Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grants

Opportunity Type: Request for Application (RFA) Close Date: May 14, 2026 Important Dates: Issue request for proposals: April, 2, 2026 Question and answer period: April 2-April 16, 2026 Pre-proposal conference: April 14, 2026, 12:30 Proposals due: May 14, 2026, 4:00 Commerce is now accepting applications for grants that support accelerating manufacturing job growth and economic opportunities across the state, with a focus on rural communities. These project investments help generate significant direct manufacturing and R&D jobs, spur technological advances and/or support workforce development, as well as strategically align with the state’s key industries. Funding There is $1 million available for individual awards of $100,000 – $200,000, made possible by the Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing (BEST) Act passed by the Washington Legislature in 2021 to provide a framework for increasing manufacturing jobs. Eligibility This competitive Request for Applications (RFA) is open to individual businesses and industrial innovation cluster organizations (also referred to as “innovation clusters” or “clusters”). Grants to support specific business expansion projects will be awarded to proposals submitted by local economic development groups, referred to as state Associate Development Organizations (ADOs). The nonprofit ADOs will administer the state funds for these projects. Projects will be evaluated on the likelihood requested funding supports the growth of manufacturing jobs, research and development jobs, and regional cluster acceleration strategies. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate the availability of capital investment or matching funds to support a significant business expansion or proposed cutting-edge development work. Grants to support specific business expansion projects will be awarded to proposals submitted by local economic development groups, referred to as state Associate Development Organizations (ADOs). Businesses submit applications with the designated Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) in the county where the business is located and/or will grow its presence. Commerce will only review business applications approved and submitted by local ADOs. Organizations that apply as a “cluster” must meet Commerce’s approved definition of the term, which is included in the Program Guidelines. Eligible entities may include non-profit organizations, community colleges, non-profit business incubators and technical colleges that actively collaborate with private sector partners to strengthen workforce development and support manufacturing job growth. Tribal businesses and cluster organizations representing manufacturing business or manufacturing clusters are strongly encouraged to apply. Timeline Issue request for applications: April 2, 2026 Question and answer period: April 2-April 16, 2026 Pre-proposal conference materials: If you were unable to join the online pre-proposal conference on April 14: View a recording of the April 14 online pre-proposal conference View and download the pre-proposal conference presentation (PDF) Proposals due : May 14, 2026, 4:00 . How to apply Local businesses : Submit your application via the Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) in the county where the business is located and/or will grow its presence. Commerce will only review business applications approved and submitted by local ADOs. Cluster organizations and tribal businesses: Applications will be accepted via the online application form . Find your economic development representative Visit the commerce website to view the Associate Development Organization (ADO) in your county . Be sure to work with the ADO in the region where the proposed business growth will occur. Applications submitted by regions not connected to the proposed business growth will not be considered. Important links

Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grants – Washington State Department of Commerce .is-small-text{