HIKE Capital

Capital shouldn't be a barrier.

For too long, women have been navigating a funding landscape not designed for them. HIKE Capital is changing that — building the pathways, partnerships, and resources to keep dollars local and get them into the hands of the women who need them most.

What HIKE Capital Is Building

Capital is the third pillar of the HIKE with Her ecosystem — and the most ambitious one.

Launching in 2027, HIKE Capital is designed to be a comprehensive funding infrastructure for women across the Inland Northwest. Not just a list of resources. Not a referral to someone else's program. Actual capital pathways, built with and for this community.

Here is what we are building toward:

A community-funded grant program

HIKE-administered grants funded directly by the community — 50% of all HIKE membership revenue above infrastructure costs flows into HIKE Capital. The more the community grows, the more the fund grows.

Scholarships and education funding

Dedicated scholarships for women pursuing education, professional development, and skill-building — so cost is never the reason someone stays stuck.

Loan navigation and access

Not everyone qualifies for a traditional bank loan. HIKE Capital will partner with CDFIs, community lenders, and mission-aligned financial institutions to help women access the capital they need — with guidance through the process.

Angel investing — local dollars, local impact

HIKE is building toward an in-house angel investing function dedicated to women-owned businesses in the Inland Northwest. The goal is simple: ensure dedicated dollars from local investors go to women-owned companies, and keep that capital circulating in this community.

Crowdfunding infrastructure

Not every platform is built for the businesses women run. HIKE Capital will explore crowdfunding tools that don't eat your raise in fees and that connect women-owned businesses to a community already invested in their success.

Funding navigation

Understanding what exists, what you qualify for, and how to apply is a full-time job on its own. HIKE Capital will provide navigation support — cutting through the complexity so women can access what's already available without spending months figuring out where to start.

Why This Matters

Women reinvest up to 90% of their income back into their families and communities.

Men reinvest 30–40%.

If we want a resilient Inland Northwest — one that can withstand economic disruption, support its workforce, and grow in a way that benefits everyone — investing in women is not a social good. It is an economic strategy.

And yet the data tells a different story about access. Women-owned businesses receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital, angel investment, and small business lending. The infrastructure that moves capital to women is fragmented, underfunded, and often inaccessible to the women who need it most.

HIKE Capital exists to change that. Starting here. Starting now. Keeping dollars local.

Ways to Help Build HIKE Capital

Three ways to get there faster

50% of all HIKE membership revenue above infrastructure costs flows directly into the HIKE Capital fund.

Get Listed

Trailblazer sponsorship includes a substantial contribution to HIKE Capital and recognition as an investor in women's economic infrastructure.

Become a sponsor

No membership required. Any amount helps build the fund.

Contribute directly

Local, State, Federal Funding

Capital Resources Available Now

While we build, here is a curated guide to the funding resources currently available to women in Spokane and the Inland Northwest.

Local

SNAP Financial Access

Spokane's community development lender — offering microloans and small business loans to low-income and underserved borrowers across the region. SNAP's $37 million budget supports local lending needs without interruption. Loan sizes range from small microloans to $20,000+ business loans. SNAP has offices in west Spokane, East Central, Northeast Spokane, downtown, and Spokane Valley. snapwa.org

SIMBA — Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance

Beyond networking and advocacy, SIMBA provides direct business support, including contract reviews, tax assistance, and connections to funding resources for independent local businesses. spokaneindependent.org

Ignite Northwest

Spokane's startup accelerator and funding organization. Ignite's Technology and Emerging Growth Loan Funds provide non-dilutive debt financing ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for startups and emerging companies. Manages the Spokane Angel Alliance — the largest angel investor group in Eastern Washington, with over 100 members who have invested $87+ million in 84 startups in the Spokane region. ignitenorthwest.com

Business Impact NW (BINW)

A nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Offers small business loans from $5,000 to $750,000 and commercial real estate loans up to $1.5 million. More flexible lending guidelines than traditional banks — specifically designed to serve underbanked entrepreneurs, including women and minority-owned businesses. Also offers free business coaching and classes. businessimpactnw.org

Spokane Angel Alliance (SAA)

The largest and most active angel investor group focused on Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Over 100 individual and institutional members. Meets five times per year to review investment presentations. In 2025, SAA-connected companies raised $26.4 million. If you have a startup ready for investor conversations, this is the room. spokaneangelalliance.com

State

OMWBE — Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises

The most important certification a women-owned business in Washington can have. OMWBE certification opens doors to state and local government contracts and enrolls you in the Linked Deposit Program — which reduces interest rates by up to 2% on qualifying business loans (up to $1 million per loan, $5 million lifetime maximum). Certification fees have been periodically waived — check current status at omwbe.wa.gov.

OMWBE Linked Deposit Program

For OMWBE-certified businesses — a state program that reduces interest rates by up to 2% on qualifying commercial loans through participating lenders. Not a loan itself, but a meaningful cost reduction on financing you already have or are pursuing. omwbe.wa.gov/small-business-assistance/linked-deposit-program

Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Free one-on-one advising for entrepreneurs and small business owners — including guidance on accessing capital, understanding financing options, and preparing for loans. Hosted through WSU with advisors across the region. wsbdc.org

Washington Women's Business Center (WWBC) — Business Impact NW

A federally funded Women's Business Center offering business coaching, training, workshops, and access to capital for women entrepreneurs across Washington. Part of the national network of SBA-funded Women's Business Centers. businessimpactnw.org/washington-womens-business-center

Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB)

Statewide resource providing training, mentoring, business development support, and financing opportunities specifically for women entrepreneurs in Washington State. wcwb.org

Rural Opportunity Loan Fund — Washington State

For businesses in Eastern Washington including Spokane County — loans for businesses that wouldn't otherwise qualify for a traditional bank loan. Available for starting or expanding an operation. business.wa.gov

Nationwide

SBA — U.S. Small Business Administration

The SBA offers multiple programs relevant to women-owned businesses including 7(a) loans, microloans, and the 8(a) Business Development program. Women-owned small businesses certified through the WOSB Federal Contract Program gain access to federal contracting set-asides. Washington State has received $163.4 million through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to expand capital access. sba.gov

Amber Grant — WomensNet

A national monthly grant program specifically for women business owners. Three $10,000 grants awarded monthly. All monthly winners become eligible for three $50,000 year-end grants. Two-question application. Has awarded grants to women in Washington State since 1998. ambergrantsforwomen.com

GrantWatch — Washington Women's Grants

A searchable database of active grants for women entrepreneurs in Washington State — updated regularly with local, state, and federal opportunities. washington.grantwatch.com/cat/39/women-grants.html