Grants from $34.5-million Small Business Innovation Fund will support special programs to spur small business recovery, startup and growth
OLYMPIA, WA – Non-profit organizations with a history of assisting Washington state small businesses are invited to apply for grants up to $5 million each from the new Small Business Innovation Fund. The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking to fund proposals that will offer community-based programs and services tailored for the specific needs of BIPOC entrepreneurs, women-owned small businesses, and businesses located in underserved, low-income and rural areas.
The deadline to submit proposals to Commerce is Sept. 2, 2022. Download the RFP (Word)
“Small businesses are central to the vitality and character of our communities,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “Through the Small Business Innovation Fund, we aim to support trusted organizations that have unique knowledge and skills needed to serve business owners who have traditionally encountered obstacles in finding and accessing the services and resources they need to thrive.”
Organizations will be eligible for grants between $500,000 and $5 million through a competitive award process. A total of $34.5 million in federal funds is available through the Small Business Innovation Fund. Eligible organizations must be licensed to do business in Washington state and be registered with the Office of the Secretary of State as a non-profit.
Eligible uses of the awards include:
- Funding small business incubator and accelerator programs
- Local procurement initiatives
- Small business competitiveness programs focused on hiring and retention
- Improvements and repairs to physical workspaces in response to public health requirements or acts of vandalism
- Projects that increase the aptitude of small business to succeed and thrive
The Washington State Legislature established targets for distribution of the funds, with one-third allocated to each King County, all other urban centers, and rural communities. More information on the Small Business Innovation Fund is on Commerce’s website.
Also read:
- POLL: How would you rate the accessibility of Vancouver city officials for addressing community concerns?
How accessible are Vancouver city officials to community concerns? - Budget leader says funding for programs and services is safe, concern is demand for billions in new spending
Sen. Lynda Wilson highlights safe funding for services despite looming demands for billions in new spending. - After evading repeal, will Washington expand its capital gains tax to lower incomes?One member of a prominent Washington think tank suspects lawmakers are considering modifying the capital gains tax to generate more revenue for state coffers Brett DavisThe Center Square Washington A general income tax in Washington state appears to be off the table for now, even as voters retained the state’s capital gains tax by failing …
- Opinion: New audit offers another reason lawmakers should leave the state’s paid-leave program behindElizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, highlighting audit findings of double-dipping and program inefficiencies.
- Opinion: WA turns redder, despite faulty media reports that said otherwiseWAGOP highlights gains in Washington’s November 2024 election, challenging claims the state turned “bluer.”
- Vancouver City Council to host community forum on Nov. 25Vancouver City Council invites community members to share questions and ideas at a public forum on Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools.
- Vancouver Public Schools to run Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February ballotVancouver Public Schools Board approves a Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy for the February 2025 ballot to support long-term needs.
