Women's Resources in Spokane — The Complete Guide
One of the most consistent conversations Stephanie High has had over two years of building HIKE with Her is this one: a woman sits across from her at a coffee table and says, "I didn't even know that existed."
Not because the resources aren't there. Spokane has a remarkable density of organizations, nonprofits, programs, and professional networks serving women across every dimension of life — business, safety, health, housing, education, and community. The problem has never been a shortage of resources. The problem has been visibility.
This guide exists to change that.
What follows is a comprehensive, categorized directory of women's resources in Spokane and the Inland Northwest — from business development to domestic violence support, from professional networking to mental health services. It is organized so you can find what you need quickly, share it with someone who needs it, and come back to it as your situation changes.
A note on accuracy: Organizations change their hours, staff, programs, and contact information. We have verified all information in this guide as of May 2026, but we encourage you to confirm current details directly with each organization before visiting or calling. If you know of a resource that should be on this list, email us at [email protected].
Business Development & Entrepreneurship
Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
What it is: A statewide network of expert business advisors providing one-on-one, confidential, no-cost advising for entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage. Services include business planning, financial analysis, market research, and growth strategy.
Spokane location: Hosted through Washington State University and co-located with community partners across the region.
Cost: Free advising. Low or no-cost workshops.
Website: wsbdc.org
Best for: Women starting, growing, or buying/selling a business who want professional guidance without the consulting fees.
Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB)
What it is: A statewide resource providing training, mentoring, business development support, and financing opportunities specifically for women entrepreneurs in Washington State.
Cost: Varies by program; many resources are free or low-cost.
Website: wcwb.org
Best for: Women business owners seeking targeted support, mentorship, and access to capital.
Washington Women's Business Center (WWBC) — Business Impact NW
What it is: A federally funded Women's Business Center offering business coaching, training, workshops, and networking for small business owners across Washington, with a focus on underserved entrepreneurs.
Cost: Free and low-cost services.
Website: businessimpactnw.org/washington-womens-business-center
Best for: Women entrepreneurs seeking accessible, practical business support — especially those from underrepresented communities.
SCORE Spokane
What it is: A national nonprofit offering free mentorship from experienced business professionals and executives. SCORE volunteers provide one-on-one coaching, workshops, and online resources for small business owners at any stage.
Cost: Free mentoring. Low-cost workshops.
Website: spokane.score.org
Best for: Women who want a mentor — someone who has built a business and can help them navigate the same terrain.
Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
What it is: A Washington State agency that certifies minority and women-owned businesses for participation in state and local government contracts. Certification opens doors to public procurement opportunities, a state directory of certified firms accessed by government agencies and prime contractors, and the Linked Deposit Program which can reduce loan interest rates by up to 2%.
Cost: Certification fees have been waived for qualifying businesses — check current status at omwbe.wa.gov.
Website: omwbe.wa.gov
Best for: Women business owners who want to compete for government contracts or access procurement networks. Particularly relevant for businesses in construction, professional services, technology, and supply chain.
Note: The Women's Business Center previously hosted by SNAP in Spokane has closed its local office. OMWBE and the statewide WCWB and WWBC listed above are the current primary resources for women's business development in the region.
Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI)
What it is: Spokane's regional business development organization and Chamber of Commerce. GSI offers business resources, economic development programming, government contracting support, advocacy, and regional networking including an annual Women in Leadership event produced in partnership with the Spokane Journal of Business.
Website: greaterspokane.org
Best for: Women in business who want connection to the broader regional business community, government contracting resources, and advocacy on economic issues affecting Spokane.
Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce
What it is: The primary business organization serving the Spokane Valley community — offering networking events, business resources, advocacy, and community programming.
Website: spokanevalleychamber.org
Best for: Women-owned businesses in the Spokane Valley corridor looking for local business community connection.
StartUp Spokane
What it is: A regional initiative supporting entrepreneurs and startups across the Inland Northwest — connecting founders to mentors, investors, resources, and community through events, programs, and a growing ecosystem.
Website: startupspokane.com
Best for: Women founders in the early stages of building a company, particularly in tech, innovation, or growth industries.
