DWWF, Kindling Coworking, awarded a $635,250 grant to support small business.
Downtown WW Foundation and Kindling Coworking receive $636,250 state grant to support and advance innovative small businesses in three southeast Washington counties.
In partnership with Kindling Coworking, the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation has been awarded a $635,250 grant through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Small Business Innovation Fund (SBIF). SBIF awarded 22 projects, a total of $32.5 million, to projects supporting underserved communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs across the state.
These funds will deliver a four-month infusion of energy, infrastructure, and funds into the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Walla Walla, Columbia, and Garfield counties in Southeast Washington state, with four primary deliverables:
Infrastructure investment into entrepreneurial hubs, including a coworking office and a maker space in Downtown Walla Walla.
Scholarship opportunities and technical assistance for new businesses to launch at Kindling Coworking, WonderWorx Maker Space, and the Downtown Walla Walla Farmers Market.
A business pitch competition directly funds innovative entrepreneurs with $300,000 in cash awards to grow their businesses.
Increased networking and connection opportunities within the existing entrepreneurial ecosystem of Walla Walla Valley.
Details on the available programs, including eligibility criteria and applications, are available now.