SJC EDC has a boatload of opportunities available

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL |||

Datapalooza! – February 22, 2023

Join the EDC for the 13th annual Datapalooza! event.

This year’s program will feature presentations by noted speakers Dr. Anneliese Vance-Sherman, Regional Labor Economist for the State of Washington, and James McCafferty, Director of WWU Center for Economic & Business Research.

Their presentations will explore our region’s past, present, and projected economy and demographic statistics, including industry, employment, sales data, and current trends. This in-depth analysis will enable leaders and businesspeople to make informed decision about the issues that affect our community and our economics.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 22, 2023, from 10:00-11:30 am
Learn more and get your ticket today!

Attend the Fourth Annual Black-Owned Business Excellence Symposium

Black Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) will be hosting an all-day, hybrid symposium to celebrate, educate, and inspire Washington business owners who have been historically underserved.

This will be a kick-off event for Black History Month and a host of other workshops and trainings scheduled for throughout February. This event builds on and extends many efforts to build connections with and between Black-focused business groups and entrepreneurs, and is a collaborative effort with many amazing organizations that support BOBE.

WHEN: February 1, 2023, starting at 9:00 am. Register for the event here, or learn more at BOBE’s website!

Be a Part of Food Biz Week

Calling all food & farm business owners: Food Biz Week is just around the corner! Join Business Impact NW for two days of insightful and engaging panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities!

By attending Food Biz Week, you will gain insights into the current outlook in the food and farm sector and how to successfully launch or grow a business now and in the near future.

The event will be virtual and FREE so you are invited to attend from anywhere in the region!

WHEN: February 22-23, 2022
Learn more and register today!

Home Care Aide Training Offered by the EDC and Cornerstone Healthcare Training

Those seeking to enter health care careers, obtain side income while helping their neighbors, or boost personal care business are invited to get free Home Care Aide (HCA) training and certification through a program offered in partnership with Cornerstone Healthcare Training.

Students will receive free training, financial support for costs of testing, and counseling to fit HCA certification into a plan for financial success.

Learn more and register today!

NEW Grant for Underserved WA State Manufacturing Enterprises

Thanks to a grant from the WA State Dept. of Commerce’s new Small Business Innovation Fund (SBIF), Impact Washington will provide the assistance that small, underserved manufacturing businesses desperately need to develop and grow.

Specific qualifications include:
Have less than 50 employees or less than $7 million in gross revenue and have one of these characteristics:

Women-owned
BIPOC-owned
Indigenous-owned
LGBTQIA+ -owned
Located in rural region of state (i.e., San Juan County)

Benefit to Manufacturer:
Selected manufacturers can receive up to 80 hours of consulting and training – (up to $24,000 value)

Application open NOW through April 30, 2023
Learn more and apply here!

Time is Running Out to Apply for the Flex Fund

Are you a small business owner with fewer than 50 employees and an annual revenue of less than $3 million? You may be eligible for this flexible loan made for Washington’s smallest businesses and nonprofits.

Submission deadline is March 1, 2023, but apply ASAP to make sure you have time to get everything in.
Find out more and apply here!

NEW: Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities

The Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities program funds solar and battery backup power so community buildings can provide essential services when the power goes out. Grants support installation as well as planning work for solar plus storage systems at community buildings, including schools, community centers, libraries, and other buildings owned by local, state, and tribal governments and non-profits in Washington. Technical assistance opportunities help communities prepare to apply for future grant funding opportunities.

There are two funding opportunities:

• Grant Opportunity – Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities
• Community Outreach and Feasibility Consultant Request for Proposals

Visit the Commerce website to learn more about the application process and due dates.