Flexible funding for community-rooted small businesses.
Grants for Growth is Verity Credit Union’s new community investment program designed to help microbusinesses across Washington State create meaningful, lasting change in their communities. This grant provides flexible capital to microbusinesses often shut out of traditional funding — especially those led by BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, women, low-income, or veteran entrepreneurs.
For the 2026 cycle, Verity will award five $5,000 grants to community-rooted microbusinesses, for a total of $25,000 in funding through the microbusiness track.
This track is part of Verity’s broader Grants for Growth program, which now includes two annual tracks: one for nonprofits and one for microbusinesses.
As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Verity believes that when microbusinesses thrive, communities thrive. This program is part of our commitment to advancing racial equity, building financial resilience, and co-creating a more inclusive economy.
We trust business owners to decide what growth looks like — whether that’s investing in new equipment, stabilizing operations, hiring staff, or expanding community impact.
Watch the recorded webinar from May 6 to learn more about the program, eligibility, and tips for a strong application. Please note: access to the recording requires your full name and email address.
“Verity’s support of small businesses that lead with values, innovation, and equity is so important. Access to capital and visibility uplifts entrepreneurs…and lays the groundwork for our long‑term growth.” Makini Howell, Owner & Chef of Makini’s Kitchen
Who Should Apply
This grant is for Washington-based microbusinesses that:
- Generate less than $1 million in annual revenue
- Have fewer than 10 employees
- Are led by individuals from historically marginalized communities (BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, low-income, disabled, or veteran entrepreneurs)
Businesses should be deeply rooted in their communities and serve or operate within underrepresented or underserved areas of Washington State. Past awardees are eligible to reapply if it has been at least 18 months since their last award.
Verity membership is not required to apply.
See our FAQ section below for full eligibility details.
Our Review Approach
All applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of Verity staff using a mission-aligned, values-based process. We’re not looking for perfect writing or business jargon — just purpose, clarity, and commitment to impact.
See how we review applications in the FAQ below.
Trust-Based, Transparent Processes
At Verity, we believe entrepreneurs know their businesses and communities best. That’s why our Microbusiness Grant program is built on trust, flexibility, and transparency. We aim to provide funding with very few restrictions — reflecting our confidence in local business leaders and our commitment to relationship-based, equity-centered support.
Why Flexible Funding Matters
Flexible funding gives microbusiness owners the freedom to decide where funds will make the greatest impact. Rather than being tied to a specific program or expense, these grants allow entrepreneurs to invest in what their business needs most — whether it’s stabilizing operations, purchasing equipment, expanding marketing efforts, or preparing for growth.
See our FAQs below for examples of how funds can be used.
Support Beyond the Grant
Whether or not you receive funding, Verity’s Small Business Team is here to help your business grow. Our team offers business development support, including financial health check-ins, business plan reviews, and guidance on values-aligned banking services to help strengthen your financial foundation.
Grants for Growth Timeline
- Applications open: May 1, 2026
- Applications close: May 31, 2026
- Decision notifications sent: Early July 2026
- Awards disbursed by: Late July 2026
Application Preparation
We value your time, your voice, and your contributions to the communities you serve. The application is:
- Short and story-centered
- Available as an online form
- Reviewed by a diverse committee of staff and community leaders
- Scored using a transparent, values-based process
- Designed for clarity, not perfection
Applications must be submitted through the online form. This ensures all information is received and reviewed consistently. If you need support or accommodations completing the form, email us at CommunityImpact@veritycu.com and we will work with you.
Final Selection
Applications are open for four weeks and will close on May 31, 2026. Decision notifications will be sent to all applicants in early July 2026. Funds will be disbursed to awardees by late July 2026.
Awardees will be asked to:
- Sign a brief agreement confirming acceptance
- Indicate their preferred payment method
- Provide documentation verifying business ownership and tax status
Your Story, Amplified
We believe that funding is only one way to help your mission thrive. We also want to help your voice carry further so more people can see, support, and celebrate your work.
Selected awardees will have the opportunity to work with Revolution PR, Verity’s public relations partner. We want your visibility to grow, not just your budget. This opportunity is completely optional and tailored to your comfort level. You choose what to share and how your story is told.
Not Selected This Time?
Please know your work is still deeply valued. Unfortunately, limited funding means we can’t award every deserving application. Learn how we can stay connected in our FAQs below.
Not Ready to Apply Yet?
That’s okay. Applications are open through May 31, 2026, and we’d love to stay connected:
Email us at CommunityImpact@veritycu.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 75974, Seattle, WA 98175
Looking for the Nonprofit track?
Grants for Growth also includes a Nonprofit track for eligible nonprofits with assets of $250,000 or less in Washington State.
