Aug 2025 • Volume 33

Your Monthly News & Updates

Upcoming Events, Industry news, and More!

Economic Alliance News

TwispWorks and Economic Alliance: A Powerful Partnership Boosts Small Businesses in the Methow Valley

Collaborative Support, Local Impact

The Methow Valley is witnessing a new chapter of economic growth, thanks to an energizing partnership between Twisp Works and the Economic Alliance. For the second year, with vital support from the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority (WEDFA), these organizations will join forces to deliver hands-on technical assistance to small businesses, launch grant writing and access to capital workshops, and establish a mentorship program for the Methow Investment Network.

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs

This collaboration recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of the region's economy. By pooling expertise and resources, Twisp Works and the Economic Alliance are addressing challenges faced by local entrepreneurs—offering practical support that makes a real difference. Business owners will benefit from one-on-one consultations and targeted workshops, helping them build skills in everything from digital marketing to financial planning and compliance.

Unleashing New Funding Opportunities

Access to capital is often a hurdle for rural businesses. Through grant writing workshops and educational sessions on funding sources, the partnership is equipping entrepreneurs to seek out and secure the support they need. These efforts open up new possibilities, allowing local businesses to grow, innovate, and turn bold ideas into reality.

Mentorship and Community

Perhaps most notably, the partnership will create a mentorship program through the Methow Investment Network. This initiative will pair emerging business owners with experienced mentors, fostering meaningful connections and collective learning within the community. The result will be a supportive environment where businesses and individuals alike can thrive.

Looking Ahead

As this partnership evolves, its impact is already visible: businesses are stabilizing, expanding, and launching with newfound confidence. Beyond immediate successes, there’s a renewed sense of optimism and collaboration throughout the Methow Valley. The partnership between Twisp Works, the Economic Alliance, and WEDFA stands as a powerful example of rural economic development in action—empowering entrepreneurs and building lasting community resilience.

We're Out and About Across Okanogan County!

Outreach hours are officially underway, and we’re excited to connect with you—wherever you are.

Catch us at chamber meetings, the Veterans Social at OK Legion Hall Post 56, and other local events. Different members of our team will be showing up, listening, and sharing resources—and we’d love for you to stop by and say hello.

We’re expanding our reach with regular stops in Twisp, Omak, and Tonasket, with plans underway for Coulee Dam. We offer free, confidential small business support—no appointment needed. Whether you’ve got a quick question or just want to learn more, come chat with us!

Our goal is to build a stronger local presence—making it easier for small business owners to connect with us, ask questions, and explore the resources available to them.

Walk-ins are always welcome. Whether it’s a quick check-in or a long-term project, we’re here to help.

Know of an event we should join? Or planning one yourself? Reach out—we’re always looking for new ways to stay involved. We’ll continue sharing dates and opportunities as our outreach calendar grows—so you never miss a chance to connect.

Brewster Outreach Hours: 3:00-4:00pm

Second Wednesday of each month

The Dalbey Team LLC, 519 W Main St.

Tonasket Outreach Hours: 1:00-3:00pm

Second Tuesday of each month

Beanadiction, 415 S Whitcomb Ave

Oroville Outreach Hours: 3:30-5:30pm

Second Tuesday of each month

Oroville Public Library, 1276 Main St

Upcoming Workshops

To learn more or register,

call 509.826.5107

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.

Here’s what’s scheduled so far:

Aug 23 – Start Simple en Español, presented by the Economic Alliance

Sept 9 – Creating Reels with Caroline Sancken, tips for Instagram and Canva

More learning opportunities are in the works—

we’ll keep you posted with new sessions, dates, and how to sign up!

Community News

Recreation & Conservation Grants Fuel Local Projects

Okanogan County is receiving a wave of outdoor investment through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), with over $11.3 million awarded to support parks, trails, habitat restoration, and farmland protection. These projects bring renewed energy to beloved community spaces while preserving the lands and waterways that make our region unique.

