ENTERPRISE FOR EQUITY

We are proud to offer emerging and existing entrepreneurs, veterans, creatives, makers, farmers, service-providers, and others in rural areas education, mentoring, technical assistance, and microloans to advance their skills and dreams in the areas of business development and financial well-being.

For over 20 years, we have worked with incredible individuals who have started and grown their dream businesses to create income for themselves and their families. We work with those who care deeply about their communities as well as the environment and value that our business development programs incorporate a strong triple bottom line focus (People, Planet, Profit).

We have a strong commitment to supporting those who have been historically marginalized and to growing our capacity to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to our work. In this way, we hope to contribute to economically thriving, sustainable, and livable communities in the areas we serve: Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Wahkiakum, Pacific, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Clallam, Cowlitz, and rural Pierce counties.

 We prioritize space for individuals who have limited incomes and have scholarships available. The cost of our programs is dependent on grant funding and the participant’s household income. For more information on pricing and eligibility click here::


LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

ART-PRENEUR

Join our webinars and trainings designed specifically for Makers, Creatives, Food producers, and Artists. These resources are tailored to meet the needs of individuals who are interested in starting or expanding their businesses or transforming their hobbies into profitable ventures. We understand the distinctions of the creative economy and provide valuable insights and practical guidance to help you turn your passion into a sustainable source of income.

VETERANS

Looking for a new mission? Great news! If you're a veteran, a veteran's spouse, or a child of a veteran, you can take advantage of our business training program for free until the end of September. We provide comprehensive support to veterans, with a particular emphasis on assisting farmer veterans in finding suitable land and securing financing for their ventures.

SOUTH PUGET INTERTRIBAL PLANNING AGENCY (SPIPA)

Enterprise for Equity is honored to be working with SPIPA (South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency) as the training partner within their Native Entrepreneur Academy (NEA). To learn more about the NEA and explore become a SPIPA client, please visit this page: https://spipa.org/academy/ and contact: WFDprograms@spipa.org WFDprograms@spipa.org

CREATE WESTERN WASHINGTON

It feels good to shop local! Create Western Washington is on a mission to help shoppers find and purchase from the amazing creatives in our local area. Create Western Washington is a project funded by the City of Olympia and others in partnership with Enterprise for Equity.

THE ASSET BUILDING COALITION OF MASON COUNTY

The Asset Building Coalition of Mason County empowers residents of Mason County by providing access to resources that can improve their financial well-being. Services include financial education and coaching, Earned Income Tax Credit information, and the Bank On Mason program.

THURSTON ASSET BUILDING COALITION

The Thurston Asset Building Coalition connects partners and community resources that promote opportunities for people with limited incomes to become more resilient and prosperous. Services include financial education and coaching, Earned Income Tax Credit information, and the Bank On Thurston program.

FINANCIAL WELL-BEING

Guess what? We offer programs focused on personal financial management. These programs include Money 101 and Reach Your Dreams. If you want to dream big and gain control over your finances, we've got you covered.

DEPENDABLE STRENGTHS

Discover and harness your unique strengths! This workshop offers a unique and creative way to get in touch with your true strengths, opportunities, and pathways toward something truly fulfilling!

MICROLOAN

Graduates of our Business Planning Program are eligible to apply for micro-loans of up to $25,000 in order to start or expand a business.

 

WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY

 

THOUGHTS FROM A NEW BUSINESS OWNER

Maria Huang, owner of Orca Pediatrics, graduated from the Business Planning Program in the summer of 2023. Check out what she has to say about her business and the training that she received at Enterprise for Equity!