Small Business Grants

What is the King County Community Reinvestment Business Grant?

The King County Community Reinvestment Business Grant is a workforce-focused grant that supports small business startup, recovery, or growth in King County.

These funds are prioritized for Black, Latine, Native American, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-owned or operated businesses, as well as individuals from these communities who are starting a new business. As well as Economic Security for All (EcSA) participants and businesses who employ or plan to hire EcSA participants.

Who administers this grant?

This grant is funded by is funded by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) using the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Program funds. The WDC works with trusted community partners to administer these grants.

Grants are being offered through two organizations:

• Tabor 100
  • Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (SLMCC)

  • Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (SLMCC) is a Latino-led business organization serving businesses, corporations, government workers, and entrepreneurs across King County and Washington State. Since 2017, SLMCC has delivered culturally responsive workforce and business education, technical assistance, and outreach programs in partnership with public agencies, utilities, and community organizations. Through bilingual programming and digital education tools, SLMCC connects historically underserved communities to workforce opportunities, compliance education, entrepreneurship pathways, and economic mobility.

Can I apply through both partner organizations?

Yes. You may submit an application through both Tabor 100 and the Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (SLMCC). However, if you are selected by both organizations, you will not receive two awards — you will receive one grant from one awarding organization.

If you are selected by both partners, you will either be given the opportunity to choose which organization you would like to work with, or you will be assigned to one. Either way, you will only be awarded once.

Applying through both partners does not increase the amount you can receive — it only means two separate organizations will have reviewed your application, which may increase your chances of being selected.

How much funding is available? How large are the grants?

A total of $200,000 in grant funding is available from our organization with varying amounts allocated for each tier. These funds are anticipated to support approximately 28 total grants with an estimated 8 grants awarded for Tier 1, 8 grants awarded for Tier 2, and 12 grants awarded for Tier 3. 

The maximum grant award per tier is as follows:

• Tier 1 – Start Up: $3,500
• Tier 2 – Recovery: $6500
• Tier 3 – Growth: $10,000

Applicants are highly encouraged to request the full amount for the Grant Tier they are applying for.

What can grant funds be used for?

Grant funds can be used to support training, inventory, marketing, licensing, equipment purchases, basic operations or other business needs necessary for start-up, recovery or business growth. The use of funds must be connected to workforce outcomes — meaning how the money helps you hire workers, retain your team, improve wages or working conditions, or build your business’s capacity to employ people.

Examples of allowable uses include:

• Equipment or tools that allow you to take on more work and hire staff
• Training for yourself or your employees
• Wages or compensation for a new hire
• Software or systems that support business operations and employment
• Marketing or outreach that grows the business enough to support employment
• Capital improvements (such as renovating a space, replacing flooring, installing AC, plumbing, or a security system) if clearly connected to workforce outcomes
• Costs to develop or support a training opportunity — such as stipends or wages for paid interns or apprentices, fees for credentialing or certification programs, or materials and supplies needed for hands-on training that leads to hiring or advancement in your business or industry
• Costs to build or formalize an internal training program — such as curriculum development, training materials, fees for a trainer or subject matter expert, or the staff time needed to document your processes into a structured onboarding or skills program for new or existing employees

Grant funds cannot be used for working capital, land or building acquisition, or paying down existing debt.

Your application should explain clearly how each item you plan to purchase or fund connects to your workforce goals.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, applicants must meet ONE of the following:

• Be a small business with 50 employees or fewer (this includes non-profits) and hold an active business license within King County, OR
• Be an individual living within King County who plans to start a business in King County and can demonstrate intent to obtain a business license and begin operations within the grant period.

AND applicants must also meet the following:

• Not currently be contracted by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County as a service provider or partner.

Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements will not be scored or considered for funding.

Does my business have to be in King County?

Yes. Your business must be licensed and operating within King County. If you are an individual planning to start a business, you must live in King County and plan to start and operate your business in King County within the grant period.

Can non-profits apply?

Yes. Non-profit organizations with 50 employees or fewer that hold an active business license in King County are eligible to apply, as long as they are not currently contracted by the WDC as a service provider or partner.

