Department or Agency: Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) and the Washington State Department of Commerce
Loan or Grant title: Broadband Loan Applications
The Washington State Broadband Funding loans are open annually to businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits who seek to acquire, install, or construct broadband infrastructure for underserved communities in the state. Specifically, loans are for “last and middle mile” infrastructure and are limited to $2,000,000 per project, and require a 50% match. Note, projects in distressed areas or in Indian country can receive up to 90% of project costs up to $5,000,000.
Department or Agency: Washington State Department of Commerce
Loan or Grant title: Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grants
The Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grants are designed to bolster the number of jobs in both research and manufacturing in Washington state. The total pool is $2 million and applications will close when the fund is exhausted. Businesses must contact a local Associate Development Organization to get assistance with application preparation and submission. Grants fund Washington state businesses undertaking a significant business expansion or cutting-edge development work. Proposals must show how they will create manufacturing or research and development jobs, and demonstrate the ability to secure matching funds.
Department or Agency: Washington State Department of Commerce
Loan or Grant title: Small Business Credit Initiative
The Small Business Credit Initiative is a group of loan programs designed to support small businesses in Washington state and improve economic opportunity in underserved communities. Loan programs include direct loans to support business and operating costs. A portion of the program is set aside to support very small businesses (VSB) and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Department or Agency: Washington State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
Loan or Grant title: Linked Deposit Loan Program
The Linked Deposit Loan Program offers loans, lines of credit, and working capital to strengthen firms certified as minority or women-owned by the Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises. Loans to certified organizations are limited to $1,000,000 for a 10-year term. The program links the State’s budget surplus deposits to commercial loans at participating financial institutions that lend directly to minority and women-owned businesses. Find details and participating lenders on the fund’s webpage.
Department or Agency: Employment Security Department of Washington State & Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave
Loan or Grant title: Small Business Assistance Grants
Small Business Assistance Grants help smaller employers with under 150 employees cover costs when staffers take Paid Family and Medical Leave. There are two grant programs. One covers costs for hiring temporary staff to replace those taking leave, and the other is to fund other wage costs and equipment. Washington employers are encouraged to apply by logging into their employer accounts.
Department or Agency: Washington State Department of Commerce
Loan or Grant title: Working Washington Grant
Working Washington Grants are one-time grants for small businesses and nonprofits recovering from financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty percent of funds are designated for the arts, heritage, and science sectors, and the remaining 40% for other sectors, including hospitality, fitness, and personal services. The August 2023 application period is short, and grants will be disbursed by the end of October 2023. See the program guidelines to learn more. webpage for deadlines and requirements.
