Loans and Grants Available
South Central Workforce Small Business Grants
Small Business Grant Opportunity – Up to $5,000
Small businesses and entrepreneurs in Central Washington are invited to apply for the Small Business Grants Program, made possible through the Community Reinvestment Plan powered by the Washington State Department of Commerce. This initiative works with local workforce development partners, including South Central Workforce, to connect entrepreneurs with state resources and funding that support business start-up, recovery, and growth.
Eligible businesses located in Yakima, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Skamania counties may apply for grants of up to $5,000. These funds are designed to help small businesses strengthen their operations and expand their capacity.
Grant funding may be used for a variety of essential business needs, including:
Workforce or professional training
Inventory purchases
Marketing and advertising
Business licensing and permits
Equipment and tools
Basic operating expenses or other critical business needs
All eligible small businesses are encouraged to apply. Priority consideration will be given to businesses owned and operated by individuals who identify as Black, Tribal, Latine, Asian, Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander.
The application deadline is March 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST.
South Central Workforce will also host community information sessions throughout March to help business owners learn more about the grant program and the application process.
For more information, visit www.scworkforce.org or contact South Central Workforce at 509-574-1950.
SBA Disaster Loans
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET - DISASTER LOANS WASHINGTON
Declaration #21450 & #24151 (Disaster: WA-20025)
Incident: 2025 SEVERE WINTER STORMS occurring: December 5 through December 22, 2025 in the Washington counties of: King, Lewis, Skagit, Snohomish & Whatcom; and the contiguous Washington counties of: Chelan, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Kitsap, Kittitas, Okanogan, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skamania, Thurston, Wahkiakum & Yakima
Application Filing Deadlines: Physical Damage: April 27, 2026 Economic Injury: November 24, 2026
If you are located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
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.