New small business grants increase equity & prosperity

When small businesses prosper, so does our community. We want our community in North Central Washington to know that there are new business investment grants available through the Washington State Department of Commerce, with priority granted to businesses that are owned and operated by individuals who are Black, Latino, or Indigenous. SkillSource aims to connect small businesses in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Adams, and Okanogan counties with these new funding opportunities in order to help businesses grow and thrive.   

Business investment grants have already begun distribution in other parts of Washington. A commercial baker in Tacoma was able to add an industrial oven to increase their output and bring in more revenue. Another business purchased a new air compressor, which will allow the owner to hire three additional employees and expand his business. Funds from these grants can be used in any number of ways to help a business scale and become more sustainable. This includes capacity building and growth (renovating space, purchasing equipment or software), sustainability efforts (environmental, financial, social impact), hiring more employees, employee retention, and staff training. 

Applicants may apply for up to $15,000, with average awards anticipated to be between $5,000 and $10,000. We are incredibly excited at SkillSource to help North Central Washington small business owners apply for these grants so they can realize a new level of success. Applications will open in July and will be available on the SkillSource website. Our business services staff is available to offer free assistance for determining employer eligibility and completing the application process. 

Our mission at SkillSource is to build a more equitable workforce and guide people toward sustainability and success through career and training services. With the Community Reinvestment Initiative and the Small Business Investment Grants, SkillSource is able to offer additional support beyond our usual pathways. 

The small business investment grants are a part of the Community Reinvestment Initiative through the Washington State Department of Commerce. The overarching goal is to ensure that historically marginalized communities gain equitable access to resources, which promotes broader community development and economic resilience. Specifically, the focus of this initiative is to address the disproportionate impacts on certain communities associated with the “War on Drugs.” Local business is the lifeblood of our neighborhoods and communities. These new investment grants will have a positive impact right here at home, strengthening businesses, increasing economic viability, and paving the way for a new era of generational prosperity in North Central Washington.

Find more information and the application for the small business investment grants on the SkillSource website: www.skillsource.org/small-business-investment-grants. Or give us a call, (509) 663-3091.   

About: SkillSource is a nonprofit agency that provides leadership, administration and oversight for programs devoted to the development of a skilled workforce in the North Central Workforce Development Area. We provide direct services in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Adams counties, and contract services in Okanogan County. These efforts are overseen by the SkillSource Regional Workforce Board, which is made up of local community and business leaders.