Omak Lake Boat Launch Gets Major Upgrades

A $1 million grant will renovate the Nicholson Beach Boat Launch on the north shore of Omak Lake. Improvements include:

New ramp and dock
30 feet of boarding floats
190 feet of concrete access paths
Lighting, landscaping, and stormwater systems
20 new parking spaces for vehicles and trailers

Riverwalk Trail Moves Forward in Downtown Winthrop

With nearly $3 million in funding, the Town of Winthrop will build the first segment of the Kay Wagner Riverwalk Trail—a 950-foot accessible pathway connecting Susie Stephens Trail to Confluence Park. Improvements include:

900 feet of streambank restoration
150 feet of shoreline protection
0.18 miles of hard-surfaced trail
New signage and two trailhead kiosks

Methow Conservancy: Protecting Farmland & Habitat

The Methow Conservancy secured more than $840,000 in grant funding to protect working lands and restore habitat near Twisp. Funded efforts include:

Conservation easements for historic ranchland
Protection for riparian zones and wildlife corridors
Support for sustainable agriculture operations

Explore the full list of funded projects in the

RCO's Grant Snapshot

Community Spotlight: Farmers Markets

National Farmers Market Week

Aug 4-10

The farmers market season in Okanogan County runs May through October, with fresh produce, handmade goods, and friendly faces filling parks across the region each week. Whether you're stocking your pantry or catching up with neighbors, there's always something local to love.

Explore Local Markets Across Okanogan County

Okanogan

When: Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm

Where: American Legion Park

Omak

When: Tuesday 3:30pm-6:30pm

Where: Omak Eastside Park

Tonasket

When: Thursday 2:00pm-6:00pm

Where: Triangle Park

Twisp

When: Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm

Where: Methow Valley Community Center

Oroville

When: Saturday 9:00am- 1:00pm

Where: Madeline Bone Wells Park

Grand Coulee: Friday Market

When: Friday Aug 15th 4:00pm-9:00pm

Where: North Dam Park

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

Regional Revolving Loan Fund:Tri County Economic Development

The Rural Opportunities Loan Fund supports Eastern Washington entrepreneurs when traditional lending falls short—offering flexible financing to launch, expand, or stay resilient.

Funded through federal, state, and local partnerships, the program fuels growth across 13 counties—including Okanogan.

Eligible uses:

• New Business Start-Up

• Business Expansion

• Working Capital

Learn more about the process here

Washington Small Business Flex Fund 2: Micro Loan Program

Supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce, this program helps small businesses and nonprofits—especially those in under-resourced communities—connect with flexible, affordable loans through trusted community lenders.

By partnering with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), the Fund frees up lender capital by purchasing portions of approved loans, expanding access to those who need it most.

Businesses & nonprofits with ≤50 employees and ≤$5M in revenue
Borrow up to $250,000 for a wide range of business needs
Fixed interest rates, flexible 36–72 month terms
Technical assistance and extra resources—whether you get matched or not

Learn more at Small Business Flex Fund

Expanded Equal Pay Protections Now in Effect for Washington Workers

As of July 1, the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act now protects Washington workers from pay and promotion discrimination based on a wider range of identities—not just gender. Newly included protections apply to employees regardless of:

Race, creed, color, or age (40+)
Marital status or sexual orientation
National origin, citizenship, or immigration status
Veteran or military status
Disability or use of a service animal

Under the updated law, pay differences between employees in similar roles must be based on skill, effort, and responsibility—not identity or job title—except in limited circumstances.

Coming July 27:

Employers may only require a driver’s license if driving is essential to the job
Job postings must include clear wage and benefits info; businesses have 5 days to correct non-compliant posts

Learn more about workplace rights and compliance at Washington L&I

DOR Launches Temporary Disclosure Program for Investment Income

Tax Relief Opportunity for Businesses with Unreported Investment Income

The Washington Department of Revenue has launched a temporary Voluntary Disclosure Program (ESSB 5167), offering penalty-free reporting for qualifying businesses with unreported investment income subject to B&O tax. This program runs in two phases:

Phase 1: July 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
Phase 2: July 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027

Eligible businesses can report and pay prior obligations without penalties or interest—encouraging proactive compliance with Washington tax laws. Relief may also apply to certain other income on the combined excise tax return.

📌 Note: This does not apply to businesses in banking, lending, or securities.

For full eligibility and program details, visit dor.wa.gov