Pierce County Small Business Innovation Matching Grant Program

The Pierce County Small Business Innovation Matching Grant program helps small businesses located in unincorporated* Pierce County move forward in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The grant will aid in covering costs related to innovative projects that will help businesses grow and ultimately become more resilient. Eligible businesses should demonstrate a need for funding that will allow the business to implement new ideas, improve operations and processes, or upgrade facilities and equipment. The County Council has allocated $4M of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support this grant program.

Subject to available funds, the grant reimburses 50% of eligible costs up to $20,000 of reimbursement per applicant.

Deadline for second round of funding: Friday, November 4, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. (PST)

Businesses who have submitted an application for Round One are NOT eligible to re-apply.

*The term "unincorporated" refers to any areas that do not fall within the limits of a city in Pierce County.

Business eligibility
Project eligibility
Eligibility Considerations

For-profit or non-profit business physically located in UNINCORPORATED* Pierce County.
Have 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (including business owner)
Have been in business at least two (2) years
Have an independent business and not a corporate chain or corporate franchise
Have an active Washington State business license
Childcare businesses must be State licensed
Childcare businesses MUST have a commercial lease or be a commercial property owner (in-home childcare settings are not eligible)
Businesses who have submitted an application for Round One are NOT eligible to re-apply.

*The term "unincorporated" refers to any areas that do not fall within the limits of a city in Pierce County.

Application Checklist

Following Approval Checklist

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If I applied for Round One funding and/or received funding from Round One, can I apply?

No. Businesses who have submitted their application or received funding for Round One are not eligible to re-apply.

If approved, how long do I have to complete the project?

Once approved you will have 90 days to complete the project. A one-time extension may be granted due to extenuating circumstances such as supply-chain difficulties or third-party delays in performing contracted work.

How do I submit receipts for reimbursement?

Once your project is approved, you will receive a link to submit your receipts for reimbursement.

If I’m not sure my project will qualify, what should I do?

Submit an application that will go under review. You may wish to hold off on making any purchases until your project is approved.

What size project can be submitted and how much will I be reimbursed?

Any size project for any amount may be submitted for consideration, however, no more than 50% of the total eligible costs up to $20,000 can be reimbursed.

For example, if the total eligible costs equal $10,000, no more than $5,000 will be reimbursed. If the total eligible costs equal $40,000 or greater, no more than $20,000 will be reimbursed.

If my business received a grant in 2020 or 2021, am I eligible to apply?

Yes, if your business meets the above application eligibility requirements.

Do I have to demonstrate an impact due to COVID-19?

No, this is not a requirement. However, you do need to describe how the project to be funded would help your business become more resilient in the event of another disaster.

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