Office will focus on community gun violence disproportionately impacting communities of color Shalisa Hayes is a mother with a mission. In August 2011, she experienced the deepest pain a mother could feel — the loss of her young son who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Billy Ray Shirley III was 17 years old. He was shot and killed leaving a party in Tacoma, WA. For Hayes,…
Author Archives: Penny Thomas
Newest grant round focuses on brick-and-mortar businesses most directly impacted by COVID-19 public health measures The Washington State Department of Commerce will open applications for Working Washington Grants: Round 4 on March 29. Business owners can find information about the program and a link to the application portal at commercegrants.com. This is the fourth round of the Working Washington grant program. Legislators approved $240 million for the current round as…
As we’ve seen throughout this historic economic downturn, some industries and communities continue to experience the impact of the pandemic very differently. Some impacts are clear as public health measures have required prolonged closures or curtailment of restaurants, bars, gyms and gathering places. Others are less obvious, but no less challenging. As we learn, work and spend more time at home, businesses that remain open and fully operational are also…
Washington Maritime Blue receives $600K Industry Challenge Grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration; state partners will match to create $1.2 million investment in state’s blue economy SEATTLE, WA – Washington Maritime Blue, a non-profit, strategic alliance formed to accelerate innovation and sustainability in the maritime and ocean industries, has been awarded a $600,000 “Build to Scale” Industry Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in cooperation with the…
I am proud of the way our Commerce team is embracing the immense challenges of COVID-19. The pandemic forced our staff into a new world of remote work, but each team member prioritized their work, and we continue to advance important projects that are strengthening communities throughout the state because of their dedication to helping others. For example, in our Housing Finance Unit, the pandemic hit at a time when…
Stakeholder roundtable and broadband construction application workshop scheduled OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Public Works Board is hosting two broadband infrastructure webinars in June: Stakeholder Roundtable, June 17, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. This online meeting provides an update on development of the Public Works Board broadband program. The Zoom webinar will engage stakeholders and partners in an open discussion about completed work, where the program is headed, and current stakeholder efforts…
Othello, Stevenson and Cowlitz County will use grant funds to develop housing action plans and adopt municipal code changes to make it easier for rural residents to find housing they can afford. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded growth management grants of $25,000 each to Othello, Stevenson and Cowlitz County to help the communities address housing affordability. “These grants support and strengthen communities in their…
Commerce announces Small Business Resiliency Assistance program focused on disadvantaged communities
State collaboration with ethnic commissions to provide locally based, culturally connected business coaching and translation services for small businesses OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced a new partnership with organizations that serve cultural and historically disadvantaged businesses and communities across the state. The Small Business Resiliency Assistance program will provide technical assistance to small business owners affected by the COVID pandemic. Find the list of participating…
STORY UPDATED May 21, 2020: Additional $5 million in grants approved today, bringing total state emergency assistance to tribes to $10 million. For more information, visit this page. Tribal communities across the state will have access to funding to help address increased demand and costs associated with COVID-19 response. OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced $5 million in emergency grants is now available to the 29…
Regionalism is one of the top themes framing the work of Commerce’s team this year. Washington state is diverse in many ways, from our economy and environment to our history and culture. Diversity is one of our state’s greatest strengths, and it also poses some big challenges. The unique attributes and aspirations of Washington’s cities, towns and Tribal nations vary greatly, requiring much more than a one-size-fits-all approach to our…