I am just starting my business and do not have a business license yet. Can I apply?

Yes, if you live in King County and plan to start a business here. You do not need to have a business license already, but you must be able to demonstrate that you intend to obtain one and begin business operations within the grant period. Your application should clearly describe your startup plans and timeline.

Does my business have to be owned by a priority population to be eligible?

No. Priority population ownership is a funding prioritization factor — it does not determine whether you can apply. All eligible businesses can apply regardless of owner demographics.

However, funding is prioritized for businesses owned and operated by Black, Latine, Native American, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander individuals, as well as EcSA participants and businesses that employ or plan to hire EcSA participants.

These factors are weighted in the review process when funding decisions are made.

What is EcSA? Do I need to be an EcSA participant to apply?

EcSA stands for Economic Security for All. It is a workforce development initiative that helps people facing economic barriers access jobs, training, and support to build financial stability.

You do not need to be an EcSA participant to apply or to be eligible.

I received a grant from the WDC (or one of their intermediary partners) in a previous cycle. Can I apply again?

Yes, if you met all of the requirements of your previous grant. Prior awardees who completed all grant requirements in good standing are eligible to apply again.

The grant opportunities that were provided last cycle included:

• Small Business Investment Grant
• Small Business Workforce Accelerator Grant
• Workforce Empowerment Grants offered by the following partners: Beacon Business Alliance, Langston Seattle, Rainer Valley Community Development Fund, and Washington Native American Chamber of Commerce.

If you are a previous awardee applying again, that information will be considered in award decisions. Applicants who have not previously received a grant will generally be given preference.

If you received a previous grant but did not fully comply with the grant requirements, you may not be eligible to apply in this cycle. To check your eligibility status, please contact:

Arianna Thornton-West, Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County

Email: athornton-west@seakingwdc.org

What are the three grant tiers?

The grant program has three tiers designed for businesses at different stages:

• Tier 1 — Start Up: For businesses that are just starting out or working toward their first hire. The focus is on building the foundation to become an employer, stabilizing owner income, and developing basic business systems.
• Tier 2 — Recovery: For businesses that have employees and have faced challenges. The focus is on stabilizing the workforce, retaining staff, and improving job quality.
• Tier 3 — Growth: For established businesses ready to expand. The focus is on creating new jobs, increasing wages, and building advancement pathways for workers.

How do I know which tier is right for me?

Choose the tier that honestly reflects where your business is right now — not where you hope to be. Think about:

• How many people you currently employ (including yourself)
• Whether your main goal is to start hiring, stabilize your existing team, or grow and expand
• What stage your business is at operationally

The ‘Grant Tier Selection’ page of the application contains additional guidance to help you make your selection. If you are still unsure which tier fits, you can reach out for application support.

For more information or direct assistance, please contact: mary@latinochamber.us

When does the application open and close?

The application opens on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The application deadline is Monday, April 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Applications submitted after this time will not be accepted.

Note that timelines may be adjusted due to application volume or other factors that impact the process—If the application period is extended or award notification timing changes, updates will be communicated as early as possible.

We will contact winning-select applications by the register email on the application and also by phone number

Where do I submit my application?

https://www.cognitoforms.com/WorkforceDevelopmentCouncilOfSeattleKingCounty/SLMCCCommunityReinvestmentBusinessGrant

Is the application available in other languages?

The online application form is currently only available in English. If you need assistance with your application or language access support, please let us know so we can assist you or get you connected to a resource organization such as the Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN).

The Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce offers direct live assistance in Spanish for all applications.

What does the application ask for?

The application will ask for information about:

• Your business — name, location, industry, how long you have been operating, and how many people you employ
• Your grant tier — which tier you are applying for and why it fits your situation
• Your plan — what you will use the grant funds for and how it connects to workforce goals
• Your workforce goals — where your business is now (baseline) and what you expect to achieve with grant support
• Your budget — a breakdown of how you plan to spend the grant funds
• Your business’s background and need — financial context and why this grant would make a meaningful difference
• Priority population and EcSA alignment — information about ownership demographics, workforce composition, and your connection to or commitment to EcSA participants

What documents are required with my application?

