Port of Seattle

Buyer offers cooperative economic development funding to King County cities to support local initiatives that address economic growth, encourage use of Port facilities, support jobs, and diversify the business ecosystem. Cities can apply for funding between $10,000-$60,000 based on population size with a 50% match requirement. Eligible projects include business attraction, retention, buy local campaigns, export assistance, technical assistance, tourism, and workforce development initiatives. Projects must support buyer's business interests in aviation, maritime, construction trades, and green jobs.

• 8/15/2025 - Proposal Due Date
• 11/15/2026 - Final Reports Due
• 12/15/2026 - Project Completion Deadline

• City government in King County with population less than 200,000

• Support business recruitment focusing on WMBE businesses
• Create marketing campaigns for business attraction
• Organize trade shows or prospecting missions
• Conduct business outreach and retention initiatives
• Facilitate industry roundtables and seminars
• Launch Buy Local campaigns or placemaking initiatives
• Establish farmers markets or local marketplace events
• Provide export and trade assistance to local businesses
• Support companies with international market research
• Develop export business plans and strategies
• Organize international trade missions or trade shows
• Deliver small business technical assistance services
• Operate accelerator or incubator programs
• Provide government procurement technical assistance
• Execute tourism marketing campaigns
• Develop events to attract non-local visitors
• Implement workforce development programs for port-related industries
• Organize industry-specific training programs
• Track and report metrics on WMBE business participation
• Collaborate with community partners on economic initiatives