SIMBA — Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance
What it is: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating an environment for local, independently-owned businesses and nonprofits in Spokane and Eastern Washington to thrive through organizing, education, direct support, and advocacy. SIMBA offers no-cost or low-cost services including business license assistance, quarterly state tax help, contract reviews, one-on-one consulting, workshops, and member networking events. Their flagship program is the Live Local INW marketplace. Founded in 2017.
Address: 25 W. Main Ave., Suite C1, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: 509-228-2842
Website: spokaneindependent.org
Instagram: @spokaneindependent
Best for: Women who own or operate an independent local business and want hands-on support, community, advocacy, and access to a values-aligned business network. SIMBA is particularly strong for small and micro-businesses that need practical operational help without the consulting fees.
Washington State Women's Commission (WSWC)
What it is: A state government body that promotes policies and programs improving the lives of women across Washington. Produces research, advocacy, and tools — including a salary negotiation guide for women navigating pay equity conversations in the workplace.
Website: wswc.wa.gov
Best for: Women who want to understand the policy landscape affecting women's work and wages in Washington State — and get practical tools for navigating it.
Safety, Crisis & Domestic Violence Support
YWCA Spokane
What it is: One of Spokane's most comprehensive women's service organizations, serving 15,000–20,000 women and children annually. Programs include a 24-hour domestic violence helpline and safe shelter, safety planning, mental health therapy, legal advocacy, civil legal assistance, financial education, job training, early childhood education (ECEAP), and housing support.
24-Hour DV Helpline: 509-326-2255
Spokane Text Line: 509-220-3725
Website: ywcaspokane.org
Best for: Women experiencing or fleeing domestic violence, women needing safe shelter, women seeking employment and skill-building resources, and families needing early childhood education support.
Transitions — Women's Hearth
What it is: A day center for women operated by Transitions Spokane — open to any woman, providing a safe space during the day, support groups, art activities, access to computers and online services for housing and job searches, and referrals for housing and mental health services. Transitions also provides transitional housing for women fleeing domestic violence.
Hours: Monday 9am–1:30pm, Tuesday–Friday 9am–3:30pm (closed weekends)
Website: transitionsspokane.org/womens-hearth
Best for: Women who need a warm, safe daytime space, peer community, and access to social services navigation.
Mujeres in Action
What it is: A culturally responsive organization supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Inland Northwest — with a specific focus on serving Latinx and Spanish-speaking communities. Services include counseling, advocacy, housing support, and emergency shelter.
Website: Search "Mujeres in Action Spokane" for current contact information.
Best for: Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who need culturally competent, Spanish-language services.
Spokane Regional Health District — Domestic Violence Resources
What it is: A comprehensive list of domestic violence resources across Spokane County, including 24/7 crisis lines, local shelters, and LGBTQ+-specific resources.
24-Hour Crisis Line: 509-326-2255
Website: covid.srhd.org/topics/domestic-violence-resources
Best for: Anyone needing a starting point for domestic violence resources — including friends and family members supporting a survivor.
Philanthropy & Community Giving
Women Helping Women Fund (WHWF)
What it is: A Spokane-based collective giving nonprofit that pools donations and awards grants to organizations serving women and children in Spokane County. Since 1992, WHWF has awarded more than $7 million to local nonprofits across impact areas including education, financial stability, domestic violence, food and nutrition, housing, mental health, and diversity and inclusion. Also produces the annual State of Women and Children report — an important data resource for the region. Annual revenue reached $1.2 million in 2024.
Website: whwfspokane.org
Best for: Women who want to give strategically — pooling resources with other givers to maximize community impact. Also relevant for nonprofits seeking grant funding.
Board member featured in HIKE: Geneva Johns, Executive Director of Women Helping Women Fund, serves on the HIKE with Her 2026 Advisory Board.
Washington Women's Foundation (WaWF)
What it is: A statewide collective giving organization focused on racial and gender equity in Washington State — making unrestricted grants to nonprofits, fiscally sponsored organizations, and individuals. Membership-based; members participate in grantmaking decisions.
Website: wawomensfdn.org
Best for: Women across Washington who want to participate in strategic, equity-focused philanthropy at the state level.
