Submitted by the Office of Congressmen Denny Heck (WA-10)
Photo Credit Nate Gowdy
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.
Congressman Denny Heck of Washington’s 10th Congressional District congratulated Thurston EDC on their successful grant request:
“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 Small Business Administration appreciates Congressman Heck’s commitment to small businesses in Thurston County and his pragmatism in applying our programs to a promising business community,” SBA Regional Administrator Calvin Goings said. “We are looking forward to helping Thurston County’s small businesses reach the next level and expand their capabilities within their respective industries.”
“The ScaleUp Initiative is a fantastic opportunity for Thurston County’s small businesses to grow to the next level of success,” said Michael Cade, Executive Director of the Thurston Economic Development Council. “Through our partnership with SPSCC at the new Center for Business & Innovation, we will be able to provide all the technical services businesses need to move to the next level. This grant will give us the leverage needed to ensure companies in our community that are on a high-growth trajectory have the tools needed to sustain that growth, contributing to the health of our local economy, and providing high-value jobs.”
On July 13, 2015, Congressman Heck wrote to SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to express his strong support of ScaleUp Thurston and their proposal.
“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.”
On February 18, 2015, Congressman Heck hosted Administrator Contreras-Sweet in the 10th Congressional District for a small business tour and round table.
