Applications open August 17: $75 million for Washington small businesses and nonprofits

Applications open August 17: $75 million for Washington small businesses and nonprofits

Another round of state pandemic relief grants on the way, with focus on the arts, heritage and science sectors and businesses relying on in-person conventions hosted in Washington OLYMPIA, WA – Applications for the Working Washington Grants: Round 5 and new Convention Center Grants programs open Aug. 17. Together, these programs will distribute $75 million in pandemic relief grants to eligible small businesses and nonprofits across Washington. The Department of…

Commerce offers up to $5 million to non-profit organizations assisting underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses

Commerce offers up to $5 million to non-profit organizations assisting underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses

Grants from $34.5-mllion Small Business Innovation Fund will support special programs to spur small business recovery, startup and growth OLYMPIA, WA – Non-profit organizations with a history of assisting Washington state small businesses are invited to apply for grants up to $5 million each from the new Small Business Innovation Fund. The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking to fund proposals that will offer community-based programs and services tailored…

State agencies reach major benchmark in Washington’s transition to clean energy

State agencies reach major benchmark in Washington’s transition to clean energy

UTC and Commerce collaborate to adopt new rules for electric utilities related to energy storage systems, standards and more LACEY, Wash. – The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) and Washington State Department of Commerce recently adopted new rules for electric utilities, reaching a major milestone in Washington’s transition to clean energy. The rules provide guidance on several key requirements in the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) of 2019, which requires…

Commerce awards $2.1 million in grants to help 27 communities plan for climate change

Commerce awards $2.1 million in grants to help 27 communities plan for climate change

Projects will develop vulnerability assessments and identify measures for reducing vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $2.1 million in growth management planning grants to help King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, and multiple cities within each county, plan for local impacts of climate change. Proposals from the 27 communities awarded funding, reveal a wide range of creative approaches…

Commerce adds leaders for small business support and creative economy sector development

Commerce adds leaders for small business support and creative economy sector development

Linda Womack to lead small business and community support; Shannon Halberstadt appointed to creative economy industry sector post OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown recently announced two new appointments to key leadership roles in the growing agency’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. In a new industry sector lead position, Shannon Halberstadt came on board June 1 as Director of Creative Economy sector development. Expanding and…

Pacific NW Hydrogen Association seeking potential projects for regional hubs proposal

Pacific NW Hydrogen Association seeking potential projects for regional hubs proposal

Request for Information Pacific NW Hydrogen Association seeking potential projects for regional hubs proposal Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2) is a public-private partnership, non-profit organization registered with the State of Washington to coordinate regional efforts toward clean hydrogen deployment. PNWH2 is requesting information (View RFI) on potential projects to support a bid for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) funding. The DOE H2Hubs funding opportunity aims to build several…

2021 State Energy Strategy recognized for leading advancement of clean energy

2021 State Energy Strategy recognized for leading advancement of clean energy

“Washington demonstrated a deep commitment to meaningful community engagement and centering equity concerns.” Washington is a leader on energy and climate policy with a goal to provide an equitable clean energy economy to benefit everyone in the state — including urban and rural communities, overburdened and low-income households, and Indigenous communities. The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Energy Division received a 2022 State Leadership in Clean Energy Award from the Clean…

Application portal for $3.5 million in grants to Washington community festivals and events open June 8 – July 1

Application portal for $3.5 million in grants to Washington community festivals and events open June 8 – July 1

In-person seminars this week and next provide application assistance OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Washington Festivals and Events Association (WFEA) and ArtsWA, today announced a $3.5 million grant program to help established, small-community festivals and events.. The application portal for the grants is open at CommerceGrants.com beginning at 8 a.m., June 8. The application window closes July 1 at 5 p.m. This program…

Commerce announces new state manufacturing council members

Commerce announces new state manufacturing council members

Commerce Director Brown appoints 21-member council to advise on policy, strategies and investment to grow regional manufacturing sectors and jobs statewide. OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown today named 21 members to the state’s new Manufacturing Council. Council members are leaders hailing from the private, non-profit and public sectors. The council will advise and consult with the department and its agency partners, including the Office of…

Sam Askew appointed to Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Advisory Committee

Sam Askew appointed to Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Advisory Committee

Leading hospitality industry veteran will give voice to Tribal communities and interests OLYMPIA, WA — Sam Askew, Executive Director of Resort Operations at Northern Quest Resort & Casino, has been appointed to the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Advisory Committee by Commerce Director Lisa Brown. Askew fills a vacant position on the four-person committee reserved for representing the interests and perspectives of Washington’s Tribal communities. “Sam’s energy and extensive background in…