the Get Ready for Business Workshop, you will have the option of applying for our 8-week Business Development Training course. Please keep in mind that space in our Business Development Training is limited and not everyone who applies will be accepted into the program.

Our Get Ready for Business Workshops take place in:

  • Seattle (English only)
  • Tukwila (Spanish only)
  • Kent (Spanish only, fall & spring only)
Please see our application process for further information.

> Launch & Support | Additional Training and Resources: Upon successful graduation from the Business Development Training, you are eligible to apply to a variety of C.A.S.H resources. Further your business education and peer support through our Advanced Track Program, get the micro-loan you need to start your business by joining a peer loan group, invest in your business through a savings account and join our IDA program, or learn about budgeting and finances through our financial management course.

Peer Loans

Peer loans are available to Peer Loan Group members and are appropriate for someone who is trying to get credit established. If you have no credit, poor credit, no collateral, and are new in your business then this is the loan for you! These loans start at $1,000 and go up to $5,000. Learn more about peer loans.

Business Builder Loans

Our Business Builder Loans range from $5,001 up to $35,000. In order to qualify for these loans you must meet some of the requirements for more traditional loans, such as fair credit and collateral.  Learn more about business builder loans.


Funded in part through a grant award with the U.S. Small Business Administration.