Washington State Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender released the following statement after shares of Seattle biotech company Juno Therapeutics began trading on NASDAQ this morning. “Juno’s economic impact potential to our state is equal in significance to the company’s enormous life- saving potential of its technology. This historic IPO represents an opportunity for the state to lead the world in yet another industry. It has been incredibly helpful to have Governor Inslee personally…
Washington activities reach all 39 counties – more than any other U.S. state during worldwide celebration of startups and entrepreneurship Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed Nov. 17-23, 2014 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Washington. This third annual celebration of entrepreneurship and startups will feature more than 100 local education and networking events in all 39 counties – surpassing the reach of any other state program. More events take place year-round in Washington. Thousands of…
Clean energy expert joins Department of Commerce to serve as Gov. Jay Inslee’s liaison to state clean technology industry leaders Gov. Jay Inslee today welcomed Brian Young as the state’s new Sector Lead on clean energy technology. Washington State Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender today announced that Young will coordinate statewide economic development efforts for the state’s clean technology sector. Young brings a rich variety of industry experience to his new…
Initiative to be a model for streamlining regulations, boosting restaurant industry across the state SEATTLE, WA – Governor Jay Inslee, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and Mayor Ed Murray joined the Washington Restaurant Association and restaurant entrepreneurs today in Capitol Hill to announce the launch of Restaurant Success, a new initiative to provide better service and support for prospective restaurateurs. Washington restaurants employ more than 222,900 people statewide with more…
The Washington State Public Works Board announced their new FirstStop initiative, a collection of tools and services that helps communities identify available resources to move local public infrastructure projects forward. An online Resource Catalogue provides a first-stop referral system to financial, technical, and training resources provided by expert agencies, nonprofit organizations, associations and others. “Finding financing for infrastructure today is a challenging experience. With fewer resources available, small and medium sized communities are most directly affected.…
State funds support over $19 million in local match and private investment to target job creation in Clallam, Grant, Jefferson, Spokane, and Whatcom counties The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today approved $1.4 million in public investments, including a $500,000 low-interest loan to support the new AeroTEChangar at Port of Moses Lake where MRJ will conduct flight testing and certification beginning next year. Mitsubishi Regional Jet announced their choice of…
Department of Commerce adds an SBA Collateral Support Program to menu of credit assistance options available to businesses Olympia, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a new revolving loan fund that will help increase access to credit through the Washington Small Business Credit Initiative. Small businesses are a key engine of growth in our state economy, accounting for more than 40 percent of all private-sector jobs and over $200…
Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) leads public-private effort to enhance industry-driven training for small and medium-sized businesses OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a $100,000 Work Start grant to the not-for-profit Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS) to develop and coordinate an employer-driven plastics industry training program designed to bring more manufacturing to Washington State. Up to 100 workers will be trained, with half of those…
Funding supports essential planning to guide future rural community development. The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced nearly $400,000 in Community Development Block Grants to 17 rural cities and counties. The grants, ranging from $18,000 to $24,000, will fund crucial plans and feasibility studies for new or improved water and wastewater systems, community centers, food banks, and fire safety facilities across the state. “These grants will help communities collect and evaluate…
Gov. Jay Inslee announces new partnership that will provide aid to Hampton Lumber Mill in Darrington
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced that a new partnership between the Washington State Department of Commerce and United Way of Snohomish County is allowing $300,000 in grant funding to help Hampton Mill in Darrington continue operations while SR 530 is repaired. “We will continue to stand strong with this community through the hard work of recovery and rebuilding. Hampton Mill is the economic heartbeat of Darrington, and the truckers that…