Financial Support
A variety of local, state, regional, and federal programs are available to provide financial assistance to companies in specific sectors and to new and growing businesses regardless of sector. In addition, funding may be availble through one of the investment networks that target Northwest companies. If you need additional assistance, please contact us or the Klickitat County Economic Development Department (KCEDD).
Local
CDBG Float Loan
800-785-1718 or 509-773-7060
Administered by the Washington Dept. of Commerce, Community Development Block Grant float loans are made available to businesses through the Klickitat County Economic Development department. The county applies for a grant under this program and these funds are then used to extend a short-term loan to private businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Public financing of the project is necessary and appropriate to create or retain jobs.
- The recipient will obtain an unconditional, irrevocable Letter of Credit in U.S. dollars in the full amount of the principal and interest due from a financial institution acceptable to the Department of Commerce.
- The project will create or retain jobs and the majority of them will be available to qualified lower-income candidates.
- The loan amount will equal no more than $35,000 per job created/retained.
- The recipient will sign an agreement with the Dept. of Commerce and the local WorkSource Center to obtain referrals of qualified lower income job candidates for new non-managerial jobs to be created by the project.
- The recipient will sign an agreement to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Principal and interest are due at maturity or on demand with a normal term of 24 to 30 months. The interest rate is generally well below prime, but is negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on job creation or retention.
State
Business and Occupation Tax Reduction
800-647-7706 (Teletype 800-451-7985)
Administered by the Washington Dept. of Revenue, Business and Occupation Tax Reductions may be granted to any business in one of the sectors shown below. Each sector receives a reduced tax rate as determined by the legislature.
| Aerospace Manufacturing | Reduction from 0.00484 to 0.004235 |
| Energy Manufacturing | Reduction from 0.00484 to 0.002904 |
Capital Access Program (CAP)
206-256-6148
Administered by the Washington Dept. of Commerce, the Capital Access Program provides credit enhancement (i.e. additional insurance for the lending institution) to facilitate $50,000 to $100,000 commercial bank loans to small businesses that have faced challenges in getting the capital needed to grow and support jobs.
Craft3 Small Business Credit Initiative
360-642-4265 x145
Administered by the Washington Dept. of Commerce, the Craft3 Small Business Credit Initiative provides loans from $1 million to $5 million to Washington-based small businesses in underserved communities as well as woman-owned and minority-owned businesses. The program will also work with community development financial institutions to finance smaller loans.
Forest Products Revolving Loan Fund
509-783-9201 or 360-725-4000
Administered by the Washington Dept. of Commerce, Forest Products Revolving Loan Fund loans may be granted to small and medium-sized businesses that implement value-added production processes that contribute to the diversification of the forest products industry. Loans can be used to purchase machinery, equipment, and fixtures, pay engineering or construction costs, purchase inventory, or provide working capital. Loans must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must have sufficient management experience and technical ability.
- The applicant must have a satisfactory credit history and sufficient equity in the business.
- The business must show an adequate ability to repay the loan.
- The applicant must be willing to pledge available collateral.
- The funds must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis with non-federal funds.
- Fees may include a $250 processing fee, a packaging fee, and additional fees.
- The minimum loan amount is $50,000 with a maximum of $1,000,000.
The interest rate and loan term are negotiable.
HUD Section 108 Guaranteed Loans
509-783-9201
Administered by the Federal Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Section 108 guaranteed loans are made available through the Washington Dept. of Commerce.
- Public financing of the project is necessary and appropriate to create or retain jobs.
- The funds will be repaid in no more than 20 years.
- Other reasonable financing alternatives have been exhausted.
- The project will create or retain jobs and the majority of them will be available to qualified lower-income candidates.
- The loan amount will equal no more than $35,000 per job created/retained with a total minimum of $1,000,000 and a maximum of $7,000,000.
- The recipient may be required to establish a reserve account of up to 10 percent of the loan amount.
- The recipient will pledge collateral equal to at least 100 percent of the loan amount and may be required by HUD to provide additional collateral for loans with a term of ten years or more.
- The project has an eligible local government sponsor.
