Investing in People: New Grants Help Local Businesses Build Talent and Create Opportunities
Grants awarded to 50 small businesses to accelerate workforce development efforts.
Seattle, WA (April 8, 2025) - The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is proud to announce that 50 small businesses and nonprofits across King County have been selected to receive the Workforce Accelerator Grant of up to $6,500 each. These grants will support employee training and expand employment opportunities for small businesses in historically underserved communities.
Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, the Workforce Accelerator Grant is designed support businesses 51% or more owned and operated by individuals from Black, urban Indian/Tribal, and Latine communities. The program focuses on helping individuals and businesses from populations disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs by reducing economic barriers to hiring and training.
“This grant represents another intentional investment in the people that power our region’s economy,” said Marie Kurose, Chief Executive Officer of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. “By focusing on economic inclusion and employee success across industries, we’re helping to ensure that small businesses can access the tools to keep building opportunities in our communities.”
The awarded organizations will use the funding for one of three eligible workforce development projects: paid internships that create talent pipelines through meaningful, short-term work experiences for interns, employee development & training supporting worker retention and growth through job training, certifications, and upskilling opportunities, and new hire wage subsidies covering new hire wages for up to three months or reduce financial barriers to onboarding new employees.
Awardees demonstrated strong workforce development potential, community impact, and the capacity for long-term success. Together, they represent a wide array of industries - including construction, early education, finance, and healthcare - highlighting the innovation and range of King County’s small business landscape.
The awardees are (in alphabetical order):
Back to Work Prevention & Physical Therapy (Renew Physical Therapy)
Bet Boon SPC
Colorful Communities LLC
Fintech Global
LEWISMILLER LLC (The Comfort Zone Restaurant)
Nolosha
Not Forgotten Foundation
Renew Beacon LLC
The Workforce Accelerator Grant is one of many initiatives led by the WDC to build a community-centered workforce ecosystem across Seattle-King County. In 2024, the WDC provided over $500,000 went to 40 additional small businesses and nonprofits through Community Reinvestment Project funds to foster the organizations’ foster long-term economic growth and sustainability. In partnership with Kings Dream Consulting and BUILD 206, the WDC is also hosting free virtual workshops aimed at building foundational skills for small businesses.
By investing in small businesses and nonprofits, especially those rooted in communities of color, the WDC is helping foster economic mobility, innovation, and equity across the region.
Additional Resources for Small Businesses
Workforce Empowerment Grant - In partnership with the Washington Native American Chamber of Commerce (WaNACC), eligible small businesses (including nonprofits) can apply for up to $10,000 to support activities like employee training, recruitment and retention strategies, certification programs, and more.
Langston Create and Thrive – Four funding opportunities for businesses. Apply HERE
Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN) - Through the Washington State Department of Commerce, SBRN partners provide culturally and linguistically relevant assistance and other business support services at no cost to entrepreneurs, small businesses and nonprofits – with an emphasis on those owned by historically marginalized and underserved persons – throughout Washington.
CRP Financial Coaches and Membership - The CRP Financial Coaching and Mentorship program provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive financial coaching, business coaching, and homebuyer education.
CRP Economic Development Programs - CRP’s economic development program is repairing wealth disparities by creating opportunities for individuals and families to buy homes, save money, receive financial education, training and grants for small businesses.
Community Business Connector - Customized set of small business resources to help you achieve your goals here in the King County Area.
Tabor 100- Free technical assistance from relevant consultants in Tabor 100's business ecosystem. $250 annual cost for membership with access to co-working space and services, reciprocal Seattle chamber membership, networking events, community portal, business coaching, discount tickets, free meeting rooms, etc.
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Entrepreneurship Programming - These services are designed to connect with small business owners, provide ongoing culturally relevant assistance to meet their operational needs, maintain a trusted community presence, and consistently provide opportunities for business growth & development.
Seattle Good Business Network – Resources and programs through their coalition of residents, local businesses, non-profits, and municipal organizations.
Business Impact NW - Provides coaching, classes, and access to capital to community small businesses, with an emphasis on working with traditionally underserved populations - those who face historical barriers in the financial and business sectors; services are open to all.
SCORE - Free and confidential one-on-one business counseling by phone, email, and in-person. Free workshops and events.
Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - A network of more than 40 expert business advisors working in communities across the state to help entrepreneurs or small business owners start, grow or buy/sell a business.
Northwest Access Fund - Programs are open to all people with disabilities, including seniors, in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, of all incomes, all ages, and all types of disabilities.
Rainier Valley Community Development Fund - Provides lending capital to entrepreneurs and developers that enhance the quality of life in the community.
Seattle Latino Chamber of Commerce – Membership organization that offers business networking and resources.
Washington Native American Chamber of Commerce - Membership organization that offers business networking and resources.
Media Contact:
Ana Gaeta, Communications Manager,
Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
agaeta@seakingwdc.org
seakingwdc.org/contact-us