SkillSource will award up to $80,000 in Small Business Investment Grant funds for Latine, Tribal, Black, Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-owned businesses in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Adams and Okanogan counties. The following instructions provide information about eligibility and guidance for understanding the requirements to apply. Once you have completed and submitted your application via the link at the bottom of this page, you will receive a confirmation email that your application has been received.

I. PURPOSE:  The small business investment grants are a part of the Community Reinvestment Initiative through the Washington State Department of Commerce. The overarching goal is to ensure that historically marginalized communities gain access to resources, which promotes broader community development and economic resilience. SkillSource aims to connect small businesses in North Central Washington with these new funding opportunities to help businesses grow and thrive.

II.  APPLICATION PERIOD:  The grant application process will begin on September 4, 2025 and close no later than September 22, 2025.  If/when 50 applications are received, SkillSource will close the application/review period.  If funds are not fully awarded during this phase, another opportunity to apply for the grant will be available.

III.  AMOUNT AVAILABLE:  Applicants may apply for up to $5,000.  Please note that substantiation of need (including budget and application) will help SkillSource make appropriate decisions on award amounts to maximize funding.

IV.  ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Business owner must be Latine, Tribal, Black, Asian, Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander and doing business in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Adams or Okanogan counties.
  
• Businesses must have a valid business license, WA State registration # (UBI#), and W9.
• Statement of need and budget must be tied to one of the two focus areas as described below.
• Businesses that received a small business grant through SkillSource in 2024 are not eligible.

V. BUDGET & REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: 

• The grant period will be from date of contract signature through no later than June 30, 2026.
  
• SkillSource will require a mid-grant check-in and an end-of-grant report which will be determined by the grant/project duration chosen by business.
• Awarded applicants will be asked to provide a brief narrative describing the impact of the grant by the end of the program year (6/30/2026).