Pierce County Business Accelerator Program

In response to the pandemic and the adverse impacts on underserved communities in Pierce County, $12.5 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 has provided business training to 452 business owners (90% are minority owned; 71% are women owned; 10% are veteran owned). Upon graduation, participants are equipped to raise external funding, connected to the PCBA network, financially resourced, professionally coached, and empowered to accelerate their business. As September 2024, graduates have raised over $7.1M in capital, received over $1.8M in professional business services grants, over $1M in commercial lease reimbursements, and over 1,200 hours of business coaching.