Advising, Classes, & Free Downloadable Resources
Need help navigating the details of starting, running, or growing your business? Visit our Business Advising page and learn about all of the great advisors in our county!
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For rural for-profit businesses in Jefferson County, finding capital can feel confusing, especially when many funding lists point to grants that aren’t a real fit. The resources below are free and designed to help small businesses understand realistic funding options and get connected to the right kind of support.
Business.wa.gov / Loans & Grants
Washington State’s official small business portal. This is the best starting point for exploring state and federal loan programs, grant opportunities, and business assistance available in Washington.
🔗 https://www.business.wa.gov/site/alias__business/928/loans-and-grants.aspx
StartUp Washington / Access to Capital
Managed by the Washington State Department of Commerce, this site helps entrepreneurs understand different types of capital ( including loans, microloans, and readiness programs) and connects businesses to appropriate resources.
🔗 https://choosewashingtonstate.com/i-need-help-with/financing/
Hello Alice
A free platform that highlights private and corporate funding opportunities, including small business grants and awards. While many opportunities are national and competitive, it can be a useful supplement for businesses looking for smaller infusions of capital.
🔗 https://helloalice.com/funding/
Evergreen BizLink
A Washington-specific resource navigator that connects business owners to trusted local support organizations, technical assistance, and financing preparation help.
🔗 https://evergreenbizlink.org/
Don’t waste time on platforms that aren’t designed for small, for-profit businesses. Avoid:
Foundation grant databases that primarily serve nonprofits
Federal grant listings that are meant for universities, governments, or research institutions
Paid grant-search platforms that promise results but don’t improve eligibility
Opportunities that require extensive proposals but don’t clearly state business eligibility
Most small businesses are better served by loans, microloans, technical assistance, and readiness support rather than traditional grants. Before applying, it’s often helpful to talk with a local advisor who can help you determine whether an opportunity fits your business stage and goals.
Here are some additional resources:
Have a job opportunity you want to share publicly? Once you join our Community, you can post the info and any relevant links to spread the word and get support from fellow Community members!
Our Job board is open to the public to view, but if you want to post a job you must be a community member to contribute.
Explore detailed information on Jefferson County's population, workforce, and economic development trends. Resources include demographic statistics, labor market data, and economic analyses helpful for understanding the county's economic landscape. These resources are curated to support local businesses, policymakers, and community members in making informed decisions.
Meet our partners, providing business or non profit assistance, networking, or other support for Jefferson County businesses and organizations.