Working Together for Kennewick Businesses!

Information in this Edition

  • Application for COK Boards and Commissions
  • New City of Kennewick Portal
  • WSU Tri-Cities, Cougar Tracks
  • Day's Pay Lecture and Model Debut
  • FREE Small Business Workshops
  • Downtown Kennewick Hometown Holiday Parade
  • Support Local Small Businesses
  • B&O Tax Credit Program
  • Tri-Cities Regional Chambers: Leveling Up Your Business
  • Tri-Cities Chambers Luncheon: State of the Cities
  • Columbia Gardens-Photos with Santa
  • 10 Insurers Approved to Sell Health Insurance to Small Businesses in 2025
  • Vista Field Properties Available for Purchase
  • Washington APEX Business Accelerator Program and Events
  • SBDC and SCORE Business Services

Now Accepting Applications for Kennewick's Boards & Commissions!

Do you want to make a difference in our community? Serving on a board or commission is a great way to get involved and influence decisions that shape Kennewick’s future. We currently have openings to join the Arts Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission. Apply by November 23rd to have your voice heard on important issues and help guide our city’s growth and development.

Visit www.Go2Kennewick.com/Boards for more details and to submit your application. 

Apply Today!

Kennewick's NEW Portal is Here!

Get all your city needs in one place: pay bills, register for programs, find forms, and more!

It's easy to use with personalized dashboards and quick links. Explore it today:

COK Portal

The City of Kennewick is thrilled to partner with WSU Tri-Cities, Cougar Tracks in promoting an exciting noncredit, professional development course starting soon, Financial Wellbeing of the Organization. We believe “together is better” and encourage you to share this opportunity with your HR department, manager, and colleagues. 



Key course benefits: 

  • Online convenience: Perfect for working professionals. 
  • Team collaboration: Group projects can help your team solve real business problems together. 
  • Live sessions: Interactive discussions with a professor to apply concepts to your organization. 

Scholarships may be available, please email m.hrycauknassif@wsu.edu to inquire.

Day's Pay Lecture & Model Debut

Hanford historian Donald Sorenson will present on the history of "Day’s Pay" on November 9 at the East Benton County Historical Society Museum, located at 205 Keewaydin Drive in Kennewick at 2pm. His presentation will be part of the dedication ceremony for the museum's new permanent "Day’s Pay" exhibit.

Free Small Business Workshops-Join us this fall for a series of four FREE Small Business Workshops, designed to provide valuable technical assistance and educational insights to help your business thrive!

Register Today!

Downtown Kennewick Hometown Holiday Parade

Join us Saturday, December 7th, in Downtown Kennewick from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!

Experience the joy of the season at the Downtown Kennewick Hometown Holiday Parade, where Santa will arrive alongside holiday-themed floats, police and fire vehicles, and fun characters. The parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m., followed by a visit to Santa Square for holiday activities, sweet treats, and photo opportunities with Santa.

Want to be part of the parade? Submit your application by Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

Parade Application

Support Local Small Businesses this Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better time to support our local small businesses. By shopping local, you not only help keep money within our community, but you also save on shipping costs and avoid the hassle of delays. Supporting these businesses helps create jobs, allowing your neighbors to provide for their families and contribute to our local economy. Plus, when you shop local, you're often greeted with personalized service and unique gifts that truly reflect the spirit of our community. This season, let’s make a conscious effort to shop local—because every purchase has the power to make a difference and bring joy to those around us!

Help Make an Impact in Downtown Kennewick and Receive 75% Tax Credit (B&O Tax Credit Program)

Downtown Kennewick is part of the Nationally Certified Main Street Community, which means your business can designate its Business & Occupation (B&O) or Public Utility tax (PUT) to be spent directly on downtown Kennewick.


To receive the tax credit through Washington State’s Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program, you apply to give the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, a 501(c)3, a donation through Washington State.

Once the request is approved by the Department of Revenue, you are eligible to claim a tax credit worth 75% of the contribution (up to your total tax liability) the following year. Your donation must be received by November 15, and can be paid in installments.


Visit HistoricKennewick.org for additional information. Program FAQ's

Apply Now!

