Small Business Grants in Washington (WA)

Securing a small business grant in Washington State involves exploring various programs offered by state agencies, which are designed to support entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and increase the flow of capital in underserved communities. Here’s a detailed guide on where and how to secure these grants:

Washington State Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce offers several loan programs that can help small businesses with renovation, expansion, or construction of facilities, and early-stage product development. They have been awarded $163.4 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury to launch five innovative small business lending programs

Export Voucher Program
Partially funded by a Small Business Administration grant, the Export Voucher Program helps small businesses offset costs up to $5,000. This can include trade show or trade mission fees, travel, or the cost of hiring translators or interpreters.

Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB)
CERB funds a variety of infrastructure projects that are essential for economic growth, such as roads, ports, water, power, and connectivity. This board has supported projects that have created over 34,000 jobs.

Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund
This fund is aimed at repurposing properties that have been abandoned or underutilized due to environmental contamination, making them viable for business use again.

Washington State Small Business Liaisons
These liaisons can help you get the information and resources you need for your business. They can also guide you through the process of applying for grants and understanding additional regulations as your business grows.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs
These federal programs provide seed capital for Washington citizens and small businesses. Only for-profit proprietorships, small businesses, and manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees qualify for this funding.

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)
The WSDA offers grants for planning and working capital to agricultural businesses. These grants prioritize beginning farmers or ranchers, socially-disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and small or medium-sized farms structured as family farms.

Washington State’s Paid Family and Medical Leave
Small business grants are available for wage-related costs of up to $1,000 and grants of $3,000 for adding a temporary employee to your payroll.

Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund
This fund provides up to $5 million in grants administered by the State Department of Commerce for small businesses across Washington’s 39 counties.

Working Washington Grants
These are one-time grants for small businesses and nonprofits recovering from financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
The OMWBE provides access to affordable capital with an interest reduction for businesses certified as Woman or Minority-Owned Businesses.

Local County and City Programs
King County, for example, offers resources for small businesses, including grants through the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund and other local initiatives.

Receiving a small business grant in Washington requires researching specific state programs, contacting state business liaisons, and utilizing online tools to identify and apply for relevant grants. It’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria and application process for each grant to increase your chances of securing funding.