Grants from $34.5-million 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 for the specific needs of BIPOC entrepreneurs, women-owned small businesses, and businesses located in underserved, low-income and rural areas.
The deadline to submit proposals to Commerce is Sept. 2, 2022. Download the RFP (Word)
“Small businesses are central to the vitality and character of our communities,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “Through the Small Business Innovation Fund, we aim to support trusted organizations that have unique knowledge and skills needed to serve business owners who have traditionally encountered obstacles in finding and accessing the services and resources they need to thrive.”
Organizations will be eligible for grants between $500,000 and $5 million through a competitive award process. A total of $34.5 million in federal funds is available through the Small Business Innovation Fund. Eligible organizations must be licensed to do business in Washington state and be registered with the Office of the Secretary of State as a non-profit.
Eligible uses of the awards include:
- Funding small business incubator and accelerator programs
- Local procurement initiatives
- Small business competitiveness programs focused on hiring and retention
- Improvements and repairs to physical workspaces in response to public health requirements or acts of vandalism
- Projects that increase the aptitude of small business to succeed and thrive
The Washington State Legislature established targets for distribution of the funds, with one-third allocated to each King County, all other urban centers, and rural communities. More information on the Small Business Innovation Fund is on Commerce’s website.
Also read:
- Signatures filed for initiatives on parental rights, blocking trans athletes from girls’ sports
Supporters of two initiatives on parental rights and transgender participation in girls’ sports filed signatures Friday, moving the measures closer to consideration by Washington lawmakers. - Vancouver Police investigate shooting
Vancouver Police are investigating a fatal shooting reported early Jan. 3 outside the Off-Ramp Sports Bar on Northeast 112th Avenue. - Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit.
