Resources for Founders

Resources for Diverse Founders

Seattle’s startup ecosystem includes programs specifically designed to support underrepresented founders. These resources provide mentorship, funding, and community tailored to your unique journey.

BIPOC Founders

Programs supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color entrepreneurs in Greater Seattle.

Key Resources:

• SEA619 - Seattle’s premier accelerator for Black founders (October 2025 cohort)
• Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle - Business directory and technical assistance
• Tacoma Urban League - Coaching, workshops, credit support for Pierce County
• Rainier Valley Community Development Fund - Micro to commercial loans for SE Seattle
• Founders First CDC - Cohort programs for diverse founders
• Business Impact NW - Microloans and support for underserved entrepreneurs

Certifications:

• OMWBE Certification - State certification for minority-owned businesses
• King County Equity Now - BIPOC business programs

Women Founders

Resources dedicated to women entrepreneurs across all five counties.

Key Resources:

• WA Center for Women in Business - Free coaching, Let’s Talk Business webinars
• Founders First CDC - Women founder cohort programs
• UW Women of Innovation - Mentoring for women in the UW community
• SCORE Women’s Pitch Contest - Annual competition with coaching and prizes
• Economic Alliance Snohomish County - Women business owner support

Networks:

• Women Who Startup Seattle
• Women in Cloud Seattle
• Female Founders Alliance (Seattle chapter)

Veteran Founders

Programs honoring military service with business support.

Key Resources:

• Washington DVA Veteran Business - State certification and resources
• EDB for Tacoma-Pierce County - Veteran business support programs
• Economic Alliance Snohomish County - Veteran entrepreneur assistance
• Enterprise for Equity - Microloans prioritizing veterans
• Bunker Labs Seattle - Veteran entrepreneur network (monthly events)

Federal Programs:

• SBA Seattle District - 8(a), HUBZone certifications
• Washington APEX Accelerator - Government contracting support

LGBTQ+ Founders

Supporting the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial community.

Key Resources:

• Pride Foundation - Small grants for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs
• GSBA (Greater Seattle Business Association) - LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce
• StartOut Seattle - LGBTQ+ founder networking and resources

Inclusive Programs: Many accelerators and mentorship programs actively welcome LGBTQ+ founders:

• WTIA Founder Cohort
• Founders Network Seattle
• TiE Seattle

Immigrant & Refugee Founders

Resources for New Americans building businesses.

Key Resources:

• Craft3 - Lending prioritizing immigrant entrepreneurs
• Business Impact NW - Culturally competent business support
• SCORE Seattle - Multilingual mentoring available
• Ventures - Microloans and training for low-income entrepreneurs

Language Support:

• Many SBDC locations offer Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese counseling
• Seattle Public Library L2B program - Multilingual resources

Find Resources by County

Each county has local programs supporting diverse founders:

• King County - Seattle, Bellevue, Eastside
• Snohomish County - Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville
• Pierce County - Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup
• Kitsap County - Bremerton, Silverdale, Bainbridge
• Thurston County - Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater

Submit a Resource

Know a program we’re missing? Submit a resource to help fellow founders.