We had the honor of celebrating the small businesses and nonprofits from across King County who were the recipients of our Small Business Investment Grant and Workforce Accelerator Grant.

Hosted in partnership with the Rainier Beach Action Coalition, a longtime community partner and trusted anchor in South Seattle, the ceremony was part of their Walk the Block Party which brought together business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community-based organizations for a day of recognition, connection, and reflection.

In early 2025, widespread federal layoffs across Washington triggered a coordinated statewide response. Led by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, partners quickly mobilized to connect displaced federal workers to unemployment support, job training, and reemployment services.

The first quarter of 2025 has been filled with collaborations that are moving the needle for workforce opportunity. These moments, meetings, and milestones are a part of our mission to create a more accessible, equitable, and empowered workforce ecosystem.

The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is proud to announce that 50 small businesses and nonprofits across King County have been selected to receive the Workforce Accelerator Grant of up to $6,500 each. These grants will support employee training and expand employment opportunities for small businesses in historically underserved communities.

The WDC has launched Sound Jobs, a new initiative dedicated to strengthening economic mobility and worker well-being in the hospitality sector, backed by a $3 million Critical Sectors Job Quality Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This investment supports a coalition of labor unions, workforce organizations, and employers to enhance workplace practices and career pathways for hospitality workers across the region.

Job quality is central to our mission. For employers, it’s essential for retaining employees and fostering satisfaction. By promoting fair wages, supportive environments, and growth opportunities, we help businesses build productive teams, driving long-term success and a thriving workforce.

We're proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Small Business Investment Grant. After reviewing over 450 applications, 40 small businesses and nonprofits —predominantly owned and operated by individuals from Black, urban Indian/Tribal, and Latine communities— have been selected to receive grants of up to $15,000 each. The Small Business Investment Grant aims to help these organizations build capacity, support worker retention, and foster long-term economic growth and sustainability. In addition to financial assistance, awardees will receive ongoing guidance through coaching, consulting, and access to resources designed to enhance their business operations and community impact.