- The recipient will sign an agreement to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Borrowers are typically charged an interest rate of the cost of borrowing plus a one-time commitment fee of up to 1.5% of the loan amount.
Industrial Development Bonds
206-587-5634
Contact Form
Issued by the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority, non-recourse revenue bonds (aka industrial development bonds) can deliver taxable and tax-exempt bond financing in support of qualifying projects including manufacturing, processing, alternative energy production, and some research & development facilities. This financing takes advantage of a special kind of federal income tax incentive that can allow WEDFA to pass on some of the benefits of state governmental financing to private enterprise.
Manufacturers' Sales/Use Tax Exemption
800-647-7706 (Teletype 800-451-7985)
Administered by the Washington Dept. of Revenue, the Manufacturers' Sales/Use Tax Exemption may be granted to any business in Klickitat County or other rural counties that meets the following criteria:
- The recipient's average qualified employment positions at the specific facility must increase a minimum of 15% within the four calendar quarters following the period in which the employment position against which the credit is being claimed was created.
Receive a $2,000 credit for each new qualified employment position with annual wages and benefits up to $40,000 annually and $4,000 for those over $40,000 annually.
Rural Washington Loan Fund
509-783-9201 or 360-725-4000
Administered by the Washington Dept. of Commerce, Rural Washington Loan Fund loans provide gap (that is, the portion of a project that cannot be financed through other sources but is required before the overall investment can occur) financing to businesses that will create new jobs or retain existing jobs, particularly for lower-income persons. Private businesses receiving loans must meet the following criteria:
- Public financing of the project is necessary and appropriate to create or retain jobs.
- The funds will not be used for the reduction of an existing lender's risk position or to replace owner's equity.
- The funds provided will not exceed one-third of the total project costs.
- The project will create or retain jobs and the majority of them will be available to qualified lower-income candidates.
- The loan amount will equal no more than $35,000 per job created/retained with a total maximum of $1,000,000.
- The recipient will sign an agreement with the Dept. of Commerce and the local WorkSource Center to obtain referrals of qualified lower income job candidates for new non-managerial jobs to be created by the project.
- The funds will be used for the acquisition, engineering, improvement, rehabilitation, construction, operation (including working capital), or maintenance of any real or personal property of a business.
- The recipient will sign an agreement to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Priority is given to projects in Klickitat County and other timber-dependent and distressed areas.
Tax Credits
800-647-7706 (Teletype 800-451-7985)
Multiple Activities Tax Credit (MATC)
The MATC is available to any business that performs more than one taxable activity for the same product. It reports each activity under the proper classification, but takes the MATC credit so the Business and Occupation Tax is not paid twice on the same amount (e.g. a business that both manufactures and sells a product at wholesale). This also applies to any business that has paid a gross receipt tax to another state.
High Technology Credit
High technology businesses may claim a Business and Occupation Tax credit for research and development activities in Washington. Businesses performing research and development in the following areas qualify for the high technology credit: advanced computing, advanced materials, biotechnology, electronic device technology, and environmental technology. Persons claiming the credit must file an annual survey due by March 31st of the year following any year in which credit is taken.
Small Business Business and Occupation Tax Credit
This credit varies depending on the amount of B&O tax due (the total of all classifications) after all other B&O tax credits have been taken. This credit is available for businesses whose total B&O tax liability is below $71 for Monthly taxpayers, $211 for Quarterly taxpayers, or $841 for Annual taxpayers.
Rural County Business & Occupation Tax Credit
800-647-7706 (Teletype 800-451-7985)
Administered by the Washington Dept. of Revenue the B&O Tax Credit may be granted to businesses in Klickitat County and other rural counties that meet the following criteria:
- The recipient's average qualified employment positions at the specific facility must increase a minimum of 15% within the four calendar quarters following the period in which the employment position against which the credit is being claimed was created.
Receive a $2,000 credit for each new qualified employment position with annual wages and benefits up to $40,000 annually and $4,000 for those over $40,000 annually.
Tax Credits
Tax Incentive Summary
Manufacturing industry excise taxes and tax incentive programs tax guide (pdf).
