Washington State Department of Commerce Lending Agency Grant

Geographic Scope: Washington State, with focus on Black, Latine, and Tribal communities

Purpose:
Fourth Plain Forward was awarded this grant to establish a new lending agency aimed at empowering Black, Latine, and Tribal communities by expanding their access to capital.

Initiative Goals:

• Address historical and current lending practice injustices that have disproportionately harmed these communities
• Promote intergenerational wealth within Black, Latine, and Tribal communities
• Provide culturally congruent lending services
• Support socio-economic autonomy and thriving neighborhoods
• Support equitable policy changes

Key Features:

• Builds on Fourth Plain Forward's extensive experience serving local businesses
• Incorporates best practices from Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), banks, and credit unions
• Plans to leverage AI and fintech tools to reduce financing costs for micro-enterprises
• Will work within regulatory frameworks

Contact Information:

• Fourth Plain Forward
• Phone: (360) 258-0817
• Email: info@fourthplainforward.org
• Address: 5107 E Fourth Plain Blvd, Suite 111, Vancouver, WA 98661