Economic Development
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About the Economic Development Department
The Economic Development Department believes our community is better when businesses here thrive, and companies will stay when they are successful and know they are supported. More businesses will choose Pierce County as they learn what a great place it is. A strong business community leads to job retention and job creation – our ultimate goal. We deliver programs and services to support our local businesses and enhance the operating environment for them.
- Mission: Support a business environment that creates local jobs and is the foundation for community wealth and prosperity in Pierce County.
- Vision: The best economic development organization possible, supporting job creation, workforce readiness, the arts, and tourism. We contribute to making Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.
COVID-19 Response: 2021 - 2023 Economic Stabilization and Recovery Programs
Pierce County Business Accelerator Program
In response to the pandemic and the adverse impacts on underserved communities in Pierce County, $5 million in ARPA funding was allocated to launch the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program. The goal of the program is to foster innovation and create wealth-building opportunities in Pierce County.
The PCBA will provide business training to 200 business owners with an emphasis on BIPOC, veteran, and women entrepreneurs. Eight cohorts of 25 business owners will meet between October 2021 and September 2022. Classes are in person and will be held in Lakewood, Puyallup, and Tacoma. Instructors are representative of the diversity of each cohort. Upon graduation, participants will be equipped to raise external funding, connected to the PCBA network, financially resourced, professionally coached and empowered to accelerate their business.
Rollback Relief Grants for Businesses
To provide financial support to qualifying businesses impacted by modified COVID-19 restrictions in May 2021, Pierce County created a grant program to help offset the costs of business disruption. Small businesses were eligible to receive a need-based grant of up to $10,000.
COVID-19 Response - 2020 Economic Stabilization & Recovery Programs
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented economic
challenges for our business community. In response, Pierce County created numerous business
stabilization and recovery programs. The programs would ultimately distribute $46.5 million in business aid funded by the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act. These programs provided vital supplies and funding to businesses
allowing them to continue to operate or re-open.