FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Spokane Workforce Council Announces Grant Awards to Support Black, Indigenous, and Latine Small Businesses in Spokane County!
Spokane Workforce Council
140 S Arthur St., Suite 300A
Spokane, WA 99202
Spokane, WA – July 10, 2024 – Spokane Workforce Council is thrilled to announce $174,520 in grant awards through our Business Investment Grant Opportunity to support Black, Indigenous, and Latine small businesses in Spokane County. Funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, these awards will support sustainability, capacity building, and growth for these businesses, as well as staff hiring and retention. This initiative is a reflection of our commitment to fostering community development through direct investments to reduce inequities and increase economic opportunity.
Bianka DeSure, Program Coordinator for Spokane Workforce Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the Business Investment Grant Opportunity, stating, “We received 124 applications with a total ask of over $1.7 million. It was exciting to receive so many high-quality proposals, which is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of our local small business community.”
The Business Investment Grant Opportunity is part of Spokane Workforce Council’s commitment under the Community Reinvestment Plan to providing targeted workforce supports to historically under resourced groups, with a focus on Black, Indigenous, and Latine communities. More opportunities like matched savings accounts, incentive payments for employment, and training participation will launch later this year.
Mark Mattke, Chief Executive Officer for Spokane Workforce Council shared his support. “We are excited and honored to provide resources to this diverse group of local businesses that will advance their growth and contribute to the economic development of Spokane County.”
Awarded Businesses:
- Chrysalis Gallery
- Continuum Office Environments
- dom+bomb
- Fantasy Kleaning
- Global Neighborhood
- Indigenous Eats
- Jalisco’s
- Jasmin Group
- Just Imagine Child Care Center
- Larry’s Barber & Styling
- Operation Healthy Family
- Raze Development
- SERA
- Take Up the Cause
If you’re a business owner seeking additional business services, we invite you to visit Talent Solutions by WorkSource Spokane. Our dedicated Business Navigators are here to provide tailored business support to meet the unique needs of small businesses like yours.
For more information about the Business Investment Grant Opportunity, please visit www.spokaneworkforce.org or contact Jessica Clayton at admin@spokaneworkforce.org.
About SWC
Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) and its WorkSource Spokane Campus (WorkSource Spokane, Next Generation Zone, and Talent Solutions by WorkSource Spokane) are the local workforce development authorities and provide assistance to the community through employment resources and support. As a proud partner of the American Job Center Network, SWC and its WorkSource Spokane Campus are equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711.
