Applications open for Equitable Access to Credit grant program

Opportunity Type: Request for Application (RFA) Important Dates: Question and answer period: March 17-April 10, 2026 Pre-proposal conference: March 25, 2026, 2:00-3:00 [see below to view a recording of the conference] Proposals due: April 28, 2026 at 5:00 PT Commerce is initiating this request for applications from qualified lending institutions to provide businesses in historically underserved communities with access to credit. The funding allows these organizations to offer technical assistance services, small business training, loans and investments to borrowers who might not be eligible for traditional bank loans. Considered “unbanked”, the Equitable Access to Credit Program’s qualifying loan recipients might not have bank accounts, might have poor credit or no credit at all. The program goal is to encourage investment in small, typically rural, and underserved businesses to boost community and economic development in Washington. Funding Commerce has about $4,356,000 available from the Equitable Access to Credit Program, and the grant awards typically range from about $50,000 to over $1M. Funding comes from a unique program offering businesses and individuals who pay state business and occupation tax (B&O) taxes the ability to contribute and receive tax credits. By making cash contributions equivalent to their B&O tax liability, participants can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit from the Department of Revenue (DOR). Once a business has reached its annual contributor limit of $1 million or the program has reached its annual cap of $8 million, the state will not accept further contributions for the year. As a special preference, a minimum of 65% of the value of all grants awarded in any calendar year must be allocated for native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) or grantees to provide services or invest, or both, in rural counties. Eligibility This competitive Request for Applications (RFA) is open to and public entities, as outlined in RCW 43.390.020 Timeline View a recording of the pre-proposal conference held on March 25, 2026, 2:00-3:00 Question and answer period : Closes April 10, 2026 Closing date: April 28, 2026 at 5:00 PT How to apply Applications will be accepted via the online application form through 5:00 PST, April 28, 2026. Questions Contact the RFA Coordinator, via email, [email protected] . Associated Files 2026 Equitable Access to Credit grant application SAMPLE (PDF) 2026 Equitable Access to Credit Grant Guidelines and Instructions (PDF) 2026 Equitable Access to Credit Request for Application SAMPLE (PDF) Equitable Access to Credit FAQs Contact Contact the RFA Coordinator, via email: [email protected]

Applications open for Equitable Access to Credit grant program – Washington State Department of Commerce.