A feature of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI) is to provide business assistance and resource referral. This monthly Business Assistance Briefing is to share relevant and timely resources to support your business, regardless of size. 

In today's world it can be hard to navigate the waters when it comes to running your business, gaining access to capital, marketing woes, workforce needs, or just getting started – GGHI is here to assist.  

Export Assistance

Washington State is one of the country's major export hubs, exporting nearly $80 billion in goods annually. The Department of Commerce offers businesses an experienced trade team that provides a range of support services, including advocacy, consulting, risk mitigation, market research, trade missions and trade show support, business matchmaking and custom programs, all designed to help Washington companies open doors to trade overseas and increase sales. Services offered:

  • Advocacy: If you run into any roadblocks with your exports, our trade experts can help you convey the importance of exporting and international trade and help you overcome any obstacles along the way, such as problems with shipping documentation, customs, logistics, visas, etc. 
  • Consulting: We can help you create an exporting plan, clarify international trade law issues, find an interpreter, and introduce you to foreign representatives and buyers to generate new international sales. 
  • Risk Mitigation: Entering a new market, even for an experienced exporter, can be complex. Our Export Finance Assistance Center can help you research your trading partners and customers to ensure they are credit worthy and sort out currency exchange and payment terms and issues. 
  • Market Research: Want to expand into a new market with exports but not sure whether it makes sense or not? We can help you analyze markets so that you can develop and execute your exports plan with complete confidence. 
  • Financing: Our team can assist you identifying financing options and connect you with potential state, federal and private resources. 
  • Business Matchmaking: No need to spend endless hours and fruitless phone calls trying to reach the right person for your exports. Our trade experts conduct numerous business matchmaking opportunities, whether as part of a state trade mission or trade show, pre-requested buyer introduction, or an inbound visit by a foreign trade delegation or organization. 

Click here to learn more. 

STEP Export Voucher Program 

The Washington State Department of Commerce STEP Export Voucher program awards cash reimbursements for small businesses to help offset expenses of expanding international sales. Eligible reimbursement grants include expenses for trade shows and trade mission fees, airfare, interpreter and translation services, export training and more.  

Commerce administers these grants through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). STEP is funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration and in accordance with Section 632 of Public Law 117-328, State's total STEP program cost is $1,200,000 of which 75% is Federal Share of $900,000 and Non-Federal Share of $300,000. As part of our state's program, a review committee considers a number of factors when assessing applications. 

Click here to learn more. 

Economic Development with CRP 

Community Reinvestment Program (CRP)Economic development with CRP 

CRP's economic development program is repairing wealth disparities. This includes creating opportunities for individuals and families to buy homes, save money, receive financial education, training and grants for small businesses. 

CRP is investing $35.2 million into a comprehensive set of economic development strategies. 

Workforce strategies 

CRP is investing $14.5 million through a partnership with the Employment Security Department to expand career and business support across all 12 regions. This includes: 

  • Earning up to $1,000/month incentives for underemployed or justice-involved individuals working toward better jobs 
  • Matched savings accounts (up to $10,000) for education, housing or business 
  • Financial coaching, career navigation and paid work experience 
  • Business support and wraparound services delivered by local workforce board 

If you would like to learn more about accessing support, contact your local Workforce Development Council. 

  • GGHI hosts a Business Assistance page on our website that provides a lengthy list of resources related to business support. We are happy to have a meeting with you to discuss business needs and how to navigate the vast resource network. 

Please reach out to Loretta Thomas, Director of Business Development at GGHI if you have questions or need some guidance on your business journey.