We prefