Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County Small Business Grants

Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County Small Business Grants is sponsored by Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, in partnership with Washington State Department of Commerce. These grants support entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly those from historically underserved communities, with funding to help launch, stabilize, or grow their businesses.

Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County Building Equity, Growing Opportunity All people in this region, regardless of race or ethnicity, should share in its economic prosperity. That’s why we seek to catalyze system change in the Puget Sound region to ensure racial equity and to increase the prosperity and economic growth of workers, employers, and communities.

Access Workforce Services See How We Make a Difference The Seattle King County region is the largest labor market in the state of Washington. In collaboration with our partners, WDC pursues comprehensive solutions that elevate job quality and address racial and economic disparities. Learn more.

The WDC periodically requests proposals or qualifications from the community as part of our commitment and duty to wisely invest our resources. These open and transparent competitions are detailed here. Learn more.

The Industry Strategies team drives economic growth and fosters a more equitable workforce by offering employers strategies, resources, and solutions to meet today’s workforce challenges. Learn more. We’re dedicated to providing local job support and services.

Whether you're looking for personalized career help, training programs, or support for your business, we’re here to guide you. Let's find your path together! Learn more.

News From Across the Workforce Community Reinvestment: Partners Share Their Impact at EcSA/CRP Summit the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County hosted the Economic Security for All & Community Reinvestment Program Provider Summit.

It was a morning that brought together the Washington State Department of Commerce, Employment Security Department, and dozens of community partners from across King County to do something we don't do often enough: pause and celebrate.

This Summit gave space to those who make community work happen — the intermediaries, training providers, small business owners, and community organizations — to share their lived experiences and those of the people they serve.

Built to Lead: Celebrating the 2026 Workforce Practitioners Academy Graduates What happens when you give the people doing this work — the case managers, employment specialists, navigators, and vocational counselors who show up every day for job seekers rebuilding their lives — the tools, language, and community to do it even better?

The Workforce Practitioners Academy, a professional development initiative run in partnership with WorkSource Seattle–King County, celebrated this cohort’s program graduation to strengthen the skills and professional practice of frontline workforce staff across the region.

WorkSource Seattle-King County: Service Update Effective June 30, 2026 As part of an ongoing commitment to building a workforce system that is sustainable, forward-looking, and truly supportive of the communities we serve, WorkSource Seattle-King County will be transitioning two affiliate locations — South Seattle College and YWCA Downtown — to connection sites effective June 30, 2026.

While these offices will no longer be operating as affiliates, our commitment to supporting employment and career journey remains unchanged. $1 Million Federal Investment Opens Doors for King County Healthcare Workers Workforce Index—May 2026: A Mixed Picture This month’s Workforce Index brings a full data refresh across the board—unemployment, hiring, wages, layoffs, and cost of living are all current.

The headline: King County’s unemployment rate fell back below 5% for the first time since late 2025, but a shrinking labor force complicates the story. Meanwhile, healthcare employers are surging, job openings continue to climb, and WARN-reported layoffs are tracking ahead of recent years. Here’s what stood out in the May update.

Labor Rights Are Workforce Rights: May Day 2026 This International Labor Day, we reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead to ensure every worker in King County can thrive.

WDC Celebrates Passage of HB 2523 and Continued Investment in Economic Security for All The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is celebrating an important win for communities across Washington: the passage and signing of House Bill 2523, which strengthens the Community Reinvestment Program and reinforces the state’s commitment to expanding economic opportunity.

This milestone reflects years of advocacy, partnership, and community leadership. Alongside the Washington Workforce Association, local workforce boards, community-based organizations, and legislative champions, the WDC has worked to help ensure that Economic Security for All (EcSA) and the Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) remain strong tools for reducing poverty, advancing equity, and connecting people to stable careers.

When Seattle’s Workforce Shifts, We Respond With Support Seattle's economy continues to change, and for many workers that change arrives as a layoff, a disrupted career path, or the need to start over in an unfamiliar field. A recent Seattle Times guest column by contributor Al Kemp looks at what career change can mean in this moment, especially for people navigating job loss and uncertainty.

The piece includes perspectives from two WDC colleagues, Kristan Lortz and Harpreet Marwah, on the kinds of support workers need when work changes suddenly. Key insights from public labor market data Job quality is central to our mission. For employers, it’s essential for hiring and 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.

Funding & Investment Details SeaKing WDC — Partner Logo Display (Marquee) Supported by these organizations Our network of workforce development partners Our board is composed of leaders from business, labor, youth and adult education, state and local government agencies, and community-based organizations. Our team is committed to driving transformative change across the Puget Sound region.

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