The Washington Coast Works Business Competition is seeking applications from those with the ideas and energy to create or expand a small business that strives toward a triple bottom line: profit, people and place.
Applications for this year’s competition are due by Oct. 15. Applications and instructions can be downloaded from www.wacoast works.org/apply.
The competition is for locally-owned businesses that can be launched with less than $50,000 in financing. The proposed new business or new products or services must have a significant operational presence in coastal communities within Clallam, Jefferson, Pacific, Wahkiakum and Grays Harbor counties.
Up to 15 finalists will be selected to join the growing Coast Works Alliance, participate in intensive training sponsored by Key Bank on sustainable entrepreneurship, receive ongoing one-on-one technical assistance, connect to mentors and present their business case statement at a fast-pitch event for a chance to win up to $10,000.
“Coast Works is designed to diversify the local economy through the development of new small businesses and build business leadership in local communities,” said Mike Skinner, Washington Coast Works administrator.
“It aims to grow a constituency that supports conservation and sustainable natural resource use and ultimately contribute to a new vision of sustainable community and economic development on the Washington coast.”
To date, 45 emerging entrepreneurs have participated in the Coast Works competition with a wide range of triple bottom line business ideas including fish waste-infused biochar fertilizer, wool-fiber cooperative, sustainably foraged bog Labrador tea, u-pick blueberry farm, papercrete landscaping materials, smoked salmon, off-grid ecological learning centers, local food cooperatives, sustainable farming, bio-diesel-powered stump grinding and sustainable tiny homes.
The complete calendar of events leading up to the competition is available at www.wacoastworks.org or contact Skinner at 206-235-6029.