August 2026 • Volume 45

Your Monthly News & Updates

Upcoming Events, Industry news, and More!

Economic Alliance News

Our hearts are with all those affected by the wildfires throughout Okanogan County. We are deeply grateful to the firefighters and first responders who continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

Wildfire smoke and active fire conditions are creating real challenges for our communities and local businesses right now, and we want everyone to know that the Economic Alliance is here to support you. Our team is actively assisting businesses impacted by the current wildfire disaster, including helping navigate available state and federal resources, answering questions about disaster programs, and connecting you with the agencies involved in response and recovery. We are coordinating closely with partners across the county and staying in communication with chambers, towns, and emergency officials so that businesses have clear, up‑to‑date information during this difficult period. If your business is experiencing operational disruptions, revenue loss, staffing challenges, or smoke‑related impacts, please reach out — we are here to help you through this disaster and into recovery.

What We’ve Been Working On

Summer continues to be a busy season at the Economic Alliance, with our team working across the county to support local businesses, strengthen partnerships, and move several important projects forward.

We’re still actively engaged with those impacted by recent disasters — from retail businesses to orchardists, farmers, ranchers, and others throughout the agricultural community. Staff have been attending Horticulture, Farm Bureau, and Food Policy meetings each month, as well as Chamber of Commerce meetings across the county, to stay connected and ensure we’re hearing directly from the people most affected. We also remain available to offer guidance to any small businesses experiencing challenges from the ongoing wildfires, and encourage those impacted to reach out if they need assistance or resources.

A major focus of July was helping with the Loomis Fire District project. After the RFQ deadline closed on July 8, we received six formal responses out of the fifteen consultants who initially reached out. Roni and Mason met with the Fire District Commissioners to review the submissions and help narrow the list. Three consultants were selected to move forward for interviews. The Loomis Fire District Commissioners formally selecting a consultant after the round of interviews.

We’ve also been spending time learning more about the cannabis sector as part of our broader agriculture support work. Our team has been meeting with local cannabis growers to get a better understanding of this side of the industry. The goal is to help open the lines of communication between growers and the Board of County Commissioners, identify shared concerns, and discuss potential solutions that support both groups.

Alongside these projects, our staff has been working directly with businesses across the county to offer guidance, stay connected, and help address day‑to‑day needs as they arise.

Mason has been traveling with Roni to Loomis Fire District meetings, assisting with consultant reviews, updating prioritization applications and score sheets for the fall cycle, helping a client obtain their contractor’s certificate, and working with businesses on commercial property needs — whether finding new space or spreading the word about available locations.

Leonel has been out visiting businesses to check in on how things are going, learn about new challenges, and hear what’s working well. His focus continues to be strengthening relationships between the Economic Alliance and the communities we serve.

We’re also excited about new collaborations this year. The Economic Alliance is teaming up with TwispWorks and the Methow Arts Alliance for some upcoming trainings, and we’re exploring additional partnerships to better align with WEDFA criteria and expand the reach of our programs for small business owners.

As part of our organizational updates, our office lease agreement was reviewed and renewed-YAY! The commissioners expressed support for keeping us in our current location, noting how helpful it is to have us close by so they can easily refer people “down the hill.” The new agreement maintains our existing space for another five years.

From disaster recovery to business support, project development, and new collaborations, our team is committed to showing up, listening, and helping move important work forward throughout Okanogan County.

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

We are currently working on our workshop calendar

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

Board Member Spotlight: Cal Cross

We’re pleased to introduce Cal Cross, one of our newest members of the Economic Alliance Board. Cal brings more than 30 years of management experience to the table, along with a deep commitment to education, community connection, and service across Okanogan County.

Cal currently serves as the Dean of the Wenatchee Valley College Omak campus, a role he stepped into in 2024 after previously directing the University of Alaska Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus. His professional background also includes many years as a Librarian and Public Library Director, giving him a unique blend of administrative leadership and community‑centered work.

