Snohomish County Awards Innovation Assistance Grants to 50 Local Small Businesses

Snohomish County is taking a proactive step to support its local economy by awarding $350,000 in grants to 50 small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Assistance (SBIA) program. This funding is designed to help businesses recover from the pandemic's adverse effects and promote innovative ideas among local entrepreneurs. Remarkably, 44% of the grant recipients are child care businesses, reflecting the urgent need for support in this sector to facilitate workforce reentry for families. Executive Dave Somers highlighted that small businesses are vital to the community's vibrancy and economic health, employing 90% of the county's workforce. The SBIA program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and is administered by the nonprofit Ventures, which has a long-standing commitment to aiding small businesses.

The initiative aims to create long-term resilience and growth within the local economy by addressing critical needs in various sectors, including manufacturing and food services. County officials, including Congresswoman Kim Schrier, have praised the program's focus on essential sectors that were heavily impacted during the pandemic. This initiative marks a significant investment in the future of Snohomish County, positioning it for recovery and innovation.