The Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) continues to drive workforce and economic development across Washington, with a strong focus on Black, Latine, and Tribal communities. Local workforce boards are delivering direct financial support to participants, strengthening small businesses, and expanding access to Matched Investment Savings Accounts (MISAs). These efforts are creating lasting pathways to self-sufficiency and economic stability for participants and communities.
This quarter’s report highlights progress made in Career Accelerator Incentives, Business Support, and MISAs, showcasing the collective impact of local workforce boards implementing CRP-funded services.
Statewide Summary
Report Period: October – December 2024
(Cumulative: December 2023 – December 2024)
This quarter, CRP-funded programs supported thousands of people and businesses by providing job training and financial assistance to help businesses grow. Local workforce boards used these funds to offer training in high-demand industries, helping participants secure stable, well-paying jobs. Statewide, $22.2 million was invested this quarter to support workforce development and business growth, reinforcing the program’s role in strengthening local economies. This quarter, 2,960 participants received CRP-funded incentives and trainings, with 50% identifying as Black, Latine, or Tribal members.
CRP’s investment in small businesses has also contributed to economic growth, with hundreds of businesses receiving funding for hiring, training, and equipment upgrades. The strong demand for Business Accelerator Grants shows how critical financial support is for small business owners trying to expand their operations.
Financial literacy and savings programs, such as MISAs, provided participants with tools to improve financial security. CRP’s wide-reaching impact continues to support workforce development, small business success, and financial empowerment, making it a vital tool for economic opportunity across Washington State.
Career Accelerator Incentives
The Career Accelerator Incentives program continues to provide critical financial support, helping participants gain skills and access job opportunities. A total of 2,623 participants benefited from the program, which invested $12.67 million to help them complete training and transition into long-term careers.
Enrollment remained strong across multiple workforce areas. Pacific Mountain used Career Accelerator Incentives to help over 100 participants find jobs. Additionally, the program helped individuals transition to higher education and entrepreneurship. In Spokane, more incentive participants secured jobs, reinforcing the program’s success in supporting long-term employment. In South Central, Career Accelerator funds covered tuition and transportation costs, helping participants finish their training and move forward in their careers.
Business Support
While career incentives help participants gain economic stability, strong business support ensures thriving local economies. Workforce boards continue to invest in small businesses, helping them grow, hire, and contribute to their communities.
This quarter, 359 businesses received CRP funding, with 82% owned by Black, Latine, or Tribal entrepreneurs. Workforce boards invested $3.64 million in business support, helping companies purchase equipment, access training, and hire staff to strengthen local economies.
In Snohomish, the owner of Sparkle Hood Pros, LLC benefited from targeted business support, including strategy and marketing sessions, expert consultations, and one-on-one coaching through a business mentor program. These resources equipped him with the tools and knowledge needed to expand his business and achieve long-term success. Notably, Snohomish, Southwest, and Seattle-King County achieved a 100% engagement rate, ensuring that all businesses served in these regions were from Black, Latine, and Tribal communities.
Olympic WDC awarded over $100,000 in grants to Black, Latine, and Tribal-owned businesses, helping them buy equipment and receive specialized training to grow their businesses. Northwest WDC’s Business Accelerator grant saw overwhelming demand, funding 20 businesses within a week of reopening, demonstrating the ongoing need for small business investment.
Meanwhile, Benton-Franklin WDC partnered with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to launch an entrepreneurial training program, equipping aspiring business owners with essential skills and resources. In South Central, the “Chismecito y Cafecito” networking group continues to support Hispanic micro-businesses, offering tailored guidance on business certification and access to financial resources.
These investments in small businesses and entrepreneurs are driving economic growth and creating new opportunities across the state.
Matched Investment Savings Accounts (MISA)
The MISA program continues to expand, offering participants financial literacy training and matched savings opportunities to support long-term financial stability. This quarter, $214,839 was saved through participant contributions and CRP matching funds, helping participants build a stronger financial foundation.
Across multiple workforce areas, participants have successfully engaged in savings plans, building financial stability through structured contributions and support. In North Central Region at Skillsource, 47 participants completed MISA plans, collectively saving $44,000, which was matched with $170,000 in program funds. Of those participants, 55% identified as Black, Latine, or Tribal members, reinforcing CRP’s commitment to serving historically underrepresented communities.
