OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched the first of five planned small business loan and investment programs aimed at increasing access to capital for small businesses in Washington state, particularly those that have been historically underserved or underbanked. A total of $163 million in funding comes from the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Commerce manages the SSBCI programs in Washington.

The first two SSBCI programs, the Small Business Flex Fund 2 ($63 million) and the Owner-Occupied Commercial Real-Estate Loan Program ($25 million) are now accepting applications.

“Access to capital is one of the major challenges for small businesses, particularly those in historically underserved and underrepresented communities,” said Mike Fong, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. “These innovative loan programs will help fill this funding gap and have a multiplier effect that benefits local economies across the state.”

Fong noted the short and long-term impact of the programs. Loan funds repaid will support future loans to more businesses.

Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loan Program

The $25-million Owner-Occupied Commercial Real-Estate Loan Program helps small businesses qualify for financing and lower risk related to owner-occupied real estate loans. Targeted at socially and economically disadvantaged business owners and very small businesses, the funds can be used for tenant improvements, construction, and the purchase or refinance of qualifying properties.

Where to apply:

“We are excited to partner with the Department of Commerce to help us finance business owners who have had diminished access to credit on reasonable terms or who are expanding into underserved communities,” Bryan McDonald, president and chief operating officer of Heritage Bank, said.

Small Business Flex Fund 2 Program

Managed by Calvert Impact in partnership with Commerce, and administered by Grow America, the Small Business Flex Fund 2 program will serve the capital needs of the smallest businesses and nonprofits in Washington state. The program leverages a $63 million commitment from Commerce with dollars from private lenders. The fund will deploy its capital through community-based lenders known as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), experienced at working with under-resourced and under-banked communities that often struggle to access affordable credit. The Small Business Flex Fund 2 makes competitive, fixed-rate loans to businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees and up to $5 million in revenue.

Eligible loan uses include working capital, franchise fee payments, acquisition of equipment and inventory, services used in the production, manufacture and delivery of goods and services, and the purchase, construction, renovation or tenant improvements in eligible places of business (that are not passive real estate investments).

Where to apply:

“We’re excited to once again collaborate with Commerce and Grow America to invest in the small businesses and nonprofits that form the backbone of the state’s economy,” said Joe Meginnes, director of strategy at Calvert Impact. “The Flex Fund CDFI lenders have been powerful partners to small businesses for decades and their commitment to supporting borrowers throughout the application process and the life of the loans will be essential to the program’s success.”

“At Grow America, we see the dormant strength within communities,” said Daniel Marsh, president, and CEO of Grow America, formerly NDC. “It only needs innovative thinking like this to release it. This program opens up opportunities where they didn’t exist before. By looking at the bigger picture, we are creating a continuum of support, where it’s most needed.”

Learn more and apply

Apply to the Commercial Real Estate Program:

Apply to Flex Fund 2:

Applications for the upcoming Revenue Based-Financing Fund ($12 million) will open later this year.

More information about all of the State Small Business Credit Initiative programs can be found on the Commerce website at

Tacoma, WA– Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE) invites event organizers to join their upcoming SkillShop webinar on Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Access (DEIA) in Events, scheduled for August 19th at 11:00 am. This session is part of TVE’s ongoing SkillShops series, designed to equip organizers with the tools and knowledge necessary for executing successful and inclusive events.

Participants will learn strategies for creating inclusive event experiences and receive a DEIA checklist to help implement these principles effectively. Registration for the webinar is currently open.

For those interested in staying informed about future SkillShops and special events, TVE encourages signing up for their newsletter. Additionally, feedback is welcomed through their SkillShops survey to help shape future resources and offerings.

For more information and to register, visit the TVE website. https://tinyurl.com/msj5mzcw

Tacoma, WA – On Wednesday, August 21st, Tacoma Connect invites you to an evening that promises to be unforgettable, featuring inspiring discussions, networking opportunities, and a lively karaoke competition. Held at the newly renovated Edison Square, an iconic venue originally built in 1919, the event runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The night kicks off with a happy hour, networking opportunities, and complimentary professional headshots. At 7:00 PM, local real estate investors Jake Lemke, Anne Curry, and Angela Jossy, owner of the Weekly Volcano newspaper, will lead a discussion on the theme of "Momentum" in real estate investment. Following the talk, the trio will serve as judges for a karaoke competition, where participants have a chance to win a cash prize based on their belief, moves, and talent.

Tickets are available for $12 at tacomaconnect.com, with free entry for real estate brokers. Whether you're looking to expand your network, gain insights from industry leaders, or showcase your karaoke skills, this event is set to offer a mix of education and entertainment in a historic Tacoma setting.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the event page at Tacoma Connect’s website. Grab your tickets NOW at tacomaconnect.com (real estate brokers get in for free).

Tacoma, WA– August is Make-a-Will Month, an ideal time to ensure that your affairs are in order. If you own property, have children, or have other dependents, creating a will is a crucial step in protecting your loved ones and avoiding future legal complications.

A will can help prevent family disputes, clarify who will inherit your assets, and potentially reduce the tax burden on your heirs. It also allows you to make provisions for family members and continue supporting causes you care about even after you're gone. By including a charitable gift in your will, such as a bequest to Nourish, you can leave a lasting impact while potentially easing the tax burden on your family.

Free online resources, such as freewill.com or wa-wills.com, are available to help you get started. However, working with an attorney may be the best option for many people to ensure their will is comprehensive and legally sound.

For those interested in naming Nourish as a beneficiary in their will, Marion Sharp, Director of Development, is available to answer questions at 253-383-3164 or via email at marionsharp@nourishpc.org.

[image] sound outreach

Tacoma, WA– Sound Outreach is excited to announce that registration is now open for their highly anticipated Sound of Progress outreach luncheon for financial empowerment, taking place on Tuesday, September 17th, at the Hotel Murano's Venice Ballroom. This event is a celebration of the organization's ongoing efforts to empower communities through financial education and support.

Attendees will receive updates on Sound Outreach's program successes, learn about the newly refined strategic plan, and witness the presentation of the 3rd Sound of Progress Award. The luncheon promises to be an inspiring and purposeful gathering, bringing together individuals committed to making a positive impact in the community.

Doors open at 11:30 am, with the program starting at noon. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by September 6, 2024. For more details and to secure your spot, visit the event page at Sound Outreach’s website.https://support.soundoutreach.org/Custom/2024Luncheon?

Tacoma, WA– Adam Cook, Director of Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE), has been appointed as the Chair of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Board of Directors. With over 20 years of experience in managing public assembly facilities, Cook will lead the century-old organization in its mission to educate, advocate for, and inspire venue professionals worldwide.

Since joining TVE in 2019 and being promoted to Director in January 2022, Cook has played a pivotal role in driving economic impact and enhancing community access to diverse programming across Tacoma's key venues, including the Tacoma Dome and Greater Tacoma Convention Center. His leadership has significantly shaped the city's cultural landscape and community engagement efforts.

Cook's extensive career in the industry includes leadership roles at the Rose Quarter in Portland, OR, the Edmonton Expo Centre, and Rexall Place in Edmonton, AB, as well as Comcast Arena in Everett, WA. He has also made notable contributions as Vice President of Business Operations for Seafair in Seattle, WA. Cook has been actively involved with IAVM for many years, serving on various committees and boards, including the Venue Management School (VMS) Board of Regents.

City Manager Elizabeth Pauli praised Cook's appointment, stating, "Adam Cook's experience and vision make him an excellent choice to lead IAVM at this pivotal time. His dedication will undoubtedly benefit this important education and advocacy organization while also bringing recognition and connection to the City of Tacoma’s renowned venues."