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Startups Grants In Washington - 2024

Discover funding opportunities with our comprehensive List Of Startups Grants In Washington for entrepreneurs ready to innovate and grow.

Lisa Shmulyan
Accounting & Tax
February 15, 2024

Washington State is a great place for new businesses to grow. It offers many grant programs to help startups and small enterprises financially. These grants are available through the Washington State Department of Commerce and other organizations. They help businesses buy new equipment, fix up their places, create new products, and clean up pollution.

The U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) has given $163.4 million for lending programs. These programs help start businesses and support business owners in communities that need more help1. Washington also has 356 grants for small businesses, including special grants for women, minorities, and veterans2. WomensNet gives out three $10,000 Amber Grants every month. This adds up to $30,000 in grants each month3. Plus, there are three $25,000 Amber Grants given at the end of the year3.

Key Takeaways

  • $163.4 million has been allocated by the U.S. Treasury’s SSBCI to support small businesses in Washington1.
  • Washington provides 356 small business grants, including specialized grants for women, minorities, and veterans2.
  • Programs offered under Washington startup grants assist in equipment purchase, facility renovation, product development, and environmental cleanup.
  • WomensNet grants up to $30,000 monthly through Amber Grants, and year-end winners can receive $25,000 more3.
  • These funding resources enable small businesses to enhance their operations, innovate their products, and grow sustainably.

By using these grants, new and existing businesses in WA can get a big boost. This can lead to economic growth in the area. Finding and using these funds can be key to a business's long-term success.

Introduction to Startup Grants in Washington

Startup grants in Washington are key for growing new businesses. These funds help small businesses at different growth stages. From beginning product development to expanding globally, these grants offer financial support without needing to be paid back. This boosts the state's economy and encourages new business ventures.

The Seattle Community Foundation plays a big role in supporting nonprofit projects in the Pacific Northwest4. Community foundations, through the Washington State Community Services Block Grants, aim to improve life for those with lower incomes4. The Washington State Arts Commission also offers funds for arts and education4.

Impact Capital gives out loans for community projects, focusing on homes and economic growth4. 501 Commons, Building Changes, and the Center for Ethical Leadership provide help and advice to improve business operations4. They help turn creative ideas into real business plans, promoting entrepreneurship and social good.

In 2023, Impact Washington gave over 2,300 hours of help to small companies through the SBIF grant, worth around $650,0005. The Export Voucher Program offers up to $10,000 for companies new to exporting or entering new markets5. This support is crucial for new businesses to compete globally.

Small businesses in Washington can find important funding through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Basic 7(a) Loan Program is a popular SBA loan, and Microloans offer up to $50,000 for startups6. For tech companies, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program helps bring innovations to market6. The Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) Program provides loans and investments for long-term support6.

In conclusion, startup grants and other funding in Washington are vital for small business growth. By making the most of these opportunities, entrepreneurs can get the funding they need. This helps them start and grow their businesses successfully.

Small Business Assistance Programs

Washington State has many programs to help small businesses at different stages. These are supported by the Department of Commerce. They aim to grow businesses and clean up the environment. These programs help startups get things like new equipment and improve their products.

Overview of the Programs

Washington's business sector gets $15,261.00 million from the federal budget. Local governments add another $10,631.00 million. With 145,612 businesses, these funds are vital for all sizes7. Governor Inslee's program gives up to $10,000 grants to some small businesses in 39 counties8.

Small businesses in counties like Chelan can get up to $10,000 for emergencies9.

How to Apply for Small Business Assistance

To apply for help, businesses must follow certain steps. They need to send documents to their county's economic group or a local ADO. They should also check the City of Vancouver's Economic Prosperity website for info and help.

Grant money can be used for things other than payroll. This helps businesses grow9. Seattle's fund offers up to $10,000 to small businesses hurt by COVID-198. These programs help small businesses thrive in Washington.

Export Voucher Program

The Export Voucher Program in Washington helps local businesses grow internationally. Managed by the Washington State Department of Commerce, it offers reimbursements to small businesses. This eases their financial load.

Funding Details

Businesses can get back up to $10,000 for costs like marketing, travel, and translation10. More than 900 companies in Washington, from app developers to wakeboard makers, have benefited10. They've made over $750 million in new sales abroad thanks to this program10. The U.S. Small Business Administration adds support with loan guarantees and affordable export credit insurance11.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have been operational for a year before getting the award10. They should understand the costs of exporting and working with foreign buyers10. Their goods or services must be mostly U.S.-based10.

They need a plan for expanding abroad and must be ready to use the funds wisely10. Companies also have to share how much they earn from exports supported by the voucher. They must answer surveys every six months for four years10.

Brownsfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

The Brownsfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) helps communities in Washington clean up contaminated areas. It provides low-interest loans for this purpose. These loans are available to local governments, nonprofits, tribes, ports, and private companies. By doing so, the program aims to make these sites useful again, helping local economies to grow.

Purpose of the Program

This initiative's main goal is to make funding for cleaning up pollution easier to get. It offers low-interest loans for this task. By cleaning up the sites, they can be used again for community or business purposes.

The Brownsfields RLF in Washington wants to marry environmental care with economic growth. This way, the program not only handles environmental risks but also boosts economic development. The EPA's Brownfields Program includes this fund. It helps with job training, technical support, and research to help community growth12.

Application Process

Applying for the Brownsfields RLF requires a plan for how the money will be used. Interested groups need to show how they'll clean up a site and what they plan to do with it afterward. They must submit a detailed plan, talking about the pollution and how fixing it will help economically.

Applicants need to meet certain rules, like using at least 70.0% of funds from a similar grant before. Every year, about eight RLF Grants are expected to be given. The total funding available is about $8 million13. This indicates the program's strong focus on creating lasting positive effects for the environment and economy.

Community and Economic Development Funding Opportunities

Washington provides many funding options through the Department of Commerce. These are designed to boost community and economic growth.

Projects Funded Under This Category

Funding covers a wide range of projects. These include community centers, green energy, housing plans, solutions for homelessness, small business support, and infrastructure projects. The state of Washington has a solid support system. It offers economic development grants in WA for different projects. This includes help for nonprofits, businesses, and people doing farm research or educational work. There is also aid for veterans, people currently in the military, and their partners wanting to grow their businesses14.

Furthermore, Washington helps with development money through various grants. It offers $20,000 fellowships for those tackling environmental challenges. Also, there's help for medtech startups from Canada and other countries through special programs14. Minority-owned small businesses get grants and other help to encourage entrepreneurship. This shows Washington's effort to build an economy open to everyone.

How to Access These Opportunities

To find these funding chances, go to the Department of Commerce's grants and contracting opportunities page. This site provides specific support for funding community projects in Washington. Plus, it guides you on how to apply14. For small businesses, the Department has resources like the Small Business Flex Fund. This offers up to $250,000 for small companies and nonprofits15. There are also loans available for commercial real estate owners, offering up to $25 million to boost the economy15.

Those looking for economic development grants in WA15 can use procurement forecasts. They can also get help from the Small Business Administration and access the SAM database. To make the most of these chances and to be sure you qualify, it's important to keep up with the program deadlines and requirements.

Innovation Partnership Zones

Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZs) help grow Washington State's economy16. The state's Department of Commerce chose 14 IPZs to boost teamwork between research bodies, companies, and training programs. These zones are key in developing tech-based sectors, thanks to the collaboration they inspire between the government, businesses, and schools.

Take Thurston County as an example. It was once known for its brewing tradition with the Capital Brewing Company16. Now, it's vital in craft brewing, cider-making, and craft distilling. In this IPZ, partnerships with South Puget Sound Community College, the City of Tumwater, and Washington State University Extension School for Food Science promote growth. These collaborations help maintain a strong local economy and support the community's core values.

Additionally, the innovation funding in Washington is crucial for these zones16. It offers financial aid to start-up businesses. For instance, local firms like Top Rung and Sandstone Distillery have benefited from the EDC’s Scale Up! training. These aids help businesses grow, creating zones that spark innovation and widen economic growth.

However, not all is perfect with the WA Innovation Partnership Zones17. Only half reported their job creation numbers, with some estimates being unreliable. This makes it hard to see how much they truly impact the economy. Moving forward, it's wise for these zones to work closer with colleges. They should seek discounted research spaces and help commercialize, which is vital for their long-term success.

Recently Funded Startups in Washington

Washington is booming with startup activity, breathing life into the local economy. Funded startups in WA are a testament to an ecosystem filled with innovation and success. Names like Phaidra, LeyLine Technologies, and Momento stand out as recent startup success stories Washington takes pride in.

Examples of Funded Startups

Phaidra is making waves by using artificial intelligence to better industrial operations. It has received significant funding for its work. LeyLine Technologies focuses on renewable energy, showing the forward-thinking of WA startups. Momento is gaining attention for its service innovations, marking it as a firm to watch in Washington's18 thriving scene.

Impact of Funding on Startups

Startup funding in Washington is a game-changer. The ecosystem is worth a stunning $85.5 billion from H2 2021 to 2023, with a growth of 21% in that time18. Startups have seen $31 billion in total exits from 2019 to 2023, fueling innovation18. Contributions like $200,000 from the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District boost important workforce development in September 202318.

