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Washington CASH is the only microcredit program in the state using the proven peer lending model. The cornerstone of the Washington CASH experience, peer lending allows participating entrepreneurs the ultimate decision-making power regarding the readiness of their loan group members to receive funding. This peer accountability reinforces our client's obligations to grow their businesses and keep loan payments current, and also encourages members to support and learn from each other. Since other group members cannot apply for new loans unless all loans within the group are up to date, members must motivate and empower each other, thus ensuring the success of both the individuals as well as the group. Since 1995, 1,280 low-income people have completed Washington CASH's business training courses, 623 businesses have been started or expanded, and 295 loans have been made, totaling more than $624,000. In 2005 alone, 336 clients benefited from our free business development training in three counties, 1,822 received free business consultations, and 23 took out business loans totaling more than $48,000.