September 2026 • Volume 46

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.

What We’ve Been Working On

August has been a busy month for the Economic Alliance as we continued checking in with businesses affected by the wildfires, advancing projects, and preparing for the upcoming prioritization cycle. Our team has actively been assisting businesses experiencing wildfire‑related impacts — helping navigate available state and federal resources, answering questions about disaster programs, and staying in close communication with partners across the county to ensure businesses have clear, up‑to‑date information during this transitional period.

Our team completed six interviews for the SBDC Advisor position and is moving forward with next steps. We are looking forward to bringing this resource back to our community. The Loomis Fire District project is also progressing, with the contract expected to be fully signed and ready for work to begin.

Roni attended the recent meeting between local cannabis growers and the Board of County Commissioners, where the conversation was positive and all parties expressed interest in continuing communication and collaboration. She also attended the ribbon cutting for the new IHS medical facility in East Omak, a major milestone that expands healthcare access and provides an important resource for families across the community.

Mason attended the WEDA Summer Conference in the Tri‑Cities with Roni. Separately, he attended the PUD meeting on wireless internet updates — an ongoing discussion as the county explores improved connectivity. He continues gathering wildfire and agriculture‑related resources to share with community members, attends chamber meetings, and will lead the Start Simple workshop in October at our office.

Leonel has been visiting orchards and local businesses to check in on operations and learn how they were affected by the fires. He’s been identifying resources for business owners needing support beyond what the Economic Alliance can directly provide. He will also attend FIRA USA, a three‑day agricultural robotics and AgTech event designed to connect growers with autonomous technology solutions. He continues to assist with translation needs for various meetings.

We are now accepting Letters of Intent for next year’s prioritization process. LOIs are due September 30

We’ve also finalized the fall workshop calendar for our Business Impact NW training series, including two workshops featured in the schedule below.

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.

Upcoming Workshops:

Access to Capital — Oct 6 Join Business Impact NW Business Advisor Adam Erickson for workshop designed to help you understand funding options and prepare for financing.
Start Simple Series — Oct 7, 14 & 28 A free, three‑session workshop to help aspiring and current small business owners learn core concepts, evaluate their business idea, and set clear goals.
Language of Business — Dec 8 A free workshop with Gwen Kohl from Business Impact NW covering core business terminology and practical financial concepts.

If you would like more information on upcoming workshops visit our website @ Economic-Alliance.com/events

or call us @ 509-826-5107

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

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.

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

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.

Rebuilding After Fire Damage? L&I Shares Tips to Avoid Contractor Scams

As homeowners begin repairs after this season’s fire damage, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is reminding residents to carefully check contractors before hiring or paying for any work. L&I continues to see cases where unregistered or fraudulent contractors take advantage of disaster recovery.

The agency encourages homeowners to verify contractor registration, get multiple bids, use written agreements, and avoid paying in full until the job is complete. L&I also offers resources for resolving contractor issues and information about the Homeowner Recovery Fund.

Learn more here: L&I News Release

2026 Wildfire Emergency Loan Program

The 2026 Wildfire Emergency Loan Program offers emergency financing for businesses, nonprofits, agricultural operations, and other organizations impacted by the 2026 wildfire events within the Tri County Economic Development District region. Funding supports recovery, stabilization, and continued operations while long‑term resources are pursued.

Loan amounts range from $2,500 to $25,000, with $500,000 allocated for the program. Applications are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis and will remain open throughout the wildfire season or until funds are fully awarded. Eligible expenses include working capital, inventory replacement, equipment or facility repairs, temporary operating costs, and other approved recovery needs.

Click Here to Learn More

Small Business News & Updates

New Report: Rising Business Costs in Washington

A new report from the Washington Roundtable and Kinetic West examines how rising business costs are contributing to higher prices for Washington families. The analysis highlights seven major cost pressures — including labor, occupancy, inflation, tariffs, and tax structure — that are affecting small businesses across the state and influencing everyday affordability.

Washington’s 160,000 small businesses play a central role in local communities, and the report shows how rising costs are shaping decisions around pricing, staffing, investment, and long‑term sustainability. Case studies from childcare, retail, agriculture, and manufacturing illustrate how these pressures are impacting operations and, ultimately, household budgets across the state.