No documents are required at the time of application.

I am not confident in my writing. Will that hurt my application?

No. Reviewers are looking for honest, clear, and specific information — not formal or polished writing. You do not need to use business or grant terminology.

If you would like help putting your ideas into words before submitting, application support is available. We encourage you to reach out early so you have enough time to get the support you need.

Can I save my application and come back to it?

Yes. You can save your application as you go and return to it before the deadline. The Save button is located at the bottom right of each page.

If you refresh the page or close it without saving, any unsaved work will be lost. Save your progress frequently.

I need a printed copy of the application. Is that available?

If you need a printed application for accessibility reasons or are unable to complete the online form, please reach out to us by email (mary@latinochamber.us) and we will work with you to find a solution.

We strongly encourage you to start your application early — do not wait until close to the deadline.

Starting early gives you time to:

• Understand what the application is asking and identify anything you need help with
• Reach out and get support before support options become limited, or have time to connect with other organizations that offer grant application support
• Gather any information you may need
• Review and strengthen your answers before submitting

Is there help available if I have questions or need support completing my application?

Yes. Application support is available to help you understand the grant, work through your application, and make sure your submission is as strong as possible.

Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce working office hours, for live assistance: Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm (PST), please contact mary@latinochamber.us

We strongly encourage you to reach out early. Support availability may be limited as the deadline approaches, and support will not be available after the application closes.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Mary Ortiz, Senior Director Of Community Outreach and Grants

mary@latinochamber.us

For any questions or support regarding Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce operations and information, please send us an email at info@latinochamber.us

I have a disability and may need accommodation to apply. What should I do?

If you need a disability accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact Mary Ortiz at mary@latinochamber.us as early as possible

How are applications reviewed and scored?

All eligible applications are reviewed and scored by trained reviewers using a consistent scoring guide. Applications are evaluated across eight categories:

• Eligibility and tier fit
• Use of funds and project plan
• Workforce goals and expected impact
• Business sustainability
• Priority population alignment
• EcSA alignment
• Grant readiness
• Budget clarity and reasonableness

Scoring information is available in the Application Guide for applicants to review before submitting. Application Guide APPLICATION GUIDE

Applications that do not meet the basic eligibility requirements are not scored and will not be considered for funding. Applications that are missing required information will also not be scored.

When will I find out if I was awarded a grant?

Award decisions are expected to be announced on or around Monday, April 27, 2026.

This date may change depending on the volume of applications and the review process. If the timeline shifts — whether earlier or later — we will communicate updates as soon as possible. We will contact winning-select and non-awarded applications by the registered email on the application and also by phone number

What if not everything I requested gets funded?

It is possible that not all of your requested activities or expenses will be funded. Award amounts may be adjusted, and specific line items may not be approved.

If you are awarded, you will receive information about exactly what has been approved. Grant funds may only be spent on activities that are approved in your award agreement — or approved later through a modification request process.

With this in mind, when building your budget, think about which items are most essential and make sure those are clearly explained and prioritized in your application.

What happens after I am awarded a grant?

If you are selected for an award, here is what to expect:

• You will sign an Award Agreement or Contract before any funds are released.
• Before funds are disbursed, there will be a thorough verification process to confirm compliance and the accuracy of information in your application.
• Resources, technical assistance, and training will be provided to support your project. All awardees are required to attend at least one virtual training workshop.
• Not all of your requested activities or expenses may be funded. Grant funds may only be spent on activities that have been approved in your application or approved through a modification request process.
• Information about this grant process, applications, and awardees will be shared with the WDC for their reporting, communications, and collaborative support.
• You will need to complete required mid and final reports which include reporting progress on your spending, goals and relevant impact metrics. As well as short narrative on the successes you experience and any challenges you wish to share.
• To maintain good communication and respond in a timely manner throughout the grant process.

When will I receive the grant funds if I am awarded?

Grant funds are expected to be available to awardees as soon as possible after the grant agreement is signed and the verification process is complete. Funds will be dispersed in stages, not all at once, and are issued via ACH (direct deposit) to the business account. If additional documentation is needed after your award, this may cause a delay in the first disbursement.

