Washington State Department of Commerce

Washington’s innovation cluster is just one of thousands around the world helping accelerate economic development by growing, transforming, and creating industries. These clusters are trusted collaborative platforms that speed up the pace of innovation, solve industry-level challenges and compete in new markets. Commerce has an open Request for Applications for groups interested in participating in the new cohort of the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP). Eligible organizations include federally recognized tribes and their contracted service providers, local governments, public and private utilities, ports, associate development organizations, and more. Interested applicants can join the upcoming pre-proposal conference Thursday, March 13, 12 to 1 p.m. Apply by Wednesday, April 2 at 5 p.m. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/grinMRsv.

Congratulations to the Tri County Economic Development District on the recent groundbreaking of its first significant broadband infrastructure project in central Stevens County! The Washington State Broadband Office awarded the Central Zone Project a $12 million Broadband Infrastructure Grant in 2023. This work is projected to impact 1,768 Broadband Service Locations (BSLs) in the rural county. The project will include a hybrid network to bring high-speed broadband to homes, businesses, and critical public safety installations, including six local fire stations. 📷 Tri County Economic Development District Pictured: Steve Schulte, NoaNet-Project Manager; Brent Smith, NoaNet-OSP Engineer; Nick Ulrich, NoaNet-Deployment Manager; Bert Klimas, Stevens County BAT; Justin Defries, Nue Beam; Jim Cooper, Paramount-General Foreman; Frank Metlow, TEDD; Greg Young, Stevens County Commissioner; Mike Stotts, Northwest Line Builders-Foreman

Reminder: The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council is gathering feedback to better understand the challenges faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. The input will help shape DDC’s 5-Year State Plan, which guides their work to address barriers and improve services statewide. They need your help to ensure voices from all communities are heard, especially people in underserved or underrepresented areas. How you can support this effort: • Take the survey before July 21: http://bit.ly/WADDCSurvey • Spread the word by sharing the survey with your network Get full details on the WADDC website: https://lnkd.in/gZyG84BF

Happy International Women’s Day to the amazing women across Washington! Let’s continue breaking barriers, celebrating diversity, and recognizing the talent and contributions of women from all walks of life.

More affordable housing is coming to Bellevue with the recent groundbreaking of BRIDGE Housing Corporation’s 234-unit community in the Spring District. The area is a 36-acre mixed-use, transit-oriented neighborhood located near high-tech employers, great public schools, recreational areas, and more. Chris Lovings, our community engagement specialist for King County, joined partners to celebrate the property which will house residents with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income. Forty units will be reserved for individuals with developmental disabilities. This project is made possible through strong public-private partnerships. Commerce is proud to support the project with funding from the Housing Trust Fund and the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program. Read more about the project: https://lnkd.in/guK2ktPA

The Commerce Reentry Grant Program keeps funding where it matters most—within communities—by employing formerly incarcerated individuals to support others on the same journey. Hamzah Garret, a Life Coach with Leveled UP, is one of many staff members across Washington whose position is made possible by this grant. He shares the profound impact of this funding: "Thanks to the Department of Commerce funding, Leveled UP Reentry has been able to provide more comprehensive support to our participants. The funding has allowed us to increase our staff capacity, ensuring personalized attention and better outcomes for those we serve. On a personal note, this funding has been life-changing for me. It has helped me secure an apartment and find meaningful employment. I was thrilled to blow out birthday candles again after 17 years without this ritual. I was filled with gratitude for the support of my family, friends, and Leveled Up Reentry. This moment symbolizes resilience, perseverance, and the power of community." Jazz Lynn and Tay Booker are among the leaders making this work possible! Here’s to many more candles, celebrations, and milestones ahead.

Paine Field Airport this week announced increased travel opportunities with the addition of Frontier Airlines. Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn and Joseph Downes, community engagement specialist for northwest Washington, joined the event to celebrate the continued growth of Paine Field and economic development for the Everett community. Beginning June 2, passengers will have direct service from Paine Field to Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g_NUMmgB

I’m like you. I appreciate leadership that listens! Yesterday, newly appointed Washington State Department of Commerce Director Joseph Nguyen and Head of Economic Development Grace Yoo spent the day in Everett—including a visit with the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce —on a mission to listen, learn, and engage. From Katya’s Bakery, a vibrant hub for the Eastern European community, Director Nguyen asked all the right questions, recognizing local chambers of commerce as the boots on the ground for business retention and expansion. His commitment to hearing directly from businesses and local leaders underscores a hands-on approach to driving economic growth in Everett and beyond. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 #economicdevelopment #everettwa #smallbusiness

Don't miss out on your tax credit! Did you know? Many Washingtonians with disabilities qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), but every year, 1 in 5 eligible people don’t claim it! If you earned less than $66,819 in 2024, you could receive up to $9,120 in state and federal tax credits. This money can help with everyday expenses, medical costs, or savings for the future. Check your eligibility before you file! Use the EITC Assistant to see if you qualify: https://heyor.ca/LDXReN