Pierce County Update for Business: September 22, 2022

September 22, 2022

Pierce County Economic Development Receives IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Award

Pierce County’s Economic Development Department received the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2022 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award for Innovation Programs and Initiatives for the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program. The PCBA serves entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Pierce County to help foster innovation and create wealth-building opportunities, with a focus on BIPOC, veteran, and women-owned businesses. Learn more.

Pierce County Now Accepting Applications for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy + Resiliency Program (C-PACER)

The C-PACER program allows owners and developers of eligible properties in Pierce County to obtain long-term financing, at a low interest rate, for qualifying energy generation, efficiency, water conservation or resiliency projects. For a full overview of eligibility requirements, visit PierceCountyWa.gov/C-PACER.

Thrive Tacoma Business Fund Now Open
Applications Due by October 15

The mission of the Thrive Tacoma Business Fund is to provide direct financial support for small BIPOC-owned and women-owned businesses located in the City of Tacoma. The program is a partnership of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Tacoma, and Comcast. Click here for more information and to apply.

Go Global Web Grant Program Now Open

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a limited number of grants to help businesses that need to launch a new website, upgrade an existing one, add the ability to sell online, or improve search engine rankings. Grants of up to $4,000 are available and paid to approved contractors who perform the work on behalf of the successful applicant. The small business is responsible for any additional costs above the grant limit. Click here for more information and to apply.

Comcast RISE Business Grants: New Round of Funding Opens October 3

The Comcast RISE Investment Fund will provide a new round of funding for small businesses owned by people of color or women. Beginning on October 3, and through October 16, eligible businesses in Pierce County (among other geographies) can apply for a $10,000 grant. Learn more at ComcastRISE.com.

Comcast RISE Marketing & Technology Services Application Closes October 16

Comcast RISE is a multi-year commitment to provide marketing, creative, media, and technology services to small businesses owned by people of color or women. Click here to apply for Comcast RISE Marketing & Technology Services.

NextCycle Washington Renew Seed Grant Program Now Open

The Renew Seed Grant program is designed to provide funding and technical assistance for early-stage projects focused on material waste prevention, reuse, repair, recovery, recycling, and composting that will help grow Washington State’s circular economy. Click here for more information and to apply.

2022 Washington State Small
Business Fair
September 24 In-person & Online

BizFair is a hybrid event and FREE to attend. The event is geared to help current and aspiring small business owners start or grow their businesses. Click here for more information and to register.

Hire Pierce County Virtual Job Fairs

Hire Pierce County is a quarterly virtual job fair featuring Pierce County employers looking to fill open positions immediately. Events are open to employers from all sectors within Pierce County and employers of any size. Complete a Job Fair interest form if your company would like to participate in a WorkForce Central virtual job fair.

Small Business Flex Fund Loan Program

Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for a low-interest loan of up to $150,000 to finance expansion and growth as well as recover from the pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown through the Washington State Department of Commerce Small Business Flex Fund. Interested applicants pre-apply on the Flex Fund’s online portal and, if they qualify, will be matched with a lender.

Pierce County Economic Development

950 Pacific Ave, Suite 525
Tacoma, WA 98402
www.piercecountywa.gov/edd