What if I disagree with the decision on my application?

If you have questions about the decision on your application, contact mary@latinochamber.us

Regarding feedback on applications not awarded, please email us at info@latinochamber.us  with the business applicant’s name, email, telephone number, and contact person. Please include specific questions regarding the scoring and application process for feedback.

What if I am not awarded a grant this cycle?

We encourage all applicants, whether awarded or not, to stay connected with us. There may be other resources, programs, or future grant opportunities that could support your business.

If I receive a grant, what will I be required to do?

Awardees have the following requirements:

• Sign an Award Agreement or Contract before receiving funds.
• Complete a verification process before funds are disbursed.
• Attend at least one required virtual training workshop.
• Submit a midpoint report and a final report. Both reports will include progress metrics, an impact narrative or success story, your budget, and any other spending documentation required.
• Keep receipts and documentation showing that funds were spent on the activities approved in your application as they may be required.
• Use funds only for approved activities, or request a modification before making changes to your plan.

Up to 10% of your awarded funds may be held and distributed as a reimbursement after you submit your final grant report. Plan your budget with this in mind.

What happens if my plans change after I receive the grant?

We understand that circumstances can change. If you need to adjust how you use your grant funds or update your goals after receiving the award, you may be able to request a modification. Modifications must be approved before you make changes.

What happens if I do not meet my grant requirements?

Awardees who do not comply with grant requirements may face the following consequences:

• Misuse of funds — spending grant money on activities that were not approved — may require repayment of those funds.
• Non-compliance may make you ineligible for future grants or other funding opportunities through this program.

If you are having difficulty meeting your requirements or need to make changes to your plan, reach out as early as possible. There may be a path to an approved modification.

If you received a grant from the WDC in the previous cycle and are unsure whether you met all requirements, contact Arianna Thornton-West at the WDC at athornton-west@seakingwdc.org before applying in this cycle.

Can I apply for more than one tier?

No. You should apply for the tier that best fits your current situation. Applying for multiple tiers is not permitted.

Can I apply if I have received other small business grants or loans?

Yes. Having received other funding does not disqualify you. Your application should describe your current business situation and why this grant would make a meaningful difference, alongside any other support you have received or are receiving.

The application and reporting seem like a lot of work. Is it worth it?

We understand that completing a grant application and committing to reporting requirements takes time and effort — especially when you are running a business. Here is a different way to think about it:

• The application process asks you to document where your business is right now. That baseline — your current revenue, workforce, wages, and goals — is genuinely useful for your own planning, whether or not you are awarded.
• Setting goals for wages, hiring, and growth as part of the application gives you a concrete roadmap to work from.
• If you are awarded and complete your reporting, you will have real numbers showing what your business accomplished — how many people you hired, how wages changed, what training happened. That kind of documentation builds credibility with future funders, lenders, and partners.
• Completing a grant successfully — meeting your requirements and submitting strong reports — demonstrates your ability to manage funding and deliver outcomes. That track record matters for future opportunities.

We also do not want the process to be a barrier. Application support is available, and you do not need to have prior grant experience or formal writing skills to apply. Reach out early for support.

What does it mean that up to 10% of my award may be held as a reimbursement?

Up to 10% of your total award may not be paid out upfront. Instead, that portion will be distributed to you as a reimbursement after you submit your final grant report and it is reviewed and approved.

This means you should plan your budget knowing that you may need to cover up to 10% of your costs initially, with reimbursement coming later. For example, if you are awarded $5,000, up to $500 may be held and paid out after your final report is approved.

Is this a loan? Do I have to pay it back?

No. This is a grant, not a loan. You do not have to pay it back, as long as you meet the requirements of your grant agreement.

Will receiving this grant affect my taxes?

Grant funds may be considered taxable income. We recommend speaking with a tax professional about how a grant award could affect your tax situation.

Is there anything else I should know before applying?

If you wish to access policy or CRP program, please visit: State Program Policy and Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) – Washington State Department of Commerce]