July 2026 • Volume 44

Your Monthly News & Updates

Upcoming Events, Industry news, and More!

Economic Alliance News

What We’ve Been Working On

We continued working with the Okanogan Horticulture Association and the Farm Bureau to bring in SBA Public Affairs Specialist Todd Broadman, who provided an overview of Economic Injury Disaster Loans for farmers and orchardists facing drought, freezing, and rising operational costs. We are actively coordinating with partners at FSA, USDA, WSDA, and others to identify programs and resources that can support growers during this challenging season.

Leonel has been out meeting with small business owners throughout the county, checking in on how they’re doing and sharing information about available programs and resources, while Mason put together an educational presentation on multi-level marketing, pyramid schemes, and the subtle differences between the two. Intended to help community members more safely assess the legitimacy and viability of business propositions they encounter, the video is available for viewing on YouTube

Our team also attended several important meetings this month, including the OCCAC stakeholder session on the 60‑acre housing development and the WEDA Housing Committee meeting. We released the RFQ for architectural, engineering, and environmental review services for the Loomis Fire Hall, with responses due July 8, and we are completing Commerce’s annual reporting requirements.

We’re also beginning to plan our event and workshop calendar for the new fiscal year. If there’s a topic or training you believe would benefit local businesses or your community, please reach out — we’d love your input as we shape the upcoming schedule

Upcoming Workshops

We’re building out a fresh calendar of workshops aimed at helping small businesses grow with confidence. Topics may include, but aren’t limited to, business planning across a range of needs, creative tools like Canva and Reels, and digital basics to help entrepreneurs feel more comfortable online.

if you missed our Access to Capital workshop you can catch up here

To learn more or suggest a workshop you would like to attend, please reach out to us and let us know.

Missed a class? Watch past workshops on Youtube at @OKEconomicAlliance/videos

Board Member Spotlight: Andy Bertapelle

We’re pleased to introduce Andy Bertapelle, one of the newest members of the Economic Alliance Board. Though he has served for less than a year, Andy brings a depth of leadership experience — and a clear passion for community well‑being — that’s already making an impact.

Andy began his healthcare career as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. Navy, where he discovered two things: a love for patient care and an unexpected enthusiasm for spreadsheets, contracts, and organizational leadership. That combination eventually led him to his current role as CEO of Mid Valley Hospital & Clinic, a Critical Access Hospital in Omak.

He describes it as the place where he can make the greatest difference in the health of the community he serves.

For Andy, serving on the Economic Alliance board is a natural extension of that mission.

He believes that healthy communities and healthy economies go hand‑in‑hand — and that real progress happens when healthcare, business, government, and tribal partners work together toward shared goals. Being part of that collaborative effort is what motivates his service.

When asked what he appreciates most about Okanogan County, Andy points to the people.

He admires the region’s resourcefulness, its willingness to tackle challenges head‑on, and the genuine care neighbors show one another. “It makes showing up for this community one of the great privileges of my life,” he shared.

And in true Andy fashion, he brings a sense of humor to his journey. He likes to say he started his career “as a registered nurse — bedpans and all — and somehow ended up in the CEO chair.” In his view, that’s exactly the right order of operations for healthcare leadership.

We’re grateful to have Andy’s insight, dedication, and collaborative spirit on the Economic Alliance Board.

Ecology Lean & Green Program Now Available to Washington Manufacturers

Manufacturers across Washington can now access a grant‑supported program designed to help reduce operating costs and improve efficiency. Through hands‑on guidance, participating companies receive support to identify and implement improvements that reduce waste, streamline operations, and deliver measurable results.

The Ecology Lean & Green Program, offered in partnership between Impact Washington and the Washington State Department of Ecology, focuses on real, hands‑on implementation that directly strengthens your bottom line. Participating manufacturers receive practical support to identify opportunities, reduce waste, and streamline operations in ways that create lasting improvements. Many companies see a strong return on investment within the first year, along with long‑term gains in efficiency and performance.

Learn more

Brewster Early Learning Provider Receives State Funding for Facility Improvements

The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $5.6 million in Early Learning Facilities (ELF) grants to 37 providers across Washington, supporting essential renovations and helping sustain high‑quality childcare in 26 cities and 12 counties. One of the awardees includes Maribel’s Day Care in Brewster, which received $96,263 to complete minor renovations that will improve safety, update utilities, and preserve early learning capacity for local families.

These improvements will support bathroom and kitchen repairs, flooring updates, electrical panel upgrades, childproofing, and other critical fixes that help maintain a safe, reliable environment for up to 12 children. The ELF program continues to play a key role in strengthening childcare access in rural communities like Brewster.

