Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grant Program

The Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grant Program is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce to support the expansion of manufacturing and research and development employment across Washington State. The program was established under the Building Economic Strength Through Manufacturing Act, which provides a framework for strengthening the state’s manufacturing sector and fostering innovation-driven economic growth. The Department of Commerce serves as the lead agency responsible for issuing the request for applications, evaluating proposals, and administering awarded contracts. This initiative prioritizes projects that contribute to job creation, technological advancement, and regional economic development, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that accelerate manufacturing job growth, enhance research and development capabilities, and support industry cluster development. Eligible projects include research and development initiatives, pilot manufacturing demonstrations, supply chain and market analysis, workforce training programs, and strategic planning efforts that strengthen business competitiveness. Projects are expected to align with Washington’s key economic sectors, such as aerospace, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and life sciences. The program emphasizes outcomes such as increased employment, capital investment, and long-term economic resilience within a three-year horizon following project completion. Funding for the program is derived from state appropriations and is administered as performance-based reimbursement contracts. Individual awards range from one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand dollars, with approximately one million dollars available for distribution. Awarded funds must be used exclusively within Washington State and must be expended prior to the end of the contract period. Allowable expenses include planning, engineering, workforce training, facility improvements, and certain infrastructure-related costs. However, expenditures such as equipment purchases, construction costs, payroll, and inventory are generally not eligible. The program encourages applicants to demonstrate additional capital investment or matching funds, although a formal match requirement is not mandated. Eligibility for the program includes both individual businesses and industry cluster organizations. Business applicants must be physically located and licensed in Washington State and are expected to demonstrate operational history and workforce capacity. Cluster organizations may include nonprofit entities, community colleges, business incubators, consortiums, and technical colleges that collaborate with private sector partners. Tribal businesses and cluster organizations are encouraged to participate. Business applications must be submitted through local Associate Development Organizations, which review and endorse proposals before submission to the Department of Commerce. Cluster and tribal applicants may apply directly through the designated application portal. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal package, including certifications, application forms, workforce and diversity plans, and letters of support. Business applicants must include a letter of support from their local Associate Development Organization and at least one additional supporting organization. Cluster applicants must demonstrate collaboration among multiple partners and include supporting documentation. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as project feasibility, job creation potential, alignment with state economic priorities, community impact, and regulatory compliance. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in virtual presentations prior to final award decisions. The application cycle began with the release of the request for applications in early April, followed by a question and answer period and an optional pre-application conference. Applications are due in mid-May, after which proposals are reviewed and evaluated over several weeks. Award notifications are expected in July, with contracts anticipated to begin shortly thereafter and extend through the following fiscal year. Successful applicants are required to report on project outcomes, including job creation and economic impact, and must complete all funded activities within the designated performance period. The program is expected to recur as part of ongoing state economic development efforts, although future funding cycles depend on legislative appropriations.

Strong applications clearly demonstrate job creation potential, alignment with Washington key economic sectors, and regional impact. Applicants should secure strong letters of support and clearly justify use of funds and project feasibility.