FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 9, 2026

Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) awards $240,000 to 24 nonprofit organizations serving the smallest businesses across Washington state. These state funds support projects that strengthen small businesses in both rural and urban communities throughout the region.

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) faced deep cuts in the 2025-2027 biennial budget, which significantly restricted grant funding available to nonprofit  Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in WA.  In this fiscal year, WSMA has combined two Urban and Statewide grant cycles to award $240,000 in small grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that provide business training, technical assistance, and support with accessing financing for small businesses, especially those with five or fewer employees. WSMA will continue to strengthen nonprofit ESOs, though on a more limited basis, through grants, training, technical assistance, capacity building, and resource coordination via Evergreen BizLink. WSMA grants help expand business training, technical assistance, and financing opportunities for very small businesses in rural and urban areas, especially to those from historically marginalized communities. 

This current grant cycle is made possible through the support of the Washington State Department of Commerce. Grant awardees are ESOs that include Economic Development Districts (EDDs), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Small Business Resiliency Network partners (SBRNs), Port Districts, Chambers of Commerce, Associate Development Organizations (ADOs), and other organizations that serve entrepreneurs in rural communities, businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), veterans, people with disabilities, returning citizens, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and many others.

Funding for ESOs in this grant cycle will provide business services to entrepreneurs in nearly every industry sector in Washington, including, but not limited to, small-scale manufacturing, creative economy, agriculture/food-based economy, clean technology, childcare, homebuilding/construction, life sciences, maritime trades, tourism-based enterprises, and more.

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WSMA programs and services​ are building the capacity and reach of over 150 ESOs​ that provide microenterprises with comprehensive business training, technical assistance, and financing support.  This work is at the heart of innovation in Washington, expanding economic opportunity and building equitable, resilient local economies. 

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For more information, contact Lisa Smith, WSMA Executive Director, at (360) 480-8048 or lisa@wamicrobiz.org.

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