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Small Business Grants

These Small Business Grants aim to strengthen and build up the local economy, grow local talent, and create local jobs in Pierce County.

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An asian female small business owner stands proudly behind the counter of her business.

Eligible Projects

Wage Reimbursement

The Wage Reimbursement Grant helps Pierce County businesses hire and train new employees by reimbursing a portion of eligible wages during an approved on-the-job training period.

The program is designed to help businesses say “yes” more often to people who may be entering the workforce, transitioning to a new industry, developing new occupational skills, or facing barriers to employment. By helping offset the cost of training a new employee, wage reimbursement reduces the financial risk to employers while creating opportunities for workers to gain meaningful skills and experience.

Approved businesses may receive up to $6,000 per eligible new hire, depending on employee eligibility, position, training plan, and available funding. WorkForce Central will review each application to determine eligibility* and available wage reimbursement opportunities.

Both the business and employee must meet eligibility requirements.

Grant Process

Eligible businesses submit a digital application through the WorkForce Central website.

The applicant identifies the business need, hiring opportunity, and purpose of the funding request.

Applications are reviewed for alignment with program goals, potential impact, feasibility, and available funding.

Selected applicants receive notice of grant approval.

WorkForce Central and the business finalize an agreement outlining the wage reimbursement parameters, reporting requirements, and next steps.

New employees may be asked to complete an application to verify their employment with the business.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, the business must:

Be located in Pierce County and maintain an active business license.
Have recently hired or plan to hire an eligible employee.
Hire the employee as a W-2 employee.
Provide meaningful on-the-job training with appropriate supervision.
Maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
Provide training that develops skills related to the employee’s position.
Intend to retain the employee following the wage reimbursement period.
Complete all required program agreements and documentation.
Meet any additional requirements associated with the applicable funding source.

Some opportunities are limited to specific industries, occupations, participant populations, or worksites.

To be eligible, the employee must:

Be hired as W-2 employees.
Be legally eligible to work in the United States.
Be a Washington State resident.
Be hired within the approved enrollment period (October 1, 2026, and January 15, 2027)

Additional requirements related to age, barriers to employment, occupation, or other criteria may apply

Important Information:

If awarded, the new employee(s) must be hired as W-2 employees, with the intention of retaining them after the wage reimbursement period ends.

Applications may be screened for multiple funding opportunities to help WorkForce Central determine the most appropriate program for each business opportunity.

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. All applications are subject to eligibility review, approval, and availability of funds.

Employers must receive approval and complete all required agreements before being eligible for reimbursement.

Documentation & Reporting Requirements

Participating employers may be required to provide:

Employee hire and employment verification.
Payroll records and paystubs documenting actual wages and regular hours worked.
Worksite or jobsite addresses.
An approved on-the-job training plan.
Documentation of training activities, skills developed, or certifications completed.
Employee retention and employment status information.
Employer and participant feedback.
Other documentation required as needed

Apply

Are you a Pierce County business interested in applying for a grant? Complete the application below to tell us about your business, hiring needs, and workforce development goals.

Apply for a Small Business Grant