Cal shared that he enjoys serving on the Economic Alliance board because it allows him to stay connected to community partners and better understand the issues and aspirations shaping Okanogan County. He emphasized WVC’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the region and strengthening those connections.

When asked about his favorite thing in Okanogan County, Cal said he loves getting to know the beautiful landscapes across his service area as he visits communities — and added that the fishing isn’t bad either.

A fun fact you may not know: Cal is a “Jeopardy!” Champion, bringing both knowledge and quick thinking to the board.

We’re grateful to have Cal’s experience, insight, and community‑focused leadership as part of the Economic Alliance.

Wildfire Disaster Resources

USDA Disaster Assistance Programs (FSA)

USDA offers several programs to support farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses impacted by natural disasters. Through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), producers can access assistance for recovery needs ranging from livestock and crop losses to damaged equipment and operational setbacks.

For a full list of available FSA programs and additional USDA disaster resources, click here.

Washington Wildfire Emergency: Department of Commerce Resources

Washington is under a State of Emergency due to severe wildfires, and many households are facing urgent needs. The Department of Commerce is supporting both immediate response and long‑term recovery efforts across impacted communities.

If you or your household has been affected — especially if you qualified for LIHEAP this program year — your local Community Action Agency may be able to help with energy and utility support, temporary shelter, emergency needs, air purifiers in eligible counties, and assistance with home repairs and weatherization.

Click here to learn more and connect with available resources.

Disaster relief resources available for wildfire-impacted businesses and individuals

Disaster relief resources are available for businesses and property owners impacted by recent wildfires. The Washington State Department of Revenue is offering filing extensions and penalty waivers for businesses unable to file excise taxes on time, as well as property tax adjustments for damaged or destroyed properties through the Destroyed Property form. Additional support is available for timber tax credits, audit rescheduling, and reseller permit extensions.

Learn more here

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.

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

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 August Toolkit: Resources, & Essentials

Grant Opportunities

Community Accelerator Grant

ArtsFund’s Community Accelerator Grant is now open for 2026, distributing $10 million in unrestricted funding to arts and cultural nonprofits across Washington. This year’s program focuses on organizations with annual operating budgets of $1 million or less, recognizing the outsized impact these grants have on small and mid‑sized nonprofits. Applications close August 21 at 5 p.m.

Learn More Here

Climate Smart Farm Equipment Grant Opens September 4, 2026

Washington’s farms play a vital role in feeding communities and supporting our regional economy. The Climate Smart Farm Equipment Grant, funded through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, helps producers invest in equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves soil health, and strengthens long‑term agricultural resilience.

This reimbursement program supports commercial agriculture and aquaculture operations across the state. Up to $4.3 million is available for Fiscal Year 2026 on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Eligible applicants include:

Commercial farming operations of all sizes
Agricultural, aquacultural, livestock, poultry, silvicultural, and apiary operations
Producers who meet enhanced‑rate criteria such as Tribal affiliation, veteran status, or lower gross farm income

Reimbursement rates:

Standard: 75% of eligible equipment costs (up to $200,000)
Enhanced: 85% of eligible equipment costs (up to $200,000)

Producers are encouraged to prepare early by:

Registering for a Statewide Vendor (SWV) number
Getting a quote from their equipment vendor
Reviewing eligible equipment and delivery timelines

For full details and application preparation resources, visit:

Climate Smart Farm Equipment Grant

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!

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

WorkSource Poverty Simulation — Volunteers Needed

WorkSource is seeking volunteers for their Poverty Simulation on:

September 17, 8 AM–2 PM at the Stampede Pavilion, Ferry St., Omak.

A poverty simulation is an interactive experience where participants take on the role of a low‑income individual or family and navigate a “month” of real‑life decisions, unexpected events, and difficult trade‑offs. This event helps our community understand local challenges, identify service gaps, and strengthen collaboration.

Please register by September 10.

Use the registration link below or reach out to Lisa Bauer with questions.

lisa.bauer@esd.wa.gov