Business Investment Grants (B.I.G.)

Business Investment Grants (B. I. G.)

is sponsored by Spokane Workforce Council (funded through Washington State Department of Commerce's Community Reinvestment Project). This opportunity aims to rectify historical injustices and create equity for Spokane Businesses. Grant funds must be used for activities related to capacity building/growth, operational expenses/enhancements, hiring, retention, or staff training.

Business Investment Grant – Spokane Workforce Council Business Investment Grant We Go B. I. G.

for Your Small Business Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project , the Business Investment Grants (B. I. G.)

opportunity aims to rectify historical injustices, including those from the “War on Drugs. ” We are committed to creating equity for Spokane Businesses within our community. This commitment begins here with ensuring clarity in how these funds are disbursed.

We will prioritize businesses 51% or more owned and operated by individuals from Black, Native American, and Latine communities to rectify the injustices stemming from the historical implementation and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, also known as the “War on Drugs. ” Please review the application and have your required documents ready to submit.

Please reach out to our team if you need help completing the documents. Please reach out to our team if you need help completing the documents.

Focus Areas & Investment Priorities We will prioritize businesses 51% or more owned and operated by individuals from Black, Native American, and Latine communities to rectify the injustices stemming from the historical implementation and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, also known as the “War on Drugs.

” Focus Areas (funds must be utilized for one or more of the following purposes) : Capacity building/growth: Funding allocated towards activities or initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall capabilities, resources, and effectiveness of the organization, enabling it to expand its operations, reach, or impact.

Operational expenses/enhancements: Grant funds intended to support operating expenses and/or capital improvements for your business. Please detail specifics in your budget template. Hiring: Financial support designated for the recruitment and onboarding of new employees, particularly targeted towards increasing diversity and representation within the organization’s workforce.

Retention: Funds allocated to implement strategies or programs aimed at retaining existing employees, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, and reducing turnover rates within the organization.

Staff training: Grant funds utilized for the provision of training and professional development opportunities for employees, aimed at enhancing their skills, knowledge, and capabilities in areas relevant to the organization’s mission and objectives. If your question is not listed here, please feel free to submit it to us at programteam@spokaneworkforce. org .

We update our FAQ section weekly with all questions and answers received. Who is eligible to apply for the CRF Business Investment Grant? Expand The CRF Business Investment Grant Opportunity is open to businesses and non-profits located in Spokane County that were established prior to April 1, 2025.

Priority is given to organizations that are at least 51% owned and operated by individuals from Black, Native American, and Latine communities. Others that are invited to apply are business owners who are refugees or immigrants or from other racially and ethnically marginalized communities. Prior B.

I. G. awardees, as well as SWC employees and their immediate family members, are not eligible to apply.

What can the grant funds be used for? Expand Grant funds must be used for activities related to capacity building/growth, operational expenses/enhancements, hiring, retention, or staff training. These funds should directly contribute to the development and enhancement of the organization’s operations and impact.

How can I apply for the grant? Expand To apply for the CRF Business Investment Grant Opportunity, please visit our website at www. spokaneworkforce.

org/BIG . You will find the application form along with detailed instructions on how to complete and submit your application. What documents are required for the application?

Expand Documents required are a business license and W9. How are grant applications evaluated and scored? Expand Grant applications are evaluated based on several criteria including ownership representation, alignment with grant purpose, impact and sustainability, community benefit and engagement, and completeness of the application.

Each criterion is assigned a specific point value, and applications are scored accordingly. Is there a deadline for submitting grant applications? Expand There is no deadline.

We urge applicants to apply immediately. These grant funds will remain available until they are exhausted, and applications will be reviewed for eligibility on a rolling basis. When will applicants be notified of the decision on their grant applications?

Expand Applicants will be notified within 5 business days if their application is eligible. Is there anything else I should know before applying for the grant? Expand We recommend carefully reviewing the grant guidelines and application instructions before submitting your application.

Additionally, please ensure that your proposed activities align with the grant priorities and that all required documentation is provided to facilitate the review process. Can I contact someone if I have questions or need assistance with my application? Expand Yes, we encourage applicants to reach out if they have any questions or need assistance with their applications.

Please submit all questions to us at programteam@spokaneworkforce. org and we will update this Q&A document weekly with all questions and answers received. Community Engagement Coordinator Email: mmartin@spokaneworkforce.

org Email: bdesure@spokaneworkforce. org Division Executive of Programs & Development Email: jclayton@spokaneworkforce. org Talent Solutions by WorkSource Spokane Technical Assistance Partner Email: TalentSolutions@esd.

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