Jenefeness Franke, from Black-Owned Business Excellence, highlights the abundance of available resources and the importance of staying informed. She emphasizes, "We need to be aware that these dollars, these applications, are coming open, and they're short windows because they gotta get the money out."

Franke draws particular attention to the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) funds, which are currently being distributed by various local organizations to Black, Latinx, and Indigenous business owners. These grants, as Franke points out, are "not just loan money," but rather "money to build your capacity, to buy equipment, to hire."

The application windows for these grants are often short, making it crucial for business owners to stay informed. Franke recommends joining mailing lists and attending information sessions hosted by organizations such as the Tacoma Urban League, United Way of Pierce County, and Seattle Urban League.

In addition to grants, Franke acknowledges the availability of loan options for businesses that may not qualify for grants or need additional financial support.

Franke's insights serve as a valuable reminder that while navigating the business funding landscape can be challenging, resources and opportunities are available. By staying informed and proactive, business owners can position themselves to secure the funding they need to thrive.

Make sure and visit https://www.bobewa.org/ for more resources and information.