The Economic Development Council for Island County (Island County EDC) submitted a bold proposal to the Washington Department of Commerce’s Small Business Innovation Fund grant program in partnership with the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) and the Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network (RAIN Catalysts) to help elevate a regional/rural entrepreneurial ecosystem in Island and Skagit Counties. The $1,159,216 funded project support small business recovery and spur entrepreneurship through a carefully designed program that will connect rural, BIPOC, women, and low-income entrepreneurs to the experts, tools, and capital they need to boost their businesses in the two-county region.
The Island County EDC-funded program – called “Elevating & Investing in Underserved Small Businesses in Rural Island County + Skagit County," – will run fthrough June 1, 2023 and includes the following programs.
All programs are free to Island County and Skagit County small businesses and startups:
- RAINCAP BOOTCAMPS – Helping small businesses raise capital (e.g., finances, data-informed decisions about amount/use for capital, deal structure). (English + Spanish).
- February (February) - registration is now closed.
- April (Spanish) - registration now open
- DESTINATION CREATION ACCELERATOR – Helping small, rural businesses elevate their unique products, services, and personalized experiences to attract out-of-market consumers and locals to their unique “destination.”
- March - registration closed.
- A MENTOR NETWORK – Matching rural entrepreneurs participating in the Destination Creation Accelerator and RAINcap Bootcamps with an expert in their industry (e.g., food & beverage, tourism, retail, technology) or an expert who can help them solve a business challenge (e.g., sales/marketing, finances, human resources) by leveraging RAIN Catalysts’ network of expert mentors.
- AN “AMPLIFY” SMALL BUSINESS FUND – Providing grant funds to Chambers of Commerce, Main Street/Downtown/Waterfront Associations, and tourism organizations to amplify rural small businesses.
- A “BOOST” YOUR BUSINESS FUND – Providing grants to small businesses that are led by BIPOC, women, low-income, and rural entrepreneurs. Categories include:
- LAUNCH: e.g., develop brand, online presence, launch events
- GROW: e.g., improve business processes, purchase inventory/equipment, hire contractors
- SKYROCKET: e.g., hire staff, purchase inventory/equipment, open a brick/mortar location)
- TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS
- 1-year LivePlan business planning & financial management licenses for businesses
- 1-year QuickBooks Online licenses for businesses
- Computers for Island County EDC and EDASC to make available for use by rural entrepreneurs who need access
- Meeting Owl Smart Video Conferencing Systems for the Island County EDC for use on Whidbey and Camano Islands to increase access, collaboration, and distance learning
Este es un programa gratuito de 4 sesiones tipo "Bootcamp" diseñado para ayudar a los propietarios de pequeños negocios y empresarios en los condados de Island y Skagit a financiar sus negocios y gestionar mejor sus finanzas. Todas las sesiones son enseñadas en español!
Del 5 al 17 de Abril Reuniones los lunes y miércoles 6-7:30 PM Reuniones virtuales en Zoom PARA APLICAR: https://www.raincatalysts.org/raincapbootcamp Lo que usted aprenderá: 5 de Abril: ¿Qué fuente de financiación es la adecuada para usted? 10 de Abril: ¿Cuánto debe recaudar? 12 de Abril: ¿Cómo tomar decisiones financieras estratégicas para el crecimiento? 17 de Abril: Presente la historia de su negocio Fecha límite de inscripción: 2 de Abril a las 11:59 PMEste es un programa dirigido por el Consejo de Desarrollo Económico del Condado de Island (EDC) y es financiado por una subvención del Departamento de Comercio de WA. Nota: Las empresas que participen en este programa educativo podrán solicitar fondos de subvención. Necesitará un número de Identificador Empresarial Unificado (UBI) y un número de Identificador Único de Entidad (UEI). Si aún no los tiene y necesita ayuda, el equipo le proporcionará asistencia durante el programa. |
Grant FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for grants under this program?
- Applicants must have successfully completed the RAINcap Bootcamp
- Applicants must have federal UEI number (click here to apply)
- Businesses must be located in Island or Skagit counties
- Applicant may apply for a grant for only one business.