Regional
MCEDD Revolving Loan Fund
541-296-2266
Administered by the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), revolving loans are made available to businesses to permit job-creating projects to move forward when other financing options are not sufficient. Such funds may be used to acquire machinery and equipment, make leasehold improvements, and provide working capital. These loans are intended to supplement, not replace, traditional funding sources and should meet the following criteria:
- Deliver one or more jobs per $20,000 loaned.
- Be at least $20,000 and no more than $100,000.
- Deliver quality employment (above average skill and wage jobs).
- Deliver two or more dollars of private investment for each dollar loaned.
- Deliver a significant economic impact (industrial development preferred).
- Term not to exceed the useful life of the assets being financed.
Preference is given to technology-related and/or high value-add operations. Loan terms are generally longer, collateral requirements are more liberal (including subordinate lien positions), and interest rates are below market rates (commonly between one point below and three points above the prime rate).
Federal
Immigrant Investor Program
800-375-5283 (800-767-1833 TDD)
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services administers the Immigrant Investor Program (known as "EB-5") that grants visas to foreign persons making substantial capital investments in companies creating jobs in the U.S. To be eligible, the foreign investment must:
- Benefit a commercial enterprise established after November 29, 1990 or a previously established enterprise that is expanded through the investment so that a forty percent (40%) increase in its net worth or number employees results.
- Create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs (minimum 35 working hours per week) for qualifying U.S. workers within two years (or under certain circumstances, within a reasonable time after the two-year period) of the immigrant investor's admission to the United States as a Conditional Permanent Resident. Note: Jobs are considered preserved only if they are in an enterprise that has been in existence for at least two years and has incurred a net loss during the 12- or 24-month period prior to the priority date on the immigrant investors Form I-526 of at least twenty percent (20%) of its net worth prior to the loss.
- Be equal to or greater than $500,000 (for Klickitat County and other areas outside metropolitan statistical areas), acquired through lawful means, and valued at fair-market value in U.S. dollars. The investment may be through cash, equipment, inventory, other tangible property, cash equivalents, and indebtedness secured by assets owned by the alien entrepreneur (provided that the alien entrepreneur is personally and primarily liable and that the assets of the new commercial enterprise upon which the petition is based are not used to secure any of the indebtedness). Note: Investment capital cannot be borrowed.
Basic 7(a) Loan Guaranty
503-326-2682 or 800-827-5722
Administered by the US Small Business Administration the Basic 7(a) Loan Guaranty program does not provide loan funds directly. Instead, it provides a commercial lender with a payment guaranty for a percentage of the total loan amount. The recipient, in turn, gets the loan funds from the commercial lender (not the SBA) under Section 7(a) terms. The To receive a loan guaranty, companies must meet criteria related to the following:
- Size - The recipient must be a small business.
- Size - The recipient must be a small business.
- Size - The recipient must be a small business.
Receive a $2,000 credit for each new qualified employment position with annual wages and benefits up to $40,000 annually and $4,000 for those over $40,000 annually.
Investment Networks
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Alliance of Angels (AoA)
The AoA offers growth-oriented, early-stage companies in the Pacific Northwest exposure to individual investors and representatives of investement corporations. Acting as a "matchmaker" for young technology companies and interested investors, AoA provides Program Managers that work with entrepreneurs to provide in-depth coaching. Early-stage companies that pass a rigorous screening process may be selected to present their business plans at an AoA monthly membership meeting. AoA is part of the Technology Alliance and a member of the Angel Capital Association.
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Bellingham Angel Group (BAG)
The BAG is a group of accredited investors dedicated to providing equity capital to early and mid-stage entrepreneurial companies in the Pacific Northwest, with emphasis on those companies located in the Whatcom, Skagit and Island Counties of Washington State. Members are independent business owners and senior corporate executives experienced in financing and developing emerging enterprises. They mentor and coach the entrepreneurs in whom they invest, sometimes serve on their boards, provide contacts, and assist with team building, strategic planning and fundraising. BAG is a member of the Angel Capital Association.
