Commerce is now accepting applications for grants that support accelerating manufacturing job growth and economic opportunities across the state, with a focus on rural communities. These project investments help generate significant direct manufacturing and R&D jobs, spur technological advances and/or support workforce development, as well as strategically align with the state’s key industries.
Funding
There is $1 million available for individual awards of $100,000 – $200,000, made possible by the Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing (BEST) Act passed by the Washington Legislature in 2021 to provide a framework for increasing manufacturing jobs.
Eligibility
This competitive Request for Applications (RFA) is open to individual businesses and industrial innovation cluster organizations (also referred to as “innovation clusters” or “clusters”). Grants to support specific business expansion projects will be awarded to proposals submitted by local economic development groups, referred to as state Associate Development Organizations (ADOs). The nonprofit ADOs will administer the state funds for these projects.
- Projects will be evaluated on the likelihood requested funding supports the growth of manufacturing jobs, research and development jobs, and regional cluster acceleration strategies.
- Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate the availability of capital investment or matching funds to support a significant business expansion or proposed cutting-edge development work.
Grants to support specific business expansion projects will be awarded to proposals submitted by local economic development groups, referred to as state Associate Development Organizations (ADOs).
- Businesses submit applications with the designated Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) in the county where the business is located and/or will grow its presence. Commerce will only review business applications approved and submitted by local ADOs.
- Organizations that apply as a “cluster” must meet Commerce’s approved definition of the term, which is included in the Program Guidelines. Eligible entities may include non-profit organizations, community colleges, non-profit business incubators and accelerators, consortiums, and technical colleges that actively collaborate with private sector partners to strengthen workforce development and support manufacturing job growth.
- Tribal businesses and cluster organizations representing manufacturing business or manufacturing clusters are strongly encouraged to apply.
Timeline
- Issue request for applications: April 2, 2026
- Question and answer period: April 2-April 16, 2026
- Attend the pre-proposal conference on April 14, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. This virtual meeting is not mandatory and is open to all who wish to join.
- Meeting ID: 217 859 618 745 20
- Passcode: oh7qd2Ls
- Proposals due: May 14, 2026, 4:00 p.m..
How to apply
Local businesses: Submit your application via the Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) in the county where the business is located and/or will grow its presence. Commerce will only review business applications approved and submitted by local ADOs.
Cluster organizations and tribal businesses: Applications will be accepted via the online application form.
Find your economic development representative
Visit the commerce website to view the Associate Development Organization (ADO) in your county. Be sure to work with the ADO in the region where the proposed business growth will occur. Applications submitted by regions not connected to the proposed business growth will not be considered.
Important links
- Remember, cluster organizations and tribal businesses apply via the online application form
- Downloadable Request for Application (RFA) document (PDF)
- NOTE: This document includes program guidelines, business and cluster track application forms and additional mandatory exhibits
- Downloadable Exhibit A – Certifications and Assurances (PDF)
- Downloadable business track application form Exhibit B (PDF)
- Downloadable cluster and workforce track application form Exhibit B (PDF)
- Downloadable Exhibit C – Diverse Business Inclusion Plan (PDF)
- Downloadable Exhibit D – Workers’ Rights Certification (PDF)