Affinity Groups

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners rely on networking (formal or informal) to grow their business and navigate the ups and downs of business ownership. However, many traditional entrepreneurship support networks exclude people from marginalized backgrounds (women, people of color, people with disabilities, English language learners, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and others).

Affinity groups provide support and mentorship for entrepreneurs. Throughout Washington State, there are many affinity groups for diverse entrepreneurs. These groups have resources for mentoring, business growth, networking, and other social programming designed to support entrepreneurship. Some of these groups even award grants.

• African Chamber of Pacific NW

• Business Impact NW

• El Centro de la Raza

• Ethnic Chamber Coalition

• Filipino Chamber of Pacific NW

• Greater Seattle Business Association

• Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber

• Korean American Chamber, WA

• National Association of Minority Contractors - Washington Chapter

• Women in Construction – Chapter 143

• Women in Construction – Chapter 60

• Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council

• Puget Sound Latino Chamber

• Tabor 100

• Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (Tacoma)

• Washington Center for Women in Business

• Commission on Hispanic Affairs

• Astra Women’s Business Alliance

• Women’s Business Center – Seattle

• Women Business Owners

• Women’s Business Center – Spokane

• Women in Transportation – Puget Sound

• Yakima Hispanic Chamber