Investing in King County’s small business community
Through Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Program, WDC deployed $3.65 million to strengthen small businesses, support job seekers, and build financial resilience across King County, repairing harm from historical economic inequities and expanding opportunity.
small businesses supported
from CRP priority populations
industries reached
invested directly into small businesses
How we invested
WDC deployed CRP funds through three interconnected strategies — direct grants, hands-on technical assistance, and deep community partnerships — to meet small businesses where they are.
Direct Business Grants
Flexible funding for hiring, training, equipment, operations, and capacity building.
What we funded
- Small Business Investment Grant — up to $15,000 for capacity building, hiring, retention, and training
- Workforce Accelerator Grant — up to $6,500 for paid internships, employee training, or new hire wages
- Intermediary Partner Grants (2024–2025) — up to $10,000 through community-rooted By and For organizations
- Intermediary Partner Grants (2025–2027) — a new $400,000 round via Tabor 100 and Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber
Investment breakdown
Technical Assistance
Coaching, training, and workforce connections to build skills and systems for long-term sustainability.
What we provided
- Business Navigators — 1:1 connection to workforce programs, hiring resources, and state systems
- Tabor 100 / WADP — consulting and technical assistance to 46 small businesses
- BUILD 206 — toolkits, webinars, and hands-on support for Workforce Accelerator awardees
- Training & webinars — minimum wage, hiring, record-keeping, and youth pipeline development
Investment breakdown
Community Partnerships
Trusted, community-rooted organizations delivering culturally relevant, relationship-driven support.
Who we partnered with
- Imagine Institute — 4,291 hours of free childcare substitute coverage across 46 childcare facilities in high-need zip codes
- By and For partners — Beacon Business Alliance, Langston, RVCDF, and WaNACC delivered grants to 34 businesses
- WorkSource integration — connecting businesses to the broader workforce ecosystem and state programs
- New intermediary partners — Tabor 100 and Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber for the 2025–2027 cycle
Investment breakdown
Impact by the numbers
From new jobs to improved revenue, CRP investments created ripple effects across King County’s small business community — and the workers they employ.
Reach
123+Small businesses supported
Across 12 industries in King County, 95% from CRP priority populations — predominantly Black, Urban Indian/Tribal, and Latine-owned businesses.
Workforce
83Workers trained or upskilled
Includes 24 employees trained directly and 26 paid internships supported — building talent pipelines for businesses and entry points for job seekers.
Hiring
34New hires enabled
Grants directly enabled 28 new full- or part-time hires, with 5 businesses supported in recruitment infrastructure to build future pipelines.
Retention
28Workers retained
Investments in wages, benefits, wellness, and operational improvements helped businesses stabilize their teams during periods of growth or transition.
Revenue
+$4,371Average monthly revenue increase
Among survey respondents, 30 of 46 businesses reported revenue growth after receiving grants, totaling $201,079 in collective monthly revenue gains.
Employment
+58Net new employees added
Respondents reported a combined increase of 22 full-time and 36 part-time employees compared to their staffing levels before receiving grants.
Childcare
4,291Hours of childcare substitute coverage
Through the Imagine Institute partnership, 46 licensed childcare facilities in high-need zip codes received free substitute coverage — supporting 48 individuals in work-based training.
* Revenue and employment figures are self-reported by 46 of 123 grant awardees who responded to an optional post-grant survey (37% response rate) and may not reflect outcomes across all businesses supported.
123 businesses. One community.
We are proud to have supported these King County small businesses through the Community Reinvestment Program. Click a business name to visit their website.
- Workforce Accelerator Grant
- Small Business Investment Grant
- Intermediary Partner Grant
Use arrows or hover to pause · Click a name to visit their website
Stories from the community
Behind every grant is a business owner with a vision. Here are some of the entrepreneurs whose stories show what community-centered investment can make possible.
Small Business Investment Grant · Community Reinvestment Program · King County
Jumpin Jambalaya
Youpa Valentine, CEO
When Youpa Valentine first connected with WDC through the Economic Security for All program, she was looking for stability and opportunity. Through the Matched Investment Savings Account program, she secured stable housing for herself and her daughter, and began building the foundation to pursue her dream: sharing the flavors of her culture through food.
A beloved culinary staple known for its bold Cajun Creole fusions, Jumpin Jambalaya received a Small Business Investment Grant to address critical startup needs — inventory, payroll for new hires — laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
“The CRF was instrumental in turning my vision into reality. For entrepreneurs like me, who face personal credit challenges, this funding provided a lifeline that was crucial in overcoming financial barriers and building resilience in the early stages of business.”
- New hires supported
- Stable housing secured
- Cajun Creole cuisine
- MISA participant
More stories coming soon.
See the latest with our small business investment
Our work with King County's small business community is ongoing. These posts go deeper into the stories, partnerships, and lessons shaping how we invest in equitable workforce development.