In Seattle-King County partnered with YWCA to provide financial coaching and training, enhancing MISA participants’ ability to build long-term savings. Southwest Workforce launched MISA services in December, with initial savings goals focused on auto purchases and home buying.
The demand for these accounts remains strong, particularly among priority populations, highlighting their role in fostering long-term financial empowerment statewide.
Local Highlights
Northwest Workforce Council: Latino Business Youth Program Helps Young Entrepreneurs Succeed
Last fall, Northwest Workforce Council, in partnership with the Mount Vernon Chamber Foundation, launched the Latino Business Youth Entrepreneurial Program with funding from the Community Reinvestment Program (CRP). The program connects Latine young adults with businesses, teaching them essential skills like business structure, marketing, and financial management while providing hands-on work experience.
Yolanda, a program participant, dreams of starting her own retail business and is working toward financial independence. She secured a paid internship at Skagit Gleaners, where she gained customer service experience and learned how small businesses operate.
Currently, Yolanda is attending Skagit Valley College, taking English classes and participating in the Financial Literacy (FLARE) cohort through Community Action of Skagit County. She also secured a part-time job while continuing her internship at Skagit Gleaners, where her strong work ethic led to an internship extension and a leadership role training other interns.
Her supervisor, Nicole, praised her contributions: “She is an incredible role model for young adults, especially in our Latino community.”
Eastern Washington Partnership WDC: A Path to Stability Through Workforce Support
A local workforce program helped a family facing severe financial hardship turn things around. Living on $950 per month from Social Security and food assistance, they struggled to cover rent, utilities, and basic needs. When their power was shut off, and their car broke down, a Workforce Employment Coordinator stepped in.
Through the Economic Security for All (EcSA) program, the participant received financial assistance for power restoration, car repairs, and fuel. They also enrolled in a free Home Care Aid Certification program, allowing them to secure a job earning $21.12 per hour—nearly tripling their household income.
With ongoing Career Accelerator Incentive payments, the family was able to stabilize and provide for their children. This program didn’t just provide a job—it created a path to long-term financial security.
Southwest Washington: Overcoming Barriers to Success
Cynthia’s story is one of resilience and determination. After overcoming addiction and staying sober since 2017, she found herself homeless, living in her car with her two-year-old son. Determined to build a better future, Cynthia connected with WorkSource and was referred to the EcSA program.
She worked closely with an Employment Specialist, receiving career coaching, resume support, and job search training. She also received Career Accelerator Incentive payments while preparing for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training at CLT Care Academy.
With full funding, she completed her CNA certification in November and was hired at $20.00 an hour, securing stable employment. Now, Cynthia has stable housing and is on the path to financial independence.
Olympic WDC: Workforce Training Creates New Career Paths
A graphic design career goal turned into a real opportunity thanks to workforce services. A participant interested in design was connected to Peninsula Daily News, where a 26-week Work Experience (WEX) program was created to train them for a future role as a graphic designer.
Additionally, Habitat for Humanity in Bremerton needed a Carpenter Crew Lead but lacked the funding to train a new hire. Workforce programs stepped in to cover 50% of wages through an On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. The result? A new employee successfully trained and hired full-time.
By connecting job seekers with hands-on training and employers with skilled candidates, these partnerships are fostering long-term career opportunities.
WorkForce Central: Trini Plate Expands with Small Business Grant
Tacoma small business owner Abby Woods has increased production for her Caribbean food business, Trini Plate, with the help of a Small Business Grant through WorkForce Central.
Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Abby started Trini Plate in 2022 because she was craving her cultural food and couldn’t find it after moving to Tacoma. The grant allowed her to purchase new equipment and make critical upgrades to her existing kitchen and farmer’s market booth.
“Much of the food I make is very labor-intensive, and I’ve struggled with burnout and injury as a result,” Abby shared. “With the new equipment and upgrades, I’ve been able to increase efficiency and production and also reduce burnout not just for myself but for my team. I’m grateful for the opportunity to improve my service and offerings and share even more delicious Caribbean food with the community. I’m thrilled to be able to invest in my people, offer better wages in the future, and keep pushing the boundaries of what I can offer my customers.”
