U District Partnership and Department of Commerce announce $5 million investment in U District small businesses

U District Partnership and Department of Commerce announce $5 million investment in U District small businesses

We’re pleased to share this announcement from the U District Partnership: Announcement unveiled over 140 small business facade and facility improvements in the U District. Seattle – This morning, The U District Partnership and Washington State Department of Commerce unveiled an unprecedented series of investments in Seattle’s University District. Small businesses up and down University Way NE and across the neighborhood have received a total of $5 million in funding,…

Commerce and City of Seattle to provide $100,000 to assist Wing Luke Museum vandalism recovery

Commerce and City of Seattle to provide $100,000 to assist Wing Luke Museum vandalism recovery

Joint investment from the City of Seattle and State will support repairs to iconic Chinatown International District educational and cultural institution damaged in hate crime OLYMPIA, WA – Today, The Washington State Department of Commerce and the City of Seattle announced $100,000 in funding to assist with repairs at the Wing Luke Museum caused by vandalism earlier this month. The combined support will help address damages to the iconic Chinatown…

Washington continues to lead by example on building performance with new investments to improve energy efficiency in state agency facilities

Washington continues to lead by example on building performance with new investments to improve energy efficiency in state agency facilities

Over $4 million in grants for repairs and upgrades at state-owned facilities will yield net cost savings and reduced emissions OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced more than $4.1 million in grants through the State Project Improvement (SPI) program, which aims to improve the performance of state-owned facilities and reduce greenhouse emissions from state operations. The program incentivizes purchasing choices that will increase energy efficiency…

Commerce awards $35.4 million for solar power with battery back-up systems to bolster community resilience

Commerce awards $35.4 million for solar power with battery back-up systems to bolster community resilience

Grants will support 52 planning and 39 installation solar projects that will provide back-up power for community buildings to serve emergency and other critical needs statewide. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $35.4 million in grants to local, state, and tribal governments and non-profits to plan and install solar and battery back-up power at community buildings. The projects will provide clean back-up power for critical…

Rural communities to benefit from nearly $5 million in new state Clean Energy Fund investments

Rural communities to benefit from nearly $5 million in new state Clean Energy Fund investments

Commerce awards $4.76 million to dairy digester bioenergy and other innovative clean energy projects in seven rural communities OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced seven grants totaling $4.76 million from the state’s Clean Energy Fund to enhance dairy digesters and advance clean energy in rural communities. These investments will result in improved air and water quality or soil health, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and…

State grants fund digital navigation services to help new internet users get online

State grants fund digital navigation services to help new internet users get online

Washington State Broadband Office awards $14.5 million to provide one-on-one technical support, devices, and subscriptions to facilitate internet use and adoption OLYMPIA, WA — Most of us take the internet for granted, yet nearly 240,000 Washington households do not have access to high-speed internet, and 4% do not have access to a computing device. This week the Washington State Department of Commerce announced $14.5 million in grants to continue expanding…

US Dept. of Energy awards Washington $23.4 million to strengthen and modernize critical electric infrastructure

US Dept. of Energy awards Washington $23.4 million to strengthen and modernize critical electric infrastructure

OLYMPIA, WA  – On Sept. 5, 2023, Washington state received a $23.4 million Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to modernize the electric grid and reduce impacts due to extreme weather and natural disasters. Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants aim to ensure the reliability of power sector infrastructure so that communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity. “Electricity is…

Commerce awards $15.4 million in grants to expand legal aid to low-income immigrants

Commerce awards $15.4 million in grants to expand legal aid to low-income immigrants

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project among organizations receiving funding to provide legal aid in communities across Washington state  OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $15.4 million in grants to eight organizations across the state, expanding access to legal aid services for low-income immigrants. The 2023-25 appropriation from the Washington Legislature enables nearly a doubling of previous annual funding levels. “Everyone deserves to be safe, remain together…

New Commerce program aims to incentivize equitable access to credit for small businesses

New Commerce program aims to incentivize equitable access to credit for small businesses

Contributions in exchange for tax credits will fund grants to eligible lending institutions to provide services and investment capital for small businesses lacking access to traditional bank loans.  OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched a new program to address inequities in accessing capital for small businesses. The Equitable Access to Credit Program, created by the state legislature (HB 1015), creates a new funding mechanism to…

Commerce provides $79 million in relief to hospitality sector businesses impacted by pandemic

Commerce provides $79 million in relief to hospitality sector businesses impacted by pandemic

Nearly 1,500 businesses across the state still struggling with pandemic recovery receive grants to cover losses OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has distributed $79 million in grants to 1,493 hospitality sector businesses impacted by the pandemic. Authorized by the Washington Legislature in 2022 (ESSB 5693), funding provided through the Washington Hospitality Grant program is assisting businesses across the state with much needed relief right in time…