Native Business Center

09/16/2026

🔥 WILDFIRE RECOVERY FUNDING AVAILABLE

If your business or organization has been impacted by the 2026 wildfires, the Tri County Economic Development District (TEDD) has launched a Wildfire Emergency Loan Program to help with recovery and continued operations.

💰 Loans from $2,500–$25,000
📉 5% fixed interest rate
📅 Repayment terms up to 60 months
⏸️ Initial payment deferral of up to 90 days may be available
✅ No application fee
⚡ Complete applications may receive a funding decision within five business days

Funds may be used for:

• Working capital
• Inventory replacement
• Equipment repair or replacement
• Facility repairs
• Temporary operating expenses
• Other approved wildfire recovery expenses

Eligible applicants may include businesses, nonprofits, agricultural operations and other qualifying Washington organizations that experienced documented wildfire-related impacts within TEDD's service area.

📍 Service Area: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whitman and rural Spokane County.

Important: Funding is limited. TEDD has allocated up to $500,000, and applications are being considered on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available.

👉 Learn more, review requirements and access the application:
https://tricountyedd.com/wildfire-loan-program/

2026 Wildfire Emergency Loan Program – Tri County Economic Development District

📌 Please share this with a business owner who may have been affected by the wildfires.

09/15/2026

📢 New CDFI Fund Awards Announced

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund has announced awards for four programs:

• FY 2025 Community Development Financial Institutions Program
• FY 2025 Native American CDFI Assistance Program
• FY 2026 Bank Enterprise Award Program
• FY 2026 Small Dollar Loan Program

These awards will help expand access to safe and affordable financial services, support small-business and consumer lending, and encourage community development investments nationwide.

The Native American CDFI Assistance Program specifically supports CDFIs that primarily serve American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian individuals and communities.

Learn more and review the announcement:
https://www.cdfifund.gov/news/740

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) announced awards for the FY 2025 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) Programs, and the FY 2026 Bank Enterprise Award (BEA) and Small Dollar...

09/07/2026

09/04/2026

💡 You don't have to figure out government contracting on your own.

Learn more or become a client:

Northwest Native APEX Accelerator

📌 Save this post or share it with a Native business owner who may be ready to explore government contracting.

09/03/2026

📱 BUSINESS BASICS: CAN CUSTOMERS FIND YOU?

Someone hears about your business and wants to learn more.

What happens when they search for you online?

Take 10 minutes today and check your business from a customer's point of view:

🔎 Search your business name online
📍 Make sure your location or service area is correct
📞 Check your phone number and email
🕐 Make sure your business hours are current
🔗 Test the links to your website and social media
📱 Look at your Facebook and Instagram pages as a visitor
💬 Make sure customers can easily figure out how to contact you or buy from you

Business Tip: Don't make potential customers work to figure out how to do business with you.

Small updates can make a big difference.

📌 Save this post and give your online business information a quick check today.

09/03/2026

📣 OPPORTUNITY DAY: Washington State BizFair

Looking for resources to help start or grow your business?

Washington State BizFair is coming to Puyallup!

📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Pierce College Puyallup
💲 FREE

Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can:

✔️ Connect with 40+ business resource organizations
✔️ Meet lenders and technical assistance providers
✔️ Attend business workshops
✔️ Learn about funding opportunities
✔️ Get information about licensing, registration, taxes, marketing and more

This is a great opportunity to connect directly with organizations that can help you move your business forward.

👉 Learn more and register:
https://www.bizfair.wa.gov/

BizFair is a government and non-profit-run small business fair in Washington State

09/01/2026

🪶 Native Business Marketplace – September 17

A great opportunity to shop Native, connect with Native entrepreneurs, and support Native-owned businesses!

Pacific Northwest Tribal Lending's 3rd Annual Native Small Business Fair will feature Native artists, makers and entrepreneurs, along with networking, business resources and a panel discussion.

📅 Thursday, September 17
⏰ 10 AM–2 PM

If you're in the area, check it out—and help support Native businesses!

Every successful business starts with a simple question: “What if?”

What if I turned this skill into a business? What if I bought my first piece of equipment? What if I hired my first employee?

Twenty years ago, communities came together to imagine what prosperity could look like. Those conversations planted seeds that continue to grow today. The Tribal

Ventures effort showed that creating opportunity starts by believing change is possible.

Every thriving business begins with possibility.

08/31/2026

💰 UPCOMING SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING WEBINAR

Does your business need working capital?

The U.S. Small Business Administration Seattle District is hosting a FREE online webinar about SBA funding for working capital.

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM Pacific
💻 Online
💲 FREE

Learn about:

✔️ What working capital funds can be used for
✔️ SBA loan programs available for working capital
✔️ How different SBA loans may be structured
✔️ Funding options that may fit your business needs

There will also be time for questions.

👉 Learn more and register through the SBA.

08/24/2026

💰 BUSINESS TIP: Are You Funding Ready?

Before you apply for a business loan, grant, or other funding opportunity, take some time to get your business documents in order.

A funding opportunity can come up quickly. Being prepared means you're ready when it does.

✅ Business registration & licenses
✅ UBI number
✅ EIN
✅ Business bank account
✅ Business plan or business description
✅ Current financial statements
✅ Recent tax returns
✅ A clear plan for how the funds will be used
✅ Know how much funding you actually need

💡 Not sure if you're funding-ready? Native Business Center can help you get organized, understand what funders may be looking for, and prepare for future opportunities.

Preparation today. Opportunity tomorrow.

08/20/2026

💰 OPPORTUNITY DAY: $10,000 SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

Applications are now open for 2026 $10,000 small business grants through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.

Small business owners can also access FREE business resources, including:

• Business courses and quick tips
• Funding resources
• Marketing and social media
• Money management
• Legal and operations resources
• Networking and expert support

Registration is 100% free, and you do not need to be a Verizon customer.

👉 Learn more, register, and review the current grant opportunity:
https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/

Native Business Center shares opportunities and resources that can help Native entrepreneurs start, strengthen, and grow their businesses.

Your free resource hub for small business success. Access expert-led courses, one-on-one coaching, networking, and grant opportunities today.