Washington D.C. stands out as a city with top education and is home to 19 Fortune 500 companies in 202318. This creates a perfect ecosystem for startups to grow and succeed. These conditions support the emergence of new success stories in Washington, encouraging more growth.

How to Stay Updated on Grant Opportunities

It's vital for businesses and entrepreneurs in Washington to stay informed about new grant chances. One great way to do this is by subscribing to updates from the Department of Commerce. This ensures you get info on funding alerts relevant to your business.

When you sign up for these updates, you receive info on open bids, contracts, and special notices via wireless or email. This is key for finding new grants such as the DOE SBIR/STTR programs. These programs offer funding to many small businesses in the U.S. every year. They give out over 400 Phase I and 200 Phase II awards, spending more than $300 million19. They cover over sixty technical topics across various research areas, fitting many business types19.

The Department of Commerce's website also has lots of info on federal grants. This includes USDA programs like the Value Added Producer Grant and Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program. For those involved in food security or helping farmers and food processors, the Washington State Department of Agriculture site is a must-visit19.

Another key resource is the PRIME program, offering federal grants to help disadvantaged microentrepreneurs20. Also, the Amazon Small Business Grant program and the Visa Everywhere Initiative offer large grants. These range from $15,000 to $100,000 to help small businesses grow and innovate20.

Being proactive by regularly checking reliable sources and signing up for updates is crucial. Staying on top of funding alerts in WA can greatly increase your chance of getting grants. These grants can help push your business to the next level.

Benefits of Applying for Startup Grants

Looking into startup grants in Washington comes with major benefits. A top advantage of startup grants is getting money without the need to pay it back. This helps businesses grow without the worry of debt. Also, these grant application benefits Washington by creating a better place for new ideas21.

Startup grants also offer support and guidance. For example, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has grants for COVID-19 research work until 202421. The SBIR and STTR programs give money to small tech companies for creating new products, offering up to $750,0006.

Applying for grants is not just about the money. The NIDILRR’s SBIR program offers 10 grants to help people with disabilities through technology. This gives a million dollars in total21. It helps not just the businesses but also makes society better.

Some programs are made for specific groups. The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP) helps business owners who are minorities, or have low income. In Washington, there are 64 grants specially for various groups like BIPOC business owners. These grants are open until September 202414.

There are many reasons why startup grants are great. They provide money and valuable advice. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) offers grants for small educational businesses too. Deadlines for these are up to September 16, 202421.

Conclusion

Startup grants in Washington are key in helping new businesses grow. They support startups in areas like innovation and environmental care. Getting the right grant helps a business grow and become a leader in its field.

Washington gives out many grants for different needs, like social justice and health. For example, in Spring 2024, it awarded grants worth over 1.35 million dollars. The biggest portion went to Specialty Crop projects, showing the state's push for farming innovation22. King County got the most grants, but San Juan County got more money per project22.

For those starting companies, knowing about these grants is key. Sites like the Rural Health Information Hub list many grant opportunities. Focusing on innovation and community can make Washington an ideal place for startups.

FAQ

What types of Washington startup grants are available for small businesses?

Small businesses in Washington can get different grants. These include the Export Voucher Program and Innovation Partnership Zones. There are also grants for community and economic development.

Can Washington startup grants be used for international expansion?

Yes, some grants, like the Export Voucher Program, help with global growth. They cover trade shows, travel, and even translations.

Who manages the small business assistance programs in Washington?

The Washington State Department of Commerce looks after small businesses. They help with buying equipment and updating facilities. They also support product development and cleaning up the environment.

What is the purpose of the Brownsfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) in Washington?

The Brownsfields RLF gives out low-interest loans. It helps clean up contaminated sites. The aim is for redevelopment and economic use.

How can small businesses in Washington apply for these grants and loans?

Businesses can apply through the Department of Commerce’s website. They should look under Open Grants, Loans, and RFPs.

What are Innovation Partnership Zones in Washington?

Innovation Partnership Zones in Washington push for tech industry growth. They do this through teamwork between research groups, businesses, and training programs.

Which recently funded startups highlight the investment landscape in Washington?

Startups like Phaidra, LeyLine Technologies, and Momento show the strong investment vibes in Washington. They point to good business growth and investor trust.

How can businesses stay updated on new and ongoing grant opportunities in Washington?

Entrepreneurs can get updates from the Department of Commerce. They need to sign up for notices on bids and special news.

What benefits do startup grants provide to businesses in Washington?

Startup grants give benefits like money that doesn’t need to be repaid. This lets businesses focus on growing. They also offer chances for advice and making connections.

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