The following programs and agencies assist Pacific Northwest businesses with import competition, export training, business development and other issues. We’ve also included links to other helpful resources.
Partner Organizations
MAKE – Manufacture Alaska Extension Partnership – MAKE provides strategic planning, seafood processing support, workforce development and lean consulting services to Alaska manufacturers.
Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Provides free one-on-one business advising, training and research services to small businesses in the state of Alaska.
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute – The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute is a marketing organization with the mission of increasing the economic value of the Alaska seafood.
Alaska State Chamber of Commerce – Support, promote and advocate for members and Alaska business.
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) – AEDC encourages growth and diversity in the Anchorage economy, promotes a favorable business climate and improves the standard of living of Anchorage residents.
Alaska SCORE Business mentors – – SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE has a mentor for you. Find an Alaskan SCORE mentor here.
Government Programs
On-The-Job Training (OJT) – Program reimburses employers for up to 50% of training costs for eligible workers.
TAA for Workers for Alaska (Trade Act) – Provides retraining and related help to workers separated due to imports.
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) – AIDEA’s mission is to provide financing to promote economic growth and diversity by funding partnerships with other financial institutions, economic development groups and guarantee agencies.
Alaska Regional Development Organizations (ARDORS) – ARDORs serve as conduits to a network of economic development programs and support services for their regions, communities, and businesses.
Alaska Aerospace Corporation – The Alaska Aerospace Corporation was established by the State of Alaska to develop a high technology aerospace industry in the state.
Government Agencies
State of Alaska
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development
University of Alaska Center for Economic Development
Office of the Governor of Alaska
Alaska State Legislature
Partner Organizations
Idaho TechHelp – Provides manufacturing assistance and product/process innovation consulting services to Idaho manufacturers, food processors and entrepreneurs.
Idaho Manufacturers’ Alliance (IMA) – A membership organization focused on knowledge sharing, collaboration and advocacy to influence a manufacturing environment that creates benefits for the industry and the community.
Idaho Small Business Development Center – Provides free one-on-one business advising, training and research services to small businesses in the state of Idaho.
Idaho Economic Development Association – IEDA is a state-wide organization supporting community and economic developers who are dedicated to strengthening Idaho’s economic prosperity.
Buy Idaho – State-wide member organization promoting and supporting Idaho-made products.
Idaho SCORE Business mentors – SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE has a mentor for you. Find an Idaho SCORE mentor here.
Government Programs
On-The-Job Training (OJT) – Program reimburses employers for up to 50% of training costs for eligible workers.
TAA for Workers Idaho (Trade Act) – Provides retraining and related help to workers separated due to imports.
Idaho State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) – Idaho’s Export Promotion Program has funds to assist Idaho businesses attend trade shows and receive export training.
Idaho APEX Government Contracting Accelerator Center (Idaho APEX Accelerator) – Idaho APEX (formerly PTAC) helps small and medium business bid on government contracts, holds workshops and training, as well as track federal contract opportunities. Registration is free.
Government Agencies
State of Idaho
Idaho Department of Commerce
Idaho Department of Labor
Office of the Governor of Idaho
Idaho State Legislature
Partner Organizations
Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership – Provides consulting services, needs assessments and support oriented to small and medium sized manufacturers.
Oregon Small Business Development Center – Provides advising, training, online courses and resources for businesses throughout Oregon, often at little or no cost to the company.
Oregon Economic Development Association – OEDA advocates, collaborates, and educates to foster the success of its members and their communities.
Oregon State Chamber of Commerce – Support and represent Oregon’s local business community by serving as its advocate on business issues and by strengthening local chambers.
Oregon SCORE Business mentors – SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE has a mentor for you. Find an Oregon SCORE mentor here.
Livelihood NW – Provides free and low cost professional business support services to underserved entrepreneurs and small business owners at all stages of business throughout Oregon and SW Washington.
Government Programs
On-The-Job Training (OJT) – Reimburses part of the cost of hiring and training new employees.
TAA for Workers Oregon (Trade Act) – Provides retraining and related help to workers separated due to imports.
Work Share – Provides partial unemployment payments for workers with reduced hours.
Oregon Small Business Advocate – Provides information and resources to those starting, growing or winding down a business as well as assisting entrepreneurs who struggle with unreasonable or unfair state regulatory actions.
State Export Promotion Program (STEP) – Oregon’s Export Promotion Program has funds to assist Oregon small businesses attend trade shows and receive export training.
Government Agencies
State of Oregon
Business Oregon
Oregon Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Business
Office of the Governor of Oregon
Oregon State Legislature
Partner Organizations
Impact Washington – Provides consulting services, needs assessments and support oriented to small and medium sized manufacturers.
Washington Small Business Development Center – Provides advising, training, online courses and resources for businesses throughout Washington, often at little or no cost to the company.
Washington Economic Development Association – WEDA advocates, collaborates, and educates to foster the success of its members and their communities.
Association of Washington Business (AWB) – AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association to promote and advocate for Washington business.
Washington Trade Adjustment Assistance Program – Help’s provide support to laid off workers and businesses to assess eligibility for the TAA for Workers (Trade Act) program and assist with filling out and filing applications.
Economic Alliance Snohomish County – A private non-profit economic development organization and countywide chamber of commerce, working to expand partnerships, develop key resources and build the infrastructure systems creating local and regional employment centers.
Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance – Promote the growth and global competitiveness of the Pacific Northwest aerospace manufacturing industry through marketing intelligence, powerful networking, training and creating business opportunities.
Invista Performance Solutions – A partnership of Pierce County WA local community and technical colleges which provides customized employee and organizational development solutions (training, consulting and coaching) directly to organizations in the community to support their workforce development needs.
Washington SCORE Business mentors – SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE has a mentor for you. Find a Washington SCORE mentor here.
Government Programs
On-The-Job Training (OJT) – Reimburses part of the cost of hiring and training new employees.
TAA for Workers Washington (Trade Act) – Provides retraining and related help to workers separated due to imports.
SharedWork Program– A voluntary business sustainability program that provides flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours.
Export Washington: State Export Promotion Program (STEP) – Washington’s Export Promotion Program has funds to assist Washington small businesses attend trade shows and receive export training.
Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) – Washington PTAC helps small and medium business bid on government contracts, holds workshops and trainings, as well as track federal contract opportunities. Registration is free.
Government Agencies
State of Washington
Washington Department of Commerce
Washington Department of Agriculture, International Marketing
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Washington State Employment Security Department
Office of the Governor of Washington
Washington State Legislature
City of Auburn / City of Kent – Home of the 5th largest industrial complex in the U.S.
Partner Organizations
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) – MEP is a public-private partnership with Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers.
Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) – Facilitates the export of U.S. goods and services to support U.S. jobs.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Advocates for business policies with the goal of creating jobs and growing the economy.
National Association of Manufacturers– Advocates for the U.S. manufacturing sector by advocating for and promoting domestic manufacturing.
SCORE – SCORE has the largest network of free volunteer small business mentors in the nation. No matter what stage your business is at SCORE has a mentor for you. Easily request a mentor to help you start, grow, or transition your business today!
Federal Programs
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms – Federal program to help U.S. business that has been hurt by import competition.
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers – Federal program to provides retraining and related help to workers separated due to imports.
Export.gov – Provides trusted market intelligence, practical advice and business tools to help U.S. companies expand in global markets.
Federal Agencies
U.S. Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
International Trade Administration
U.S. Small Business Administration
Minority Business Development Agency
U.S. Commercial Service
The White House