The Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grants program, administered by Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce), aims to increase the number of manufacturing and research and development jobs in Washington State.
Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce (WSMA)
State: Washington
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/21/2023
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The overarching goal is to accelerate innovation and help create jobs in every region of the state. This particular grant program, with a total of $2 million in funds, is specifically designed to support the development of manufacturing jobs, research and development jobs, and regional cluster acceleration strategies by fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship.
There are two application types available for this program: one form designated for individual businesses, and a second form designated for innovation cluster organizations. For the purposes of this program, a cluster is defined as an existing innovation cluster under Commerce’s Innovation Cluster Accelerator or an entity that is proposing a cluster-related program or project.
Funding will be provided for the following types of projects:
- Research and development projects, including design and testing of new technologies that align with the state’s goal of building a resilient, innovative, and equitable manufacturing and research and development base of employment;
- Pilot or demonstration manufacturing projects coordinated with organized industry cluster initiatives;
- Strategic assistance related to analysis of existing and potential customer bases and market demands, including analysis of capabilities of business’s employees to expand their skillsets;
- Strategic assistance related to supply chain management and resilience;
- Projects intended to increase manufacturing jobs or research and development jobs regionally within the next three years;
- Workforce development initiatives
Funding Information
Applicants are eligible for awards of $200,000 to $400,000.
Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must meet these minimum requirements:
- The business or cluster organization must be physically located in Washington state or plan to locate in Washington with award subject to proof of long-term lease or property purchase
before receiving grant award. - All businesses must have a license to do business in Washington state or be able to obtain one prior to contract execution. Preference is given to businesses that have been in operation and generating revenue in past three years and employ at least 3 full time employees. This grant program is not designed to help launch a new business. Grant management training will be provided.
- Cluster or community college requirement. Preference may be given to applicants with previous experience with government grant management. Successful applicants must attend a Commerce-provided grant management training.
- Organizations that apply as a “cluster” must meet Commerce’s approved definition of the term, which is included above.
Evaluation Criteria
In addition to these primary considerations, the Department of Commerce will evaluate the following criteria:
- Viability of the business or cluster undertaking the proposed project;
- Good standing with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries;
- Community and/or industry support;
- Commitment of matching funds from economic development organizations or other third parties;
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments and strategies.
For more information, visit WSMA.