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Delta Angel Group (DAG)
509-358-2110
Contact Form
Established in 2003, DAG is a nonprofit alliance of investors with a common interest in technology-centric businesses located in Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana that are seeking early stage funding. Opportunities are limited to privately held companies with meaninful operations in the Inland Northwest. In addition to technology-centric companies, companies with significant growth potential and a defensible competitive advantage will be seriously considered. Any company that substantially meets the Delta Angel Group investment criteria may submit their company information for consideration and the opportunity to present their investment opportunity to the members
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Gorge Angel Investor Network (GAIN)
Part of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), GAIN sponsors the Gorge Angel Conference, an educational, investment, and networking event for angel investors and early stage entrepreneurs in the Mid-Columbia Region. Early stage companies compete for a minimum pooled investment prize of $100,000. As of 2009, over $200,000 has been invested in local entrepreneurs.
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Keiretsu Forum – Portland
503-291-9151
The Keiretsu Forum is made up of private equity investors, venture capitalists, and corporate/institutional investors. Close relationships with venture capital (VC) firms, universities, and Investment Banking institutions facilitate access to the capital, talent, technology, and resources needed to build a successful venture. Members invest in opportunities that focus on emerging technologies, life science, healthcare, and bio-technology, but includes any segment with a high growth opportunity. Presenting entrepreneurs have exposure to 100 potential investors as well as resources, customers, board members, advisors, referrals, and feedback. Early-stage capital investment ranges from $250k to $2M.
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Oregon Angel Fund (OAF)
503-943-0901
The OAF seeks to invest in 4-5 early-stage growth companies each year. To be considered for an investment by OAF, entrepreneurs must apply online. Applications are due every two months and immediately reviewed by accredited investors active with OAF, the Portland Angel Network (PAN), and the Womens Investment Network (WIN). The application review process is designed to be straightforward, transparent, efficient, and constructive for both the entrepreneur and participating investors. Companies that apply must be based in Oregon or SW Washington (including Klickitat County), may operate in any industry, should be seeking $400K to $2M in investment, and offer investors the potential for an approximately ten-times return within five years.
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Northwest Energy Angels (NWEA)
425-785-4015
E-mail Address
NWEA is a Washington non-profit organization that helps create successful cleantech companies by connecting promising entrepreneurs with experienced cleantech investors. Comprised of private investors, NWEA only funds entrepreneurs in clean technology with a high value placed on sustainability, the ecosystems that support life on earth, and social responsibility. Members are successful executives and entrepreneurs who provide investment capital, contacts, and strategic advice to help young companies achieve market leadership. NWEA provides investment capital, strategic advice, mentoring and coaching, contacts, and assistance with team building, strategic planning, and fundraising. It is a member of the Angel Capital Association.
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Venture Northwest (VNW)
503-222-2270
Part of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), Venture Northwest (formerly Venture Oregon) is an annual conference that draws institutional investors and investment bankers from across the Western U.S. who are interested in emerging Northwest businesses and the region's growth segments. A great way for investors to connect with the area's hottest emerging Northwest businesses, companies that have presented at Venture Northwest have raised over $1.3 billion in venture capital since 1996 and over $68 million in angel investment.
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Serif Capital Forum (SCF)
E-mail Address
The Serif Capital Forum provides an opportunity for pre-screened entrepreneurs from early-stage companies to present their business plan to the members. Each company receives coaching on how to present a more effective pitch. Members are strategic investors who support the development of new ventures by providing capital, providing expertise on Boards and through business connections, building relationships beneficial to investors and to business growth, and exchanging knowledge regarding the viability of business opportunities.
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ZINO Society
206-621-0466
E-mail Address
ZINO Society is a Seattle-based angel investment network connecting investors with entrepreneurs seeking financing. Formed in 2005, they have successfully facilitated over $9.8 Million for early stage companies in the consumer products and services, technology, green and clean, and life science spaces. ZINO Society has regularly scheduled meetings where entrepreneurs can present compelling investment opportunities to their investor group and also provides coaching to increase the probability of success for entrepeneurs and investors. As of 2009, their network had invested $13 million in angel financing and hosted over 150 presenting companies.