Learn more here

Webinar: Understanding Washington’s New Immigrant Worker Protection Act

Washington’s new Immigrant Worker Protection Act requires employers to notify employees within five business days when the federal government announces an audit of their I‑9 employment eligibility records. To help employers understand the new requirements, AWB is hosting a webinar with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office on Sept. 22 at 12 PM.

Delaney Hewitt and Maxwell Schaeffer, policy analysts with the Attorney General’s Office specializing in labor, employment, and immigration issues, will provide an overview of the law and answer employer questions. The new requirements stem from House Bill 2105, which aims to protect immigrant workers and includes a private right of action that may create additional liability for employers.

SBA Proposes Major Changes to Small Business Size Standards

The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a proposed rule that would significantly overhaul how “small business” is defined across federal programs. The update would consolidate nearly 1,000 NAICS size standards into 338 and shift many industries from revenue‑based to employee‑based criteria. If adopted, more than 114,000 additional firms could be newly classified as small, expanding eligibility for federal contracting and SBA‑backed financing.

The proposal is open for public comment through September 21, 2026.

Learn more here: Federal Register – SBA Proposed Rule

Temporary Registration Certificates for Pop‑Up Sellers & Event Vendors

Businesses participating in no more than two events per year in Washington may qualify for a Temporary Registration Certificate. This option is designed for short‑term activities such as craft shows, fairs, and similar events lasting less than one month.

Eligible vendors can apply online or at a local office up to 180 days before the event. After the event, the required tax form must be submitted within 10 business days by mail or in person. Vendors operating more than two events annually must obtain a standard state business license.

Click here to learn more

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

SBA Finalizes Changes to 8(a) Program Requirements

The SBA has issued a final rule removing the presumption of social disadvantage for individually owned firms in the 8(a) Business Development Program. Beginning September 10, new applicants must provide fact‑based evidence showing how a specific discriminatory action or policy caused material harm. Current 8(a) firms and entity‑owned applicants are not affected.

Learn more here: Federal Register – SBA Final Rule

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available for Freeze & Frost Impacts

The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration for Okanogan County and the surrounding counties impacted by the March 9–11, 2026 freeze and frost. Eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and nonprofits may apply for working‑capital loans to help meet ordinary financial obligations affected by this disaster.

Loans feature fixed interest rates up to 4%, terms up to 30 years, and amounts up to $2 million, depending on financial need and eligibility. The application deadline is March 31, 2027.

Learn more here

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 September Toolkit: Resources, & Essentials

Grant Opportunities

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

NNDF Hosts “Money Trauma 101” Workshop

The Northwest Native Development Fund (NNDF) is offering a Money Trauma 101 workshop, led by trainer Roxanne Best, focused on understanding financial stress, rebuilding confidence, and developing healthier money habits. This session is open to the community and designed to support individuals navigating financial challenges.

For more information, contact NNDF at (509) 633-9940 or visit their Facebook page:Northwest Native Development Fund.

NCESD Student Career Event

The North Central Educational Service District is hosting a regional career event designed to connect high school and college students from across North Central Washington with local employers. Businesses and organizations are invited to participate at no cost and engage with students exploring future career pathways. This event offers a valuable opportunity to support workforce development and interact with emerging talent in our region.

Event Date: October 21

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Okanogan Agri‑Plex

To confirm participation, contact:

Nikki Medved at nikkim@ncesd.org or Linda Dezellem at lindad@ncesd.org.

FIRA USA 2026 – Agricultural Robotics & AgTech Conference

FIRA USA is the leading event where agricultural robotics and AgTech meet real grower needs. Over three days, the conference brings together growers, robot manufacturers, researchers, investors, and technology teams to explore practical, on‑farm automation solutions. Each edition features live field demonstrations, expert panels, curated matchmaking sessions, and hands‑on workshops designed to help growers understand, evaluate, and adopt emerging technologies.

This year’s event will be held in Yakima, Washington, one of the nation’s most diverse specialty crop regions. With labor shortages and rising production challenges, the Pacific Northwest is an ideal location for conversations around automation, robotics, and the future of specialty crop farming and the technologies shaping the industry.

Learn more or register here