Support for Local Business
There are several opportunities available to help support your business through new grants, training opportunities, government contracting, and other workforce related support.
GRANTS & ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Hospitality & Lodging Grants
There is new information on Washington Commerce’s website about the upcoming Hospitality & Lodging Grant program available. The application portal will open in March 2023. Click here to learn more.
STEP Program Export Assistance Grant
Businesses who export could receive $6,000 annually to pay for related expenses through the STEP Program Grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Interested applicants can apply for funds on an annual basis to pay for items such as fees to attend trade shows, ship demo products overseas, etc. Click here to learn more.
Small Business Flex Fund Loan Program
Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for a 4% low-interest loan of up to $150,000 to finance expansion and growth as well as recover from the pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown through the Washington State Department of Commerce Small Business Flex Fund thru March 1, 2023. Interested applicants can pre-apply here.
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds for Manufacturers
With the recent increases in interest rates, tax-exempt Industrial Development Revenue Bond Financing issued through the Economic Development Corporation of Pierce County could help manufacturers lower their cost of capital. Eligible costs may include the acquisition of land, new machinery and equipment, construction or renovation of a building, architectural design, engineering work and financing arrangements. Up to $10 million in bonds can be issued for projects with total capital investment of $2 million to $20 million. Click here to learn more.
Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer
Department of Defense announces the pre-release of the following SBIR and STTR funding opportunities for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer due on March 8, 2023. The instructions and topics for this funding opportunity is available on here. Washington PTAC can help you understand the process and prepare a proposal. Contact your local PTAC advisor to learn more.
City of Tacoma’s Small Business Restoration Grant
The City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department is accepting applications for Small Business Restoration thru February 2, 2023. Small Business Restoration Grants are designed to help eligible small businesses in Tacoma offset two types of costs related to 1) property damage repair (up to $3,000 for one occurrence of storefront damage occurring after January 1, 2022) and 2) market enhancement (up to $20,000 to complete or comply with permitting requirements to open – or keep open – a physical location OR to increase market share). For non-home-based businesses, examples of line items qualifying for coverage include grease interceptors, safety upgrades, ADA access, curbside seating, takeout windows, etc. Selection of awardees and grant amounts will be based on viability (owner experience), project readiness, and impact (community), with preference provided for low- and very low-equity opportunity areas. Market enhancements must be completed or underway, and eligibility verification paperwork with receipts or estimates submitted, no later than May 1, 2023. Click here to learn more.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WorkForce Central’s Reskill Upskill Grant
Pierce County Businesses can access up to $30,000 to cover the cost of employee training and development programs needed to retain a competitive workforce. This a 10, 25 or 50 percent reimbursement-based grant, depending on the size of your company. The fund also helps companies avert layoffs. Click here to learn more.
Customized Training Program with 50% B&O tax credit
Washington’s Customized Training Program (CTP) provides interest-free training loan assistance to businesses that provide employment opportunities in the state. CTP enhances the growth of Washington’s economy, increases employment opportunities, and adds to the state’s quality of life. Click here to learn more.
TRADE SHOWS, TRAINING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Alliance Northwest 2023 will be held in-person at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center on March 16, 2023. For over 30 years, Alliance Northwest has been one of the largest business-to-government events in the Northwest, featuring subject matter experts and opportunities to connect buyers and sellers in the public marketplace. Click here to learn more.
Pierce County Business Skills Program
9 FREE Non-credit Short Courses for Small Business Owners. The Pierce County Business Skills program offers busy small business owners and entrepreneurs a way to work on their business on their own time, at their own pace. FREE, on-demand business skills training is now available to help small businesses start, grow, and stay on track. Classes focus on the basics of how to succeed in business and quickly build skills to immediately put into practice. Sign up and start working on these key areas for business success: bookkeeping, tax reporting, business planning, business law, sales skills, marketing strategies, graphic design, web design, and intercultural communication. The Pierce County Business Skills Program’s free curriculum is developed in partnership with Pacific Lutheran University as part of the Pierce County Community Navigator program and is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Click here to sign up!
Wednesday Webinars with SBA’s Seattle District
Wednesday Webinars with SBA’s Seattle District – serving Washington state and northern Idaho – is an ongoing series of free, virtual webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners. Each week, they will be featuring a different area of SBA programing, led by SBA staff and guest speakers, to provide information and training on the following topics: Resource Partner Spotlight, SBA Loan Programs, Government Contracting, and Exporting. Click here to learn more.
If you have questions or would like to find out about other resources not currently listed, please contact Maddie Merton, Vice President of Business Retention & Expansion, Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County. She’s happy to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation.
Cell: 253-317-1903