Economic & Workforce Development

Snohomish County has allocated a significant portion of its ARPA allocation to initiatives that support economic and workforce development. The goal of this funding is to support arts and culture organizations and small businesses financially impacted by COVID-19, connect un- and under-employed residents with living-wage jobs while supporting employers, and expand access to high-quality broadband for residents without equitable access.

Open Funding Opportunities

Small Business Innovation Assistance

The County is partnering with Ventures to launch the Small Business Innovation Assistance (SBIA) program. SBIA provides a full toolkit of technical assistance services coupled with microgrants to help Snohomish County-based small businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic as well as incentivize new, innovative ideas from start-ups and entrepreneurs.


Learn more about SBIA here (available in English and Spanish).

  1. Snohomish County Invests $1.5 Million in Digital Equity and Broadband Access

    Executive Dave Somers announced that Snohomish County is investing $1.5 million of its federal American Rescue Plan Act allocation into a digital equity initiative operated by Sno-Isle Libraries. This funding will increase the capacity... Read on...

  2. Snohomish County Celebrates First 44 Graduates of the Small Business Innovation Assistance Program

    Executive Dave Somers announced that Snohomish County and Ventures are celebrating the first 44 graduates of the Small Business Innovation Assistance (SBIA) program. SBIA provides technical assistance services coupled with microgrants... Read on...

  3. Snohomish County Invests $4.3 Million in Workforce Development and Job Pathways Programs

    Executive Dave Somers today announced that Snohomish County is investing $4.3 million in seven workforce development and job pathways programs. The seven awarded projects provide enhanced employment training and/or address challenges ... Read on...

  4. Happening Wednesday & Thursday: Information Sessions for Snohomish County Small Business Innovation

    Two information sessions for the Snohomish County Small Business Innovation Assistance (SBIA) program are taking place this Wednesday and Thursday. SBIA provides technical assistance services coupled with microgrants to help... Read on...

  5. Snohomish County Awards $500,000 in Pandemic Recovery Grants to 21 Arts & Culture Organizations

    Executive Dave Somers today announced that Snohomish County is awarding $500,000 to 21 arts and culture organizations. The Arts and Culture Recovery Grants fund organizations so they can continue activities that support public benefit and enhance... Read on...

  6. Snohomish County Announces $6 Million Funding Opportunity for Workforce Recovery Programs

    Executive Dave Somers today announced that Snohomish County is accepting applications for a $6M Workforce Recovery Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The Workforce Recovery NOFA will fund projects that provide enhanced employment training and... Read on...

  7. Snohomish County Launches Program to Help Small Businesses Recover from Pandemic and Incentivize New

    Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced today that the County is partnering with Ventures to launch the Small Business Innovation Assistance program. SBIA will provide a full toolkit of technical assistance services coupled with microgrants... Read on...

  8. Snohomish County Accepting Applications for $1.6 Million in Arts and Culture Recovery Grants

    Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced that the County is accepting applications for its Arts and Culture Recovery Grants. Approximately $1.6 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are available... Read on...

  9. Snohomish County Officials Urge Residents to Review the Accuracy of Their Broadband Coverage

    Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers urges residents & businesses to review the accuracy of their broadband coverage in the recently released Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map. The federal government will use this map... Read on...

  10. As Part of Ongoing Work to Expand Broadband, Exec Somers Launches Effort - Map Internet Connectivity

    Mapping Study Will Guide Deployment of $5 Million in Snohomish County American Rescue Plan Act Investments to Expand Broadband... Read on...

  11. $5 Million In Pandemic Recovery Investments to Support Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Tourism

    Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers today announced $5.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investments to support pandemic recovery efforts for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and tourism... Read on...
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