Loans and Grants Available
Kittitas County Lodging Tax Committee 2024 Microgrants
The Kittitas County Lodging Tax Committee is pleased to announce the availability of micro-grants for 2024. Grants are available for organizations with plans to coordinate and produce an event within Kittitas County. Organizations applying should support projects with the goal of increasing non-resident visitor expenditures coming from 50 miles or further outside the county. Grant values are up to $2,500 and should be for events occurring within Kittitas County in 2024.
Potential uses for these funds include advertising through print, electronic and web advertising, publications, and/or marketing collateral. Funding may also be considered for event operations upon approval of the Kittitas County Lodging Tax Committee. The Micro-Grants are funded through Kittitas County lodging tax funds and are administered through the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce. To fill out the Micro-Grant Application go to the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce website, www.kittitascountychamber.com/loans-and-grants. For additional information or to answer questions regarding the application process, please email the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, Matt Anderson at matt@kittitascountychamber.com or call (509) 925-2002.
About the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce: The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce is the largest business support and development organization in Kittitas County, and one of the largest in Central Washington. With over 500 members representing every business sector, the Chamber and its committees oversee countywide tourism promotion and economic development initiatives and a range of business support tools including publications, web services, seminars and even leadership development for a new generation.
EDA Business Revitalization Fund
The Ellensburg Downtown Association if offering a Business Revitalization Fund Program that is available to downtown businesses within the downtown core.
This fund is sponsored by EDA Supporters Contributions and Umpqua Bank who have contributed to this fund.
Our goal is to offer funding available to businesses that will help them succeed and bring additional sales to their businesses and our downtown core through process improvements, new opportunities, and/or expansion.
We believe in the strength, endurance, and longevity of our downtown businesses and will continue to find ways to support their growth and stability. We feel strongly in the transformative nature of independent business owners and those who continue to show a commitment to our historic downtown core.
The EDA will award funds to companies who are transforming their business to thrive in the changing reality of today’s economy. This money will not replace any State or Federal Grants that are available, but rather add to your specific needs, not available in those government funds.
Our Mission: Our mission is to empower and preserve community by amplifying our economy and creating a sense of place for all.\
Business Revitalization Funds Available
- The total funding available through the award program will be determined per cycle by the EDA and may fluctuate. Funds may be awarded to multiple applicants.
- Applicants may receive funding support for approved projects, but will not exceed the total cost of the project
- Award amounts may be between $1000-$2000 depending on the scope of the project.
Example
Awning Project Cost $800 (minus) Awarded Amount $800 (equals) $0 applicant’s contribution
Painting Update Cost $2500 (minus) Awarded Amount $2000 (equals) $500 applicant’s contribution
Eligibility
- Downtown retail and/or service businesses who have a physical address within the downtown boundaries. Those boundaries are 2nd Avenue to 6th Avenue South to North and Ruby St. to Water St. East to West
- Must submit complete application with required supporting documents
- Winners will be required to sign media release for promotional purposes
- Must have been in business within the downtown core for the last 12 months
Application Timeline
Applications will be available on April 1st, 2024
Application submission will close on April 30th, 2024 at 11:45 p.m
Award notification will be made on June 1st 2024
AgWest Farm Credit New Producer Grant
Available funds:
Successful applicants will receive a one-time $15,000 grant to support their operation's growth.
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a full or part-time agriculturalist who has two years or less of operational experience (i.e. crop cycle) or has plans to start their operation within two years of the grant application date.
- Have an operation located within AgWest Farm Credit's territory. (To verify go to FarmCredit.com and enter your zip code into the Find a Lender field.)
- Not be a current AgWest lending customer.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a foreign national lawfully admitted for permanent residency or pursuant to certain visas.
Application process:
To apply, the applicant must complete the following:
- Review the Strategic Business Planning guide on AgWestFC.com.
- View three recorded webinars on AgWestFC.com covering financial statement basics.
- Submit a business plan and cash flow budget (educational video and template available on the financial statement basics page on AgWestFC.com).
- Submit a one-page essay sharing the applicant's approach to deepening knowledge of their industry, how funds received through this grant will be used to achieve their business plan goals and how their operation will benefit their local commity or help others.
Award process:
Applicants will be evaluated on a five-point scale covering four components: application, business plan, cash flow budget and essay
Heritage Barn Grant
Only historic agricultural structures listed in the Heritage Barn Register, the Washington Heritage Register, or the National Register of Historic Places, are eligible to receive grant funds when they are available. To be eligible for listing in the Heritage Barn Register, barns must be over 50 years old and retain a significant degree of historic integrity. If you have questions about your building’s eligibility or are unsure whether or not your building is listed on the Heritage Barn Register, please contact Michael Houser, State Architectural Historian, at 360-890-2634 or michael.houser@dahp.wa.gov. The deadline for barn owners interested in nominating their barn to the Heritage Barn Register is rolling.
Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Grants
As Washington State’s only statewide preservation advocacy organization, the Washington Trust plays a key role in advocating for good preservation policy on both the state and national levels.
There are grants and advocacy opportunities available on their website.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program is a federal stimulus program designed to provide quick access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans for companies with 500 or fewer employees to assist with payroll and covered operating costs during short-term business disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.