State is top performer with $136 million in sales attributed to State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program since inception The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Washington State Department of Commerce a third year of federal funding to help state small businesses grow through exporting. The $494,200 grant, part of the SBA’s State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program, is the second largest state award from a total…
James Jaime, David Rhoden, Daniel J. Seydel, Richard Bogert and Nicole Grant to serve on state board promoting jobs, economic development OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender today announced the appointment of Steven Anderson to chair the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). Anderson, who has been CERB vice chair since September 2013, has served on the board since 2009 and currently represents small business for the area east of the…
State Brownfields fund to help Tacoma develop final three parcels for sale. OLYMPIA, WA –Finishing development of Tacoma’s Thea-Foss Waterway received a boost with a $90,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The funding will enable Tacoma to prepare most of the remaining parcels for sale. The Thea-Foss Waterway Development Authority District consists of 17 parcels, covering 30 acres of waterfront property. These properties have been used for plywood…
Recommendations set stage for economic development through investment in critical infrastructure. The Washington State Public Works Board today unanimously voted to move 51 projects forward for funding consideration by Gov. Inslee and the state Legislature. Target results for these projects focus on a cleaner Puget Sound, energy savings, and improved traffic flow to help bolster economic growth and job creation throughout our state. The Board also recommended a reduced interest…
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…
The Washington State Building Code Council unanimously approved a change in state law that allows installation of simple rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems without review by an engineer. This change removes an estimated $500 to $2,500 in project costs and up to eight weeks of wait time for homeowners without compromising structural safety, according to Tim Stearns, Senior Energy Policy Specialist at the State Energy Office in the Department of Commerce. “The Building…
The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today announced a $50,000 grant to the City of Pateros targeting business growth and job creation in Okanogan County. The city will conduct a feasibility study to assess the potential for developing 16 acres of property for a business park and RV/camping facility. CERB funds are matched by $24,000 in local funds. “The Community Economic Revitalization Board is dedicated to helping communities across the…
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…
Community Economic Revitalization Board approves nearly $90K to study job creation strategies OLYMPIA, WA –The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) today announced $89,750 in grants targeting business growth and job creation in Chelan and Whitman counties. Supplemented with local matching funds, the CERB grants will support studies to help community officials make strategic decisions about future investments to promote economic development. $39,750 grant to City of Wenatchee to…