Over $500,000 Awarded to King County Small Businesses for Equitable Economic Development
Forty small businesses and non-profits from historically marginalized communities receive grants to support workforce development efforts.
Seattle, WA - The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 Small Business Investment Grant. After reviewing over 450 applications, 40 small businesses and nonprofits —predominantly owned and operated by individuals from Black, urban Indian/Tribal, and Latine communities— have been selected to receive grants of up to $15,000 each.
The Small Business Investment Grant aims to help these organizations build capacity, support worker retention, and foster long-term economic growth and sustainability. In addition to financial assistance, awardees will receive ongoing guidance through coaching, consulting, and access to resources designed to enhance their business operations and community impact.
The awardees are (in alphabetical order):
CVW Enterprises LLC
D & D Deconstruction Construction
Destinies First Shuttles
Foundation Builders
Juba Transport
Each organization was selected through a rigorous, transparent scoring process evaluated by an independent panel. Awardees excelled in all categories, including community impact, workforce development, and collaboration, while demonstrating strong potential for long-term success. The recipients span a variety of industries, from creative services to transportation, reflecting the innovation and diversity of King County’s small business community.
Additional economic development investment opportunities for small businesses, such as grants, loans, and financial coaching, are available and will continue to be offered through other CRP Economic Development Grants providers and partners. Broader and more individualized support is also available through other strategic investment program areas, including Violence Prevention, Reentry Services, and Legal Assistance.
“It’s an honor to help create opportunities in these communities through our stewardship of state funds,” said Marie Kurose, CEO of the Workforce Development Council. “We’re excited about the positive impact these grants will have on both small businesses and workforce development. While this is just a small, yet important step in addressing the significant needs of small businesses, we look forward to continuing our partnership with the community as we move forward.”
This initiative was made possible through funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project. The project aims to promote equity in economic development by addressing the injustices faced by communities disproportionately impacted by the “War on Drugs.” The WDC is using these funds to provide targeted support to BIPOC-owned and operated businesses in King County, while also helping job seekers with career opportunities through the Economic Security for All programs.
Quotes
God’s Providing Hands & Services II: “This grant is a catalyst for growth, allowing us to enhance our services and to employ individuals who share our passion for this work. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to serve our community more robustly, providing the essential needs for daily survival.”
Scholar Fund: “We look forward to expanding our work and continuing to empower our communities.”
The Trap Lab Fitness Studio: “We are so grateful and excited to expand our services through the virtual platform and the wellness app we've been dreaming about. Wellness is vital within the BIPOC community, where access to culturally relevant health resources is often limited. This grant will allow us to make a real difference in reaching and supporting our community, especially those facing challenges like getting to the studio or attending regular classes. We aim to create a much-needed healing, self-care, and community space for Washington State.”
The CHAMP Program: “We are serving so many young people in the community and have been working really hard to make mentorship, boxing, and mental health supports accessible for our youth. They deserve a place to thrive and grow with no economic barriers attached to it. With that, we have to incur a lot of cost and expenses ourselves. This lead us to pursue grants for support and to keep the program free for the youth in need! Getting selected for this grant helps with those efforts. The CHAMP PROGRAM is extremely grateful!”
Taylor Tax: “This funding will play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of empowering youth in our community through training and education on taxes and credit building … we will be able to expand our programs, reach more individuals, and make a lasting impact on their financial futures.”
May I Make a Suggestion: “This support comes at a crucial time and will allow us to keep our doors open and continue offering our wellness programming to the community while we await the start of upcoming contracts and grants. The funds will help us pay our team members, engage our valued consultants, and invest in essential equipment to enhance our programs. We are honored and deeply thankful for this opportunity, which strengthens our mission to promote wellness, diversity, and community empowerment.”
Additional Resources for Small Businesses
Small Business Resiliency Network - Washington State Department of Commerce - Small Business Resiliency Network (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.
Community Business Connector - Customized set of small business resources to help you achieve your goals here in the King County Area.
Tabor 100 - 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’s entrepreneurship programming and 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.
Media Contact:
Ana Gaeta, Communications Specialist,
Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
agaeta@seakingwdc.org
seakingwdc.org/contact-us