Announcing 2025 Grants for Growth Recipients

Sixteen local microbusinesses and nonprofits received up to $10,000 to advance equity and opportunity in historically underserved communities

At Verity Credit Union, we believe community banking means investing directly in the people and organizations building a more just and equitable Washington state. This year, we’re proud to award a total of $120,000 through our Grants for Growth program to 16 microbusinesses and nonprofits led by and serving historically excluded communities, including BIPOC- and women-led startups. 

Grants for Growth brings together two initiatives: our Microbusiness Grant and Nonprofit Microgrant, previously known as the Microgrant Program. Through the Microbusiness Grant, we provide $7,500–$10,000 in flexible funding and relationship-based support to small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenue under $1 million. Our Nonprofit Microgrant awards $5,000 to grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations with assets under $250,000, helping to strengthen community-rooted programs across the state.

“Grants for Growth is what community banking looks like when it serves the community it’s meant to,” said Ziquora Banks, Chief Impact Strategy Officer at Verity. “We’re thrilled to be giving direct grants to microbusinesses and nonprofits that deserve access to capital without impossible requirements and red tape—just resources that go directly to those building strong communities.”

This year’s grant recipients will use funds to expand culturally reflective food access, enhance professional development programs, increase staff wages, deliver financial literacy education, and help cover the day-to-day operating costs of running small businesses and nonprofits.

We invite you to learn more about and support these inspiring organizations by visiting their websites, sharing their work, or engaging with them directly.

Meet Our 2025 Grants for Growth Recipients: 

Young Black Homeowners is a Tacoma-based initiative building pathways to Black homeownership through education, credit support, and community-rooted financial tools. The organization focuses on helping families transition from renting to ownership and build long-term financial stability.

Take Up the Cause is a Spokane-based organization preserving affordable housing and supporting Black families through debt repair, credit counseling, and rent-to-own homeownership transitions. A leader in community-centered housing stability, its work includes career exploration fairs, mentorship programs, and community cleanups—emphasizing direct support and social advocacy. 

StratBridge is a Seattle-based consulting firm employing justice-impacted individuals to advance policy change and dismantle workforce barriers. Its work promotes wage equity, access to promotions, and housing stability. 

BRE Innovative Solutions is a Pierce County wellness and coaching company offering trauma-informed support for families and youth. Black-, woman-, and LGBTQIA+-owned, its programs focus on healing, leadership, and community well-being.

Makini’s Kitchen LLC is a Seattle-based food business committed to creating flavorful plant-based dishes that are both accessible and culturally meaningful. Grant funds will support expansion and increase capacity to hire community members. 

I Luv Elotes is a Tacoma-based, Latinx-owned food business providing community-centered catering, youth mentorship, and justice-impacted employment pathways. Expansion will immediately support increased hiring and community engagement. 

Blessential Trucking LLC  is a veteran-, Black-, and LGBTQIA+-owned transportation company serving Pierce County families and elders with essential logistics and accessible transport. Funding will support fleet expansion and the hiring of additional drivers. 

The Clean Cut University, LLC is a Tacoma-based training program rooted in Black barbershop culture, providing youth job training, barbering skills, and entrepreneurship pathways. 

Olu Productions is a Seattle-based creative entrepreneurship platform mentoring young Black entrepreneurs through product showcases, business skill-building, and supportive spaces to grow the next generation of Black business owners.

ABC Bilingual Childcare LLC is a Yakima-based bilingual childcare provider serving immigrant and low-income families. Grant funds will strengthen culturally rooted care, expand capacity, and support working parents in ALICE households.

Living with Conviction works statewide to dismantle the financial and legal barriers created by legal financial obligations. Led by justice-impacted individuals, the organization provides legal empowerment, debt relief navigation, and financial pathways that restore stability and dignity.

Oceania United supports Pacific Islander families in South King County with immigration navigation, housing stabilization, youth programs, and workforce pathways. Its culturally grounded model strengthens long-term economic opportunity for a community historically excluded from financial systems.

Rise with Resilience provides trauma-informed employment, coaching, and stability support for adults in Snohomish County rebuilding after violence, homelessness, behavioral health challenges, or justice involvement. The organization’s RISE Project combines barrier-reduction funds, housing navigation, and job-readiness coaching to support long-term financial well-being.

Swan Creek Art Academy provides hands-on digital arts education and creative workforce development for BIPOC and low-income youth. Its programs build confidence, technical skills, and entry points into creative career pathways that support long-term economic opportunity.

Walla Walla Valley Disability Network (WWVDN) is led by people with disabilities and caregivers who understand the systemic gaps impacting rural families. Its programs support economic stability through benefits navigation, housing and employment information, and transition planning for teens and adults with disabilities.

Kicheko Project uplifts African diaspora families in North King County through cultural education, language programs, and financial empowerment workshops. Its lived-experience-led model strengthens belonging, economic stability, and intergenerational opportunity for immigrant communities.