Mental Health & Wellness
NAMI Spokane (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
What it is: The local chapter of the national mental health advocacy organization — offering education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals living with mental illness and their families.
Website: Search "NAMI Spokane" for current programs and contact information.
Best for: Women navigating mental health challenges personally or supporting a family member — seeking community, education, and resources.
YWCA Spokane — Counseling Center
What it is: Mental health services specifically for survivors of intimate partner violence and their children. Offers individual therapy, safety planning, emotional support, and connections to resources in a trauma-informed environment.
24-Hour Helpline: 509-326-2255
Website: ywcaspokane.org
Best for: Survivors of domestic violence seeking therapy and mental health support in a safe, confidential environment.
Education & Workforce Development
YWCA Spokane — Women's Opportunity Center
What it is: Job training, mentorship, skill-building, and employment support for women — focused on economic advancement and self-sufficiency.
Website: ywcaspokane.org]
Best for: Women re-entering the workforce, building new skills, or seeking employment support.
ECEAP — Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (via YWCA Spokane)
What it is: Washington State's free comprehensive preschool program for children ages 3–4 from families at or below 110% of the Federal Poverty Level. Provides kindergarten readiness education, health and nutrition services, family support, and parent education.
Cost: Free for qualifying families.
Website: ywcaspokane.org
Best for: Families with young children who need quality early childhood education and family support services.
Vivian Winston Scholarship — Women Helping Women Fund
What it is: A scholarship program administered by Women Helping Women Fund that awards funds to assist mothers attending local institutions of higher education with tuition and childcare costs.
Website: whwfspokane.org
Best for: Mothers pursuing higher education in Spokane who need financial support for tuition and childcare.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award
What it is: A monetary award for women who are head-of-household returning to school to improve their employment opportunities. Administered locally by Soroptimist International of Spokane.
Website: soroptimistspokane.org
Best for: Women who are the primary financial support for their families and are pursuing education to improve their economic situation.
Housing & Financial Assistance
YWCA Spokane — Housing Services
What it is: Housing advocacy, resource navigation, and financial assistance for survivors of intimate partner domestic violence. Includes safe shelter, housing search support, landlord navigation, and financial assistance for moving costs and deposits (subject to available funds and income eligibility).
Income eligibility: Households at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for their family size.
24-Hour Helpline: 509-326-2255
Website: ywcaspokane.org/service/intimate-partner-domestic-violence/housing
Best for: Survivors of domestic violence who need emergency or transitional housing, financial assistance, or help navigating housing systems.
Transitions Spokane — Transitional Housing
What it is: Transitional housing specifically for women fleeing domestic violence, in partnership with YWCA Spokane and Lutheran Community Services NW.
Website: transitionsspokane.org
Best for: Women who have left an abusive situation and need transitional housing while rebuilding stability.
Second Harvest — Food Bank & Nutrition Programs
What it is: The region's largest food bank network, operating the Spokane Hunger Solution Center and a network of mini pantries across the Inland Northwest. Food bank service is Monday–Friday, 9am–3pm. No appointment necessary.
Address: 1234 East Front Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: 509-927-1153
Website: secondharvest.org
Best for: Women and families experiencing food insecurity — including those in the middle of crisis or transition.
State & Government Resources
Washington State Women's Commission
What it is: State-level advocacy and research on issues affecting women in Washington — including workplace equity, pay gap data, and policy recommendations. Publishes practical tools including a salary negotiation guide.
Website: wswc.wa.gov
OMWBE — Linked Deposit Program
What it is: For OMWBE-certified minority and women-owned businesses — a program that can reduce interest rates by up to 2% on qualifying loans through participating lenders.
Website: omwbe.wa.gov
Best for: Certified women-owned businesses seeking more affordable financing.
Know a Resource That Should Be Here?
This list is a living document. Spokane's nonprofit and community landscape is rich and constantly evolving. If you know of an organization, program, or resource that serves women in Spokane or the Inland Northwest and should be on this list, email us at [email protected]
And if you represent an organization that works with women in this region — get listed in the HIKE Directory at hikedirectory.com. It's free to start and puts your organization in front of the women who need what you offer.
