We’re Hiring! Applications Open Now for Deputy District Director
Join an impressive team serving one of the best missions in federal government – empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses. The SBA Seattle District Office is accepting applications for the Deputy District Director position through July 8, 2024.
Read about the many benefits of working at the SBA: www.sba.gov/about-sba/work-sba/employee-life
Read about eligible hiring authorities: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/eligibility
$30 Million in Grant Funding for New Women’s Business Centers
The SBA announced four funding opportunities for Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) totaling $30 million. This includes funding to support further expansion of the WBC network, the opening of a WBC in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and first-time specialized funding for WBCs that specialize in federal contracting and childcare businesses.
Lending Cap Removed on SBA 504 Loans for Clean Energy Projects
SBA recently announced the removal of the lending cap for clean energy projects funded by SBA 504 loans. Previously, small businesses were limited to three SBA 504 loans of $5.5 million each, or a maximum total of $16.5 million. Borrowers may now secure as many 504 loans up to $5.5 million for which they otherwise qualify.
The SBA 504 loan program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for the purchase of owner-occupied commercial real estate and major fixed assets. The removal of the lending cap applies to projects that include elements that improve energy efficiency.
More information about SBA 504 loan program
Connect with an SBA 504 Lender in the Seattle District (alphabetically):
- Ameritrust CDC www.ameritrustcdc.com
- Capital Matrix www.capitalmatrix.org
- Evergreen Business Capital www.evergreen504.org
- Northwest Business Development Association www.nwbusiness.org
- Panhandle Area Council www.pacidaho.org
Small Business Grants, Energy Rebates, Contracting Opportunities, and More
In April, the SBA launched the new Investing in America (IIA) Small Business Hub, an online portal providing industry-specific resources to help small businesses connect with opportunities created under recent federal spending bills. The IIA Small Business Hub includes new technological assistance guides to help more small businesses access Investing in America grants, contracts, and market opportunities. It also highlights SBA resources that can help small businesses access the investment capital they need to scale and the certifications they need to qualify for IIA funding.
Information and opportunities for small businesses are being updated on an on-going basis.
Upcoming Events.
Join us for these upcoming trainings and events and help spread the word to your local small businesses!
View the full SBA Seattle District Calendar
Meet Your Local SBA Lenders – In Person
The SBA Seattle District is excited to invite small business owners to join us, in-person, for an opportunity to meet local SBA lenders ready to talk to you about your funding needs. Visit with lenders at info tables, ask questions, and tell them about your business!
Staff from the SBA Seattle District and local SBA Resource Partners will be available to offer guidance and more information on programs and resources.
Upcoming Dates
Thursday July 11 | Bellevue
Hosted by City of Bellevue
Bellevue City Hall
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tuesday July 16 | Lacey
Hosted by the Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB)
Thurston Economic Development Council
2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday August 1 | Bellingham
Hosted by Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Western Washington University
2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Boots to Business Reboot – Spokane
Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the SBA as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program. The curriculum includes steps for evaluating business concepts, the foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan, and information on available SBA resources to help access start-up capital and additional technical assistance.
Boots to Business Reboot brings Boots to Business off the installation, extending access to veterans of al eras, National Guard, and military spouses.
Monday July 8
Spokane County Conservation District
Funding a Business Acquisition
Join staff from the Seattle District to learn how SBA-backed loans may be utilized for the acquisition, in full or in part, of an existing business.
Wednesday July 10 | Register Here
Funding Your Small Business Needs with SBA Programs
Whether it is $500 or $5 million, the SBA has programs to help your business secure the funding it needs to start, grow, and expand. Join SBA Seattle District staff for an overview of SBA loan programs, how to find a local SBA lender, and the technical assistance to help prepare you for your funding request.
Tuesday July 16 | Register Here
Federal Contracting 101
The federal government purchases billions of dollars of goods and services every year. Discover how to use small business certifications and set asides to get your share of their business along with free resources for government procurement.
Wednesday July 17 | Register Here
Are You Ready to Export? Meet the Export Import Bank of the U.S.
When private-sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, EXIM fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales.
Wednesday July 24 | Register Here
Save the Date for Biz Fair 2024
As the longest running, all government and nonprofit-run small business fair in Washington State, Biz Fair is the event that all current and aspiring small business owners should attend. Biz Fair is always FREE to attend, and open to everyone.
This year Biz Fair will take place in Spokane (September 14), Puyallup (September 21) and a Spanish-language version in October in the Tri-Cities region. More information including registration, guest speakers, exhibitors and more will be posted throughout the summer. Stay tuned at:
