Whitman County- The Port of Whitman County received a $10,000 Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) Statewide Grant to support business trainings and technical assistance, in partnership with the Colfax Chamber of Commerce, the Colfax Downtown Association, and the Washington State Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

The WSMA supports microenterprises in Washington State by assisting local entrepreneur support organizations like chambers of commerce and downtown associations. A business is considered a microenterprise if it employs between one and five people, requires less than $50,000 in startup funds, and does not have access to traditional credit. 65% of Whitman County businesses are considered microenterprises.

“The Colfax Chamber of Commerce, Colfax Downtown Association, and Washington State SBDC continue to do critical work with micro-businesses in Whitman County,” Commission President Karl Webber said. “The Port is grateful for this grant, the programming it makes possible, and the hard work of these organizations.”

The Colfax Chamber of Commerce and Colfax Downtown Association plan to use funds to support business technical assistance. Support may include marketing and outreach guidance, referrals to lenders, workforce development, or other topics. The SBDC will host four training sessions in their Start OutStanding (S.O.S.) series designed for entrepreneurs. The sessions include start-up planning, financial forecasting, and creating a business plan. 

“Rural areas like Whitman County lack access to resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said SBDC Certified Business Advisor Juan Garcia. “These funds are critical to provide support for small businesses in Whitman County. We are grateful to the Port for facilitating this grant.” 

Business technical assistance and trainings are slated for spring of 2026. For the most up-to-date information about business trainings and other support for businesses in Whitman County, check individual partner organization webpages and social media channels or contact Port staff. 

###

About the Port of Whitman County

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities. For more information about Port properties and ongoing projects visit the Port website, www.portwhitman.com.