SEATTLE– Verity Credit Union awarded 16 recipients of its Grants for Growth program with a total of $120,000 to support historically excluded entrepreneurs, BIPOC- and women-led startups, and nonprofits advancing justice and equity across Washington state.
Known for its socially responsible, community-rooted banking, Verity’s new Grants for Growth initiative encompasses its Microbusiness Grant and Nonprofit Microgrant, previously known as the Microgrant Program. The Microbusiness Grant offers $7,500–$10,000 in flexible funding and relationship support to small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and an annual revenue of under $1 million.
The Nonprofit Microgrant offers $5,000 to grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations with assets under $250,000 to strengthen community-rooted programs.
“Grants for Growth is community banking in action, getting capital directly into the hands of people who are building livelihoods, creating jobs, and strengthening local economies,” said Ziquora Banks, Chief Impact Strategy Officer. “We’re thrilled to be providing grants directly to microbusinesses and nonprofits that are too often overlooked, supporting real economic stability, job creation, and community resilience.”
This year’s recipients will use funds to expand culturally reflective food access, enhance professional development programs, increase staff wages, deliver financial literacy education, and alleviate day-to-day operating costs of running small businesses and nonprofits.
