We are committed to creating equity for Spokane Businesses within our community.

This commitment begins here with ensuring clarity in how these funds are disbursed. We will prioritize businesses 51% or more owned and operated by individuals from Black, Native American, and Latine communities to rectify the injustices stemming from the historical implementation and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, also known as the “War on Drugs.”

Required Documents

Please review the application and have your required documents ready to submit. Please reach out to our team if you need help completing the documents.

Business License

Application Materials

Please reach out to our team if you need help completing the documents.

Focus Areas & Investment Priorities

We will prioritize businesses 51% or more owned and operated by individuals from Black, Native American, and Latine communities to rectify the injustices stemming from the historical implementation and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, also known as the “War on Drugs.”

Focus Areas (funds must be utilized for one or more of the following purposes):

Capacity building/growth: Funding allocated towards activities or initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall capabilities, resources, and effectiveness of the organization, enabling it to expand its operations, reach, or impact.
Operational expenses/enhancements: Grant funds intended to support operating expenses and/or capital improvements for your business. Please detail specifics in your budget template.
Hiring: Financial support designated for the recruitment and onboarding of new employees, particularly targeted towards increasing diversity and representation within the organization’s workforce.
Retention: Funds allocated to implement strategies or programs aimed at retaining existing employees, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, and reducing turnover rates within the organization.
Staff training: Grant funds utilized for the provision of training and professional development opportunities for employees, aimed at enhancing their skills, knowledge, and capabilities in areas relevant to the organization’s mission and objectives.

FAQs

If your question is not listed here, please feel free to submit it to us at programteam@spokaneworkforce.org. We update our FAQ section weekly with all questions and answers received.

Who is eligible to apply for the CRF Business Investment Grant?

The CRF Business Investment Grant Opportunity is open to businesses and non-proﬁts located in Spokane County that were established prior to April 1, 2025. Priority is given to organizations that are at least 51% owned and operated by individuals from Black, Native American, and Latine communities. Others that are invited to apply are business owners who are refugees or immigrants or from other racially and ethnically marginalized communities.

Prior B.I.G. awardees, as well as SWC employees and their immediate family members, are not eligible to apply.

What can the grant funds be used for?

How can I apply for the grant?

What documents are required for the application?

How are grant applications evaluated and scored?

Is there a deadline for submitting grant applications?

When will applicants be notiﬁed of the decision on their grant applications?

Is there anything else I should know before applying for the grant?

Can I contact someone if I have questions or need assistance with my application?