Click here to learn more about the ELF awards and funded projects

Washington Healthplanfinder: One-time special enrollment for small businesses

Eligible small business owners with fewer than 50 employees may be eligible for a one-time

special enrollment for themselves and their employees to sign up for an individual health

plan outside of open enrollment on Washington Healthplanfinder™.

Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s official health and dental insurance marketplace,

allows individuals and families to:

Shop, compare and buy high-quality individual health and dental plans;
Get exclusive access to federal and state savings; and
Determine eligibility to enroll in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).

To find out if you are an eligible small business and to learn more,

contact: smallbusiness@wahbexchange.org

Federal Broadband Grants Awarded to Four Washington Communities

Four communities across Island, Kitsap, and Okanogan counties will receive a combined $5.1 million in federal funding to expand high‑speed broadband access in underserved and unserved areas. These investments, awarded through the Public Works Board’s Broadband Program, will support improved online education, telehealth, public safety, and economic development opportunities for thousands of residents and businesses.

In Okanogan County, the Public Utility District No. 1 received $717,900 to upgrade critical broadband infrastructure, reduce bottlenecks, and strengthen long‑term affordability for low‑income households. Additional awards will support fiber expansion for the Colville Reservation, Kitsap County communities, and homes throughout Coupeville.

These projects help ensure rural communities are not left behind as digital access becomes increasingly essential for daily life, work, and learning.

Learn more about the awarded broadband projects

Prime Spots

Are you looking for the perfect space to expand, or start your small business? Check out these prime property options available in the area! The Economic Alliance is here to connect you with resources to help your business thrive. Have a Prime Spot ready to be utilized? Contact Mason!

Properties Search

Contact Mason

Your July Toolkit: Resources, & Essentials

Grant Opportunities

Shophand Small Business Boost Grant

The Shophand Small Business Boost Grant offers $5,000 in support — a mix of $2,500 in funding and $2,500 in hands‑on technical assistance — to help small businesses strengthen their systems, improve operations, and tackle challenges in technology, marketing, finance, and customer experience. Open to U.S. for‑profit businesses with fewer than 50 employees, this grant is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to streamline processes and grow with expert guidance. Applications are currently open.

Learn More Here!

Steven L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant

The Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant provides $1,000 micro‑grants and free access to Founders First CDC business programs to help veteran‑owned businesses strengthen operations, leadership, and growth strategies. Open to U.S. military veterans leading active businesses with 2–100 employees, this program supports flexible needs like equipment, staffing, and operational improvements. Pre‑registration is open now, with full applications launching in September 2026.

Learn More Here!

Santander Cultivate Small Business Program

The Santander Cultivate Small Business Program offers a free 12‑week, MBA‑style training experience for food‑based entrepreneurs looking to strengthen and grow their businesses. Participants receive tailored business education, mentorship from industry experts, and access to funding opportunities — with qualifying graduates eligible for up to $20,000 in capital grants. Open to food‑related businesses operating at least one year with annual revenue between $25,000 and $1 million, and fewer than 10 full‑time employees. Applications are currently open.

Learn More Here!

Farmers Market Days & Times in Okanogan County

Winthrop Farmers Market

Sundays • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Winthrop Barn

Twisp Farmers Market

Saturdays • 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Twisp Community Center Lot

Omak Farmers Market

Tuesdays • 3:30–6:30 PM

Civic League Park, Omak

Okanogan Farmers Market

Saturdays • 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Legion Park, Okanogan

Tonasket Farmers Market

Thursdays • 3:00–7:00 PM

Founders Day Park, Tonasket

Oroville Farmers Market

Saturdays • 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Oroville Community Library Lawn

Penalty Relief Available for Sales Tax on Services Changes

The Washington State Department of Revenue is offering a temporary penalty relief program for businesses impacted by the retail sales tax changes under ESSB 5814. These changes, which took effect on October 1, 2025, expanded retail sales tax to certain services — and many businesses faced challenges understanding and implementing the new requirements.

To support voluntary compliance, the program waives specific penalties for businesses that voluntarily report and pay retail sales tax and use tax owed due to these changes. Relief applies to reporting periods from October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. Businesses must still pay any tax owed and applicable interest.

Eligible businesses must submit an application by September 30, 2027, and additional provisions apply for qualifying preexisting contracts.

Click here to learn more about eligibility and how to apply

Wildfire Preparedness for Washington Agriculture

WSDA has released updated wildfire preparedness guidance for farms, orchards, nurseries, and small agricultural operations. The resource covers defensible space, go‑kits, animal evacuation, smoke impacts, and planning for fast‑moving fire conditions.

Learn more here.

Community Wildfire Resilience & Preparedness

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources offers resources to help residents and small landowners prepare for wildfire season, including home‑assessment guidance, fire‑resistant landscaping tips, and programs like Wildfire Ready Neighbors. These tools support communities in reducing risk and improving resilience before fire conditions intensify.

Learn more here.