Seattle
Small Business Help Starts Here
Free coaching, credit building, and startup support for underrepresented Western Washington entrepreneurs.
About
The IRC Seattle Small Business Program provides free business support to immigrants, refugees, and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Seattle Metro Area.
We help clients navigate every stage of business development—from startup planning and licensing to credit building and friendly small business lending.
Our services are available in multiple languages and tailored to each client’s goals. Whether you’re launching your first venture or looking to grow, our team is here to support you with expert coaching, workshops, and connections to capital and community partners.
We proudly serve entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and often host programming tailored to specific interest groups, such as childcare businesses, the Afghan community, and sewing & craft businesses.
Business Startup Support
Business Licensing and Permitting
Business Planning
Collecting Info about Needs & Trends
Credit Education & Credit Building
One-on-one Coaching
Navigating Local Resources
Business Growth Support
Friendly Small Business Loans
Loan Readiness Coaching
Permits Navigating & Expansion Steps
Community Networking
Special Training Programs
Online Presence & Visibility
See if we can help
Meet The Team
Lauren Nicolas Card
Current Role: Senior Coordinator for Small Business
Started at the IRC: August 2021
Favorite part about my role (motto): Getting to celebrate all sorts of fun successes with our clients and getting to work with Aneel and Eugene.
Background: Started as one of the first two Microenterprise Small Business Counselors in the IRC Seattle office in the summer of 2021, built the Small Business Program from the ground up.
Education: B.A., International Relations
Country of Origin: United States
Aneel Ahmadzai
Current Role: Small Business Counselor
Started at the IRC: February 2024
Favorite part about my role (motto): Guiding others along the path I once walked helping them avoid the sharp turns I had to navigate alone.”
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
Education: Bachelor Degree in Business
Background: bring over 12 years experience in business management.
Languages Spoken: fluent in 4 Languages (English, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Hindi/Urdu
Eugene Melnyk
Current Role: Small Business Counselor
Started at the IRC: October 2024
Favorite part about my role (motto): Helping clients find the best solutions and celebrating their success
Education: Master’s degree in Business Economics
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Background: Started in 2024 as a Small Business Counselor at IRC, bring diverse experience starting from management to customer success, have 10+ years of Entrepreneurial experience,
Languages Spoken: English, Ukrainian, Russian
Meet Our Clients
Contact Information
Location: 1200 S 192nd St, SeaTac, WA 98148
Working hours: Mo – Fr: 9AM – 5PM
Contact Info: