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:
- House Democrats advance $18B in tax hike proposals as session winds down
House Democrats in Washington advanced several tax hike proposals as the legislative session nears its end, aiming to address a major budget shortfall. - Republican budget leaders see showdown ahead as Senate Democrats approve trio of major tax increasesSenate Democrats in Washington have approved major tax increases, prompting Republican budget leaders to warn of a growing showdown ahead.
- Representatives from the 18th and 20th Legislative Districts to hold joint town hall on May 3
Lawmakers from the 18th and 20th Legislative Districts will host a joint town hall on May 3 at Battle Ground City Hall to review the legislative session and hear from residents. - Expect delays on northbound I-5 near Ridgefield through May 9Northbound I-5 travelers near Ridgefield should expect delays through May 9 as crews work on improvements at the Exit 14 off-ramp to support future development.
- Brandon Erickson announces candidacy for Clark County Charter Review CommissionBrandon Erickson has announced his candidacy for the Clark County Charter Review Commission, seeking Position 1 in District 2.
- Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigating a reported burglary that led to apparent suicideThe Clark County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported burglary in Vancouver that ended with the apparent suicide of Charles Gardiner, interim chief of the Cowlitz Tribal Public Safety Department.
- POLL: Why did voters reject all three tax proposals in the April 22 special election?Clark County voters rejected all three tax measures on the April 22 special election ballot, prompting questions about trust, affordability, and communication.
