Our goal is to empower low-income people to:
- realistically assess the viability of self-employment
- make an informed decision whether or not to start or expand a business
- assemble the information, skills and resources needed to be successful
This program combines training, business counseling, and access to capital to give hard-working people business opportunities not otherwise available to them.
We operate this program in partnership with Northwest Business Development Association, the Small Business Development Center and the Business Information Center of Spokane.
Training
An eight- week, one night per week training is offered quarterly, rotating between the East Central, Northeast and West Central Community Centers. Each class involves homework which, taken together, produces the first draft of a business plan by the end of the course. Click here for a class outline and upcoming class schedule. Participants are also encouraged to take advantage of training offered by SCORE and the Small Business Development Center.
Business Counseling
Following completion of the course, individuals who are committed to business startup or expansion, work with staff individually to complete their business plan. Staff can also provide guidance in finding a suitable business location, getting a good start with a bookkeeping system, and getting over many of the hurdles that a new business faces during the first year. Those who have been in business for longer than a year are referred to the Small Business Development Center for additional counseling services.
Access to Financing
Those who complete their business plan and need funding can receive assistance in acquiring capital, either directly from SNAP sources or through partner organizations such as:
SNAP’s Individual Development Accounts program, which offers matched savings accounts for those who qualify. Click here to see more on the Individual Development Accounts program.
Those with a completed business plan may apply for a loan of $500 to $10,000 from the Northwest Business Development Association.
- Eligibility for this funding depends on the viability of the business plan and the likelihood of loan repayment.
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The counselors will refer participants to other sources of capital when appropriate. These sources include:
Refugee Enterprise Program
SNAP has received a grant from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement to provide Micro Enterprise Development services to refugees, in partnership with World Relief Training, business counseling and access to financing are offered with special accommodation for those with a moderate proficiency in English. More information and a program application form are available here.
Downloadable PDF's:
Micro Overview 3
Course Outline
Application Cover Letter
Application Form
Business Plan Guide 6
Class Schedule
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