Washington State Department of Commerce

Wondering what climate and community funding opportunities are available for your region? FundHubWA’s Find funding tool makes it easy - just select applicant type, then grant category to start your journey. Visit FundHub.WA.gov to get started. #FundHubWA

Commerce stands with trans, non-binary, and Two-spirit communities in Washington on this difficult day and always. On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor and mourn those who have been lost this year to systemic violence, while reaffirming our commitment to building a Washington state where everyone is truly free. Join us in reflecting on their lives, as we work to create a future where all people are celebrated and safe.

Congratulations to Community Roots Collaborative on the recent opening of O Street in Vancouver! The project, funded in part by the Washington Housing Trust Fund, will serve 20 extremely low-income households, giving priority to seniors, veterans, and families with dependent children who face mental health or substance use challenges. O Street will also be a pioneer in energy sustainability, as its solar panels are projected to meet 100% of the community’s electricity needs for at least 25 years! Learn more about the good work of Community Roots Collaborative, a Clark County affordable housing developer: https://c-roots.org/

The Planning Association of Washington recently hosted a boot camp to discuss some of the many nuanced areas of open spaces planning. Hosted by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe at their beautiful longhouse near Kingston, the event featured speakers on topics such as urban tree canopy, wildlife habitat corridors, and floodplain management. Habitat Biologist Mike Higgins presented regional priorities for the Tribe’s open spaces and discussed their process for setting goals and targets within tribal lands. The event was well-attended and Commerce’s own Jeff Aken helped introduce the urban tree canopy discussion. In partnership with the City of Snoqualmie, Jeff talked about the benefits of urban trees. Phil Bennett, the city’s deputy director of public works, shared how to develop and effective urban forest program. Commerce would like to thank our hosts, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe and the Planning Association of Washington, for this amazing opportunity for planning education. Special thanks to Joe Price, tribal member and Canoe Family member, for opening the event with a song of salmon in the language of his people.

Commerce, in partnership with Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance, has launched a new loan program to help businesses with Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 interim loans qualify for “gap” financing. The new Collateral Support Loan program provides funding to small businesses experiencing a collateral shortfall in their SBA 504 loan. “Starting a small business is tough enough, but expanding and growing that dream is often even harder,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong. “We are excited to work with Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance to help more small businesses access expansion capital they need to grow and thrive through a critical stage.” Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/gqKmf63Q

Are you working on a clean energy project? We want to hear from you! The new Federal Funds Grant Writing Assistance Program helps organizations apply for federal funds. We’re requesting feedback from interested participants to help inform the program’s resources. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Take the survey: https://heyor.ca/zokpHd The FFGWAP team will work directly with eligible organizations to support their pursuit of federal funds. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gibRHEPa

We’re excited to celebrate Korbett Mosesly, managing director of the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP). Korbett received the Washington Workforce Association’s 2024 Chair Award for his dedicated leadership implementing the CRP! The CRP programs focus on repairing wealth disparities in communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. With an initial $200 million investment, CRP is anticipated to yield $1.6 billion in economic benefits for targeted communities. This includes increased earnings, reduced recidivism costs, and enhanced community stability. Watch Washington Workforce Association’s video recognizing Korbett: https://lnkd.in/gQH9ijge

Commerce Director Mike Fong today spoke at the 2024 Washington Workforce Association Fall Conference highlighting the importance of a trained, diverse and resilient workforce, and equitable economic development opportunities. He emphasized affordable housing, accessible child care for workers, reliable high-speed internet for all, and addressing systemic inequities through the Community Reinvestment Project to build thriving communities. Director Fong encouraged partnerships and innovation to strengthen our state’s workforce and economy, and ensure a bright future for all in Washington.

The Federal Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program is hosting a webinar on Monday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. This webinar is for tax-exempt entities to learn about clean energy tax credits, including Direct Pay, and free legal services offered through the program. Participants can ask Lawyers for Good Government, our program contractors, questions about project eligibility, financing, filing, and other services. Register to join: https://heyor.ca/aifkrU Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gj5MV2Qs

Did you know FundHubWA links to funding opportunities related to climate and clean energy for everyone in Washington, including businesses, individuals, nonprofits, public agencies, and tribal governments? Visit FundHub.WA.gov for more information and to explore funding opportunities for your community.