Leveling Up Your Business

Employment, Tax, and Expansion Issues You Should Be Aware Of

This Ask the Experts session will address critical matters you should be aware of as you expand to hire employees, move into multiple locations, and more. Our panel of experts will guide you through key topics like differentiating between contractors and employees, wage and hour tips to avoid costly claims, and understanding vital tax matters involving L&I, ESD, and DoR. 


Tuesday, November 19

3-4:30 p.m.

Register Today!

Join us on Wednesday, November 20 for the Regional Chamber's Annual State of the Cities Membership Luncheon, sponsored by Baker Boyer Bank. Presenting on behalf of their cities will be Kennewick Mayor Gretl Crawford, Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano, Richland Mayor Theresa Richardson, and West Richland Mayor Brent Gerry. During the luncheon, the mayors will share updates from their cities that are relevant and applicable to business and community leaders. Their presentations will shed light on the innovative strategies and key initiatives that will shape the Tri-Cities in the years to come.

Register Today!

You're Invited: Holiday Market at Columbia Gardens! 

Celebrate the holiday season at Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village on December 7th! Enjoy the festive fun, with local shopping, and delightful entertainment for the whole family.

Event Highlights:

  • Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus: Join us for pictures (by donation, benefiting the Kennewick Police Foundation) from 12 PM - 5 PM.
  • Cookie Decorating for Santa: Get creative with Nana's Kitchen!
  • Live Holiday Performances: Enjoy music from the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers from 3 PM - 5 PM.
  • Local Vendors: Explore pop-up wineries, food trucks, and more!

This event is FREE and family-friendly.

Ten Insurers Approved to sell health insurance to Small Businesses in 2025 - See which insurers are selling small group health plans by county!

Read More!
Build at Vista Field
Vista Field is designed to be a unique space, blending mixed-use neighborhoods and urban lifestyle amenities.
The shovel-ready development site is 103-acres and will be developed in phases.

Vista Field is a Port of Kennewick project. Contact Amber Hanchette with questions or for a site tour at 509.586.1186.

Washington APEX is an accelerator program designed to assist businesses in Washington with securing government contracts. It offers free, confidential, one-on-one technical support, including bid reviews, marketing, and certification assistance. The program's goal is to help local companies successfully compete in federal, state, and local government contracting opportunities​. Visit Washington Apex to find out how their services can help your business.

Yes, You Can!

Contracts with the Government: Capability Statements

Thursday, November 14

3:00-4:00 p.m. | English

4:30 p.m. - 5::30 p.m | Spansih

Bechtel Board Room

Register

Meet the Buyer

Doing Business with Local Transit Systems

Thursday, November 14

1 - 2:30 p.m.

Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center

Bechtel Board Room

7130 W. Grandridge Blvd.

Kennewick, WA 99336

Register

SBDC Washington Offers Free Small Business Training

SBDC webinars and workshops provide practical, real-life solutions for some of the most common challenges faced by small business owners.


They are often a valuable complement to confidential, one-to-one business advising, but you do not need to be an SBDC client to attend. Live webinars and on-demand options are available. View and sign-up for training.

Free Counseling and Training for Entrepreneurs

Small business experts volunteer their time to support your entrepreneurial success through free personal counseling and training opportunities. Visit SCORE and find a mentor or become a SCORE VOLUNTEER.


Upcoming No-Cost Workshops-

Business Branding 101-Nov. 7, 2024.

Time Management Strategies for Small Business Owners- Nov. 12, 2024

Year-End Tax Preparation for Small Businesses-Nov. 14, 2024

Mastering Cash Flow Management - Uncover Hidden Business Profits- Nov. 19, 2024

SBA Loan Opportunities for Minority-Owned Businesses -Programs, Benefits, and Eligibility-Nov. 21, 2024

How to Build Your Personal Brand on a Budget- Nov. 26, 2024

Register Today!

Kennewick City Council Updates!



Watch our live Council Broadcast on Tuesdays starting at 6:30 pm to learn more.


Agendas are posted to the Council Calendar for review.

Welcome New Kennewick Businesses
We have over 100 new business licenses issued each month on average and we are thankful for each new business that chooses Kennewick for its location. A list of these new businesses gets posted to our website monthly.

What new business will you visit this month?
We are Here to Help!
Do you need guidance on where to look for resources to support your business? Are you looking to relocate or expand your current business?
Our Economic Development office is here to assist you in your business needs. Please contact us!
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