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FAQs
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
This opportunity is for businesses that:
- Are based in Washington State
- Operate as a DBA, sole proprietorship, or 1–2 person LLC/partnership
- Have fewer than 10 employees
- Generate less than $1 million in annual revenue
- Are led by individuals from historically excluded communities (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, low-income, disabled, or veteran)
Additional financial documentation will be required, including:
- A copy of your city, county, or state-level business license
- Documentation of your annual revenue
You do not need to be a Verity member to apply. Priority will be given to businesses that demonstrate strong community connections and a mission-aligned vision for growth.
Who is not eligible?
- Nonprofits or 501(c)(3) organizations (please see our Nonprofit Track)
- Businesses based outside Washington State
- Organizations that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, disability, faith, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Businesses that are deemed ineligible for membership, as outlined in Verity’s BSA Policy*.
Do I need to be a Verity member to apply?
No. Membership is not required to apply or receive funding. If selected, you may be invited to explore additional opportunities to connect, or access support, but membership is not a condition of the award.
Can past recipients reapply?
Yes—past awardees are eligible to reapply if it has been at least 18 months since their last grant.
Grant DetailsHow much funding is available?
Verity will award:
- Five $5,000 grants
- $25,000 total available through the microbusiness track
What can the grant be used for?
Grants are designed to provide broad, flexible funding—you decide what your business needs most. Examples include:
- Covering rent, payroll, supplies, or vendor costs
- Purchasing tools, equipment, or software
- Investing in marketing or operations
- Stabilizing after setbacks or building toward expansion
- Anything that helps your business grow sustainably
What is the timeline for the 2026 grant cycle?
- Applications open: May 1, 2026
- Applications close: May 31, 2026
- Decision notifications sent: Early July 2026
- Awards disbursed by: Late July 2026
Application ProcessHow do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the online form. This ensures all information is received and reviewed consistently. If you need support completing the form, email us at CommunityImpact@veritycu.com and we will work with you.
How are applications reviewed?
A diverse panel reviews all submissions using a values-based rubric. We prioritize:
- Leadership rooted in community: lived experience, strong relationships, or deep knowledge of the community you serve
- Community-defined needs: responding to what your community has named as important
- Support for economic well-being: helping people grow income, access housing, reduce financial stress, or build long-term stability
- Thoughtful use of funds: a clear idea of how this grant supports your mission, even if plans are still evolving
- Commitment to equity and systems change: challenging barriers, reducing harm, or explaining more equitable opportunities
- Alignment with Verity’s values: advancing generational wealth and building thriving, inclusive and sustainable communities
We are not looking for perfect writing or formal grant language. We are looking for clear, grounded stories that show purpose, clarity, and impact.
Tips for completing the application
- There are no trick questions. Be clear and authentic.
- Share what growth looks like for your business — there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
- Use the optional question at the end to tell us anything else you'd like us to know.
What happens after I apply?
We have streamlined our review and decision-making process. After applications close, all submissions will be reviewed through Verity’s values-based review process.
- Decision notifications will be sent to all applicants in early July 2026
- Selected applicants will sign a short agreement and confirm business documentation
- Funds will be delivered in late July 2026
Additional Support for AwardeesIs there support beyond the grant?
Yes! Awardees are invited to partner with Revolution PR, Verity’s public relations partner. This includes:
- Writing a press release or media advisory
- Preparing content for your website, newsletter, or social media
- Pitching your story to local media outlets
- Exploring other storytelling ideas that reflect your mission
This support is entirely optional and customized to your comfort level.
If You’re Not SelectedWhat if I don’t receive a grant?
Your work is still matters. While funding is limited, you may be invited to:
- Receive updates about future opportunities
- Join small business coaching or financial wellness sessions
- Connect with Verity’s Business Services team
General QuestionsHow did you hear about Grants for Growth?
We’ll ask this in the application—it helps us improve outreach and build better relationships with the people and organizations you trust.
Still have questions?Email us anytime at CommunityImpact@veritycu.com
Award Disclosure: Grant awards are subject to the discretion of Verity Credit Union and compliance with its obligations under the Community Development Financial Institutions Equitable Recovery Program (ERP). While Grants for Growth funding is intended to be flexible and broadly applicable, Verity Credit Union may request a brief impact summary following the award, and certain activity is prohibited under the ERP, which may result in denial or a written agreement to comply with ERP terms. Verity Credit Union is an equal opportunity provider and encourages all eligible microbusinesses that meet the stated criteria to apply.
*Ineligible Business Types – Businesses not eligible for membership as laid forth in the BSA policy will also not be eligible for business grants. Business grants will not be made under any circumstances to businesses that fall under the following types: Operate as pawnshops, check cashing facilities, payday lending operators, marijuana manufacturers or sales offices, legal gambling establishments or casinos, or any business engaged in illegal practices. Other ineligible businesses include companion, escort and/or dating services; massage parlors; sexual encounter clubs and organizations; drug paraphernalia sales; lotteries or raffles; businesses dealing with the occult or pornographic
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