Financial Support

Examine Federal, State, local and private sector resources that may benefit businesses financially.

 

City of Tacoma Media and Communications Announcements

Visit this site to stay informed of what the city is doing to ensure continuity of services, learn of any changes or delays to services, and to read updates from the Mayor’s office.

Kiva Microloans in Tacoma

In an effort to help underserved entrepreneurs and small business owners gain access to much-needed capital, Spaceworks joins forces with Kiva and the City of Tacoma to offer 0% interest microloans to Tacoma small business owners. These crowdfunded loans fill a critical lending gap for businesses that are too young, too small, or too innovative to receive loans from traditional lenders. Loans range from $1,000 to $15,000 with terms of 1-5 years to pay them back. The process requires no credit score, collateral pledges, or U.S. citizenship documentation.

Learn more about Kiva Microloans in Tacoma

Pierce Conservation District Green Stormwater Mini-Grants coming November, 2022

Learn more here

 

Pierce County Department of Emergency Management

  • Guidance on Federal Disaster Loans for Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits

Working Washington Grants Round 5 – August 17 – September 9

The Washington State Legislature has allocated a new round of grant funding for small businesses affected by the pandemic. $70 million was appropriated by the legislature for the next round of Working Washington Grants: Round 5. In this round of Working Washington grants, available funds are set aside for specific targeted groups or sectors:

  • 60% is identified for the arts, heritage, and science sectors, including those that operate live entertainment venues
  • 40% is identified for most other sectors, including hospitality, fitness and personal services

General Timeline:

  • August 17 – September 9: Application portal will remain open for 15 days
  • Late September: Review of applications
  • October: Commerce will notify grantees and disburse funding

Resources and Information About The Working Washington Grants: Round 5 (WWR5) Program:

The Washington State Legislature has allocated $5 million for a grant program to assist businesses and nonprofits that are dependent to maintain their operations on the economic activity created through conventions hosted in Washington state.

General Timeline:

  • August 17th – September 9: Application portals will open. Application period will remain open for 15 days.
  • Late September: Review of applications
  • October: Commerce will notify grantees and disburse funding

Resources and Information About The Convention Center Grants (CCG) Program:

 

Department of Commerce Small Business Innovation Fund

The Small Business Innovation Fund, administered by Washington State Department of Commerce, aims to spur small business recovery, startup, and growth. This funding will focus on initiatives that serve BIPOC entrepreneurs, women-owned small businesses, and small businesses located in underserved, low-income, and rural areas.

Eligible Applicants: Non-profit organization who have a history of working with and providing assistance to small businesses in the State of Washington. A maximum of $5M will be awarded to each successful applicant. The number of awards depends on the number and quality of applications received. Non-profit organizations must show an aptitude and proficiency in assisting small businesses with the goals of recovery, startup, and growth. The Applicant must be licensed to perform work in Washington State.  They must also be registered and maintain their status as a nonprofit entity, with the Secretary of State’s Office.

Small Business Innovation Fund contracts are used to:

  • Serve BIPOC entrepreneurs and small businesses located in underserved, low-income, and rural areas
  • Serve women-owned businesses
  • Serve native and tribal owned businesses
  • Increase aptitude for small businesses to succeed and survive

The Department of Commerce administers the grant program, application process and contracting.

Program Manager:

Linda.womack@commerce.wa.gov

1011 Plum St. SE

P O Box 42525

Olympia, WA 98504-2525

Do you have questions? Please contact:

Application & Contracts Manager

Josh.woodson@commerce.wa.gov

(360) 522-0429

Contract award amounts: Maximum of $5M, minimum of $500,000 awarded to each successful applicant. We will award based on quality of content within the application and ability to execute the timeline of the contract.

The legislature has specified that: “The department may establish regional targets or other benchmarks to ensure equitable geographic distribution of funding.” In response to this, funds will be distributed according to the following regional framework:

1/3 King County

1/3 all other urban counties

1/3 all other rural counties

Rural and urban counties are designated based on RCW 82.14.370.

**Commerce has the discretion to negotiate dollar amounts of approved awards.

***Commerce reserves the right to not allocate all funding.

Period of Performance:  The period of performance of any contract resulting from this application is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about October 1, 2022 and to end on May 31, 2023. Amendments extending the period of performance, if any, shall be at the sole discretion of the Commerce.

Governor Jay Inslee’s Office

Current state requirements for employers and individuals are posted on the Governor’s website

Rental Housing Association of Washington

COVID-19 Resources and Information for Housing Providers and Renters.

Washington State Department of Commerce

Washington State Department of Commerce Economic Resiliency Team (ERT) Business Response Center

The team is currently able to answer questions as quickly as they are received. If you’re a business owner or operator with a question, Ask Your Question Here. 

Department of Commerce Small Business Flex Fund

Borrow up to $150,000 at 3-4.5% for 60 – 72 months if you are a Washington headquartered small business.

Eligible businesses will have fewer than 50 employees, annual revenues of less than $3 million and prove a direct negative financial impact from Covid-19.  Businesses must have their headquarters or main office in Washington State. Collateral is not required however there are other security requirements.  Payday loan stores, fortune tellers, adult bookstores, strip clubs and track wagering facilities, regardless of headquarters location, are not eligible.  You can apply even if you received other Covid-19 assistance.

Eligible uses include: payroll; utilities and rent; marketing and advertising; building improvements or repairs and; other business expenses.

To access information on this non-forgiveable loan fund, please visit: https://smallbusinessflexfund.org/

 

Startup Washington Small Business Resiliency Assistance

Technical assistance for small business owners from culturally and historically disadvantaged communities.

Technical assistance can include:

  • Finding and help applying for assistance to help your business right now, whether you are open or closed
  • Translation assistance
  • Navigating local, state and federal resources
  • Business coaching

Click here to learn more and to connect with a partnering organization. 

Impact Washington

Impact Washington is providing no-cost guidance to manufacturers to

  1. review existing procedures
  2. conduct an assessment, and
  3. advise on how to implement controls to protect workers.

Manufacturers may request assistance by calling (425) 438-1146 or e-mailing info@impactwashington.org.  The information provided in the files below may be useful to other businesses in addition to manufacturers.

 

Helpful Links

United States Government

Comprehensive Official verified and updated Information of all aspects of the Federal Covid-19 Response.

www.USA.gov/coronavirus

Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19. Learn about international travel restrictions, how you can prepare for coronavirus, and what the U.S. government is doing in response to the virus.

www.usa.gov

 

Small Business Progress Loans for Black Businesses

Businesses with at least 20-percent Black ownership in business for at least 12 months and with annual revenue of at least $50,000.

Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000 with interest rates as low as 5.99% and no prepayment penalties. Your rate and the amount you may be approved for are dependent upon your credit and financial standing.

Learn more

Comcast RISE

Major Expansion to All Women-Owned Small Businesses Nationwide Starting in 2022.  During its first year, Comcast RISE has provided over $60 million in grants, marketing and technology services to support more than 6,700 small businesses owned by people of color.  The program will be expanded to all women-owned small businesses in 2022, which will enable it to support 13,000 firms by the end of 2022.

Apply Now
Apply Now for a Grant, Marketing Services, or Tech Makeovers.
About RISE
Explore the Resources And Tools RISE Has To Offer Your Business.
RISE Stories
Watch Videos About RISE Recipients, Their Businesses, and Their Stories

Tacoma Urban League

  • Directory of Youth Resources & Programs
  • Transportation Support for Food & Essential Workers
  • Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Emergency Funding Application Help
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