Washington Maritime Blue declared finalist for $1 billion Build Back Better regional challenge Washington Maritime Blue was chosen from more than 500 nationwide applicants for initial funding and is the only finalist from Washington state to now compete for once-in-a-generation funding of up to $100 million of $1 billion in the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s challenge Seattle, WA — Washington Maritime Blue, in partnership with 14 regional coalition…
Tag Archives: News release
Grants will serve residents with one-on-one technical support, devices, and subscriptions to facilitate internet use and adoption among targeted populations. OLYMPIA, WA — This week, the Washington State Broadband Office approved $7,387,500 in grants for Digital Navigator services throughout Washington state. Digital Navigator services are essential in helping new internet users get online. These resources will support individuals seeking work, families supporting students, English language learners, Medicaid clients, people experiencing…
Requests exceed available funding by 209% OLYMPIA, Wash. – At their December 3 meeting, the Washington State Public Works Board approved over $44.6 million in conditional grants for 15 broadband construction projects in unserved and underserved communities across the state. The need for broadband construction funding remains high. Applicants requested more than $90 million for 29 different projects, and the board approved qualified projects until all available program funds were exhausted.…
Small Business Resiliency Network adding new members to assist diverse entrepreneurs and business owners, promote opportunities for equitable economic recovery statewide OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce is soliciting community-based nonprofit organizations interested in joining the agency’s Small Business Resiliency Network. Network organizations provide culturally- and linguistically- appropriate outreach, translation, education and other assistance to small business owners from historically marginalized communities. “The pandemic revealed enormous disparities…
$2 million grant for rural broadband in Whatcom among five projects approved for funding at CERB November meeting. OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) last week approved $2,431,250 in grants and $843,750 in low-interest loans for economic development, public infrastructure, and broadband development. Projects awarded funding are located in Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, and Whatcom counties and will spur business growth, job creation and high-speed…
Find Ventures and Department of Commerce open applications for new Equitable Innovations Accelerator
Groundbreaking new program seeks to fund tech start-up founders from underserved communities SEATTLE, WA — Find Ventures, a Washington state-based nonprofit whose mission is to fund entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, today launched a new Equitable innovations Accelerator to fuel the start-up community at the earliest stage of business development. This program aims to make “entrepreneurship for all” a reality by prioritizing entrepreneurs from underserved…
Over 200 businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-related border restrictions to receive Working Washington Border Business Relief grants OLYMPIA, WA – Continuing its efforts to provide financial assistance to businesses and nonprofits severely affected by the pandemic, the Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $2.6 million in Border Business Relief grants to 206 businesses and nonprofits in 10 counties that rely on an open border for customers, tourism and…
Funding for housing action plans and transit-oriented development helps communities address years of underbuilding that left middle and lower-income residents priced out of housing as state’s population boomed. A 2020 report tagged Washington state with one of the 10 worst housing shortages in the nation, underbuilding by over a quarter of a million homes over the prior 15 years. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies documented the nationwide housing shortage and…
Yakima’s Jessica Camacho to lead statewide Small Business Resiliency Network; Karlena Brailey and Norma Chavez take on community engagement posts in the Olympic Peninsula and south central regions. OLYMPIA, WA — Three recent hires by the Washington State Department of Commerce significantly increase the agency’s Community Engagement and Outreach team dedicated to promoting equity and opportunity for rural and underserved communities, small businesses and organizations. Jessica Camacho of Yakima will…
Leading professionals to conduct online sessions to spur new business starts and inspire entrepreneurship statewide OLYMPIA, WA — As Washington state turns the corner on the pandemic, record numbers of entrepreneurs are starting their own businesses. Compared to 2020, new business starts are up 19.8% statewide, increasing from 55,539 through October last year to 69,301 new businesses this year. (US Census Bureau Business Formations Dashboard). With that in mind, the…