Pierce County Update for Business: March 16, 2023

March 16, 2023

2024 Pierce County Tourism Grant Applications Now Open!

Non-profits engaged in tourism efforts can apply for tourism grants in a number of categories, such as leisure, events, meetings, sports, and asset development. The application period for the LTAC and TPA 2024 Funding Cycle is open until April 14. See links below for details and application forms for each grant program.

Lodging Tax Grants
Tourism Promotion Area Grants

FREE Business Skills Training Now Available for Pierce County Small Business Owners!

The Pierce County Business Skills Program offers busy small business owners and entrepreneurs a way to work on their business on their own time and at their own pace. FREE, on-demand business skills training is now available to help small businesses start, grow, and stay on track. Classes focus on the basics of how to succeed in business and quickly build skills to immediately put into practice.

Pierce County Business Skills Program Video

Start working on key areas for business success including bookkeeping, tax reporting, business planning, business law, sales skills, marketing strategies, graphic design, web design, and intercultural communication.

Click Here to Sign Up Today!

The Pierce County Business Skills Program's free curriculum is developed in partnership with the Pierce County Economic Development Department and Pacific Lutheran University as part of the Pierce County Community Navigator program and is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

2024 Pierce County Tourism Grant Program - Apply by April 14 (See more above)

Pierce County Business Accelerator Program - Applications open until cohorts are filled! This program serves entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Pierce County with a focus on underserved communities. Following six-weeks of business training, graduates are eligible for grant funding opportunities.

Washington MBDA Achieve More Grant Program - Apply by March 19. WA MBDA has allocated $200,000 to provide direct business resiliency grants that help minority and/or woman-owned businesses “achieve more.” Recipients of the Achieve More Grant (AMG) can use the funds for infrastructure improvements, employee training, and business equipment.

Seattle-Washington State Korean Association Small Business Innovation Fund Grant - Apply by March 31. This program offers grants for small, minority, women, veteran, and economically disadvantaged business owners. Check out an open house on March 18.

Washington State Dept of Commerce Hospitality & Lodging Grant Program - Apply by April 6. Hospitality businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or the state's eviction moratorium may be eligible for a one-time grant. Check eligibility requirements at wahospitalitygrants.com.

Growth Grant for Underserved Manufacturing Enterprises - Open through April 30 or until all funds are allocated. Impact Washington is offering this grant program to provide assistance to small Washington State manufacturers in historically underserved communities. Selected manufacturers can receive up to 80 hours of consulting and training – (up to $24,000 value).

City of Tacoma Digital Sales Access Program - A program for Tacoma-based business owners to help them grow their businesses through increased e-commerce capacity, social media marketing, improved digital literacy, greater financial awareness, and a connection to a reliable community.

Pierce County Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy + Resiliency (C-PACER) Program - The C-PACER program allows owners and developers of eligible properties in Pierce County to obtain long-term financing, at a lower interest rate, for qualifying energy generation, energy efficiency, water conservation or resiliency projects.

Did You Know? Federally Funded Grant Recipients Must Have a UEI Number

The federal government recently changed its requirements for businesses and organizations receiving federal funds in the form of grants. Recipients of grants from federally funded programs are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued by the federal government through SAM.gov. Already registered with SAM.gov? Click here to find your UEI number. Not registered with SAM.gov? Click here to register for your UEI number.

Discover Local BIPOC, Women, and

Veteran-Owned Businesses at PCBA.biz

Shop local and support BIPOC, women, and veteran-owned small businesses via a new online directory at PCBAmap.biz The directory spotlights Pierce County Business Accelerator program (PCBA) graduate businesses, offering a variety of goods and services.

About the PCBA:
The Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) is a program of the Pierce County Economic Development Department funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. The City of Lakewood is a municipal partner. The PCBA is managed in partnership with Next Consulting, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, The Black Collective, Mi Centro, and Korean Women’s Association. To learn more about the PCBA visit PCBA.biz.

Pierce County Economic Development

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