Baird announces Wahkiakum Community Foundation grant

September 13, 2007

Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03) has announced that the Wahkiakum Community Foundation has received a $50,000 Rural Business Opportunity Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture.

“Supporting small business opportunities, entrepreneurship, and economic development in Southwest Washington is critical for our communities’ ability to thrive,” said Congressman Baird. “This funding will help the Wahkiakum Community Foundation provide new job opportunities and contribute to the economy.”

The funds will be used to evaluate the feasibility of establishing an industrial park and small business incubator in Cathlamet.

“The grant is a great example of collaboration,” said Karen Bertroch, director of the Wahkiakum Community Foundation. “It shows the effort between the Wahkiakum Community Foundation, the Lower Columbia EDC, the Chamber of Commerce, County Commissioners, Cathlamet, and Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments. These USDA grants are so important to rural communities and allow for new job opportunities and new businesses.”

Rural Business Opportunity Grants promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs by focusing on communities where the project is sustainable over a long term through local effort without long-term external subsidies.

Grants may be used for technical assistance, training, and planning activities to improve economic conditions in rural areas. Some examples include: identify and analyze business opportunities; identify, train, and assist existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs; establish business support centers; conduct community or multi-county economic development planning; establish centers for training, technology, and trade; and, conduct leadership development training.