Thurston County Economic Development Council receives $189,000 to help local companies "scale up"

Statement

Today, Representative Denny Heck (WA-10) announced the Thurston County Economic Development Council Business Resource Center was selected to receive a U.S. Small Business Administration grant of $189,000 to provide small businesses the opportunity to expand in order to support local jobs and grow the local economy.

The grant, provided through SBA's ScaleUp Initiative, targets traditionally underserved business owners, including veterans, women, tribal members, and minorities. The Thurston ScaleUp plan works together with South Puget Sound Community College, SBA, and other partners to help these business owners grow their operations.

"As a small business owner, I know the challenges that these business owners face every day," Heck said. "And I'm not saying every business day. Every single day, weekends and holidays included, they are working hard to expand their operations and create jobs for our community. This grant honors their hard work behind-the-scenes and encourages them to continue to pursue their great ideas and long-term business goals with even more energy."

"The Thurston County EDC and BRC are vital to Thurston County's business community; with an established track record of providing effective technical assistance to small and growing business," Heck wrote. "ScaleUp Thurston would allow the Thurston County EDC and BRC to provide new services to the business community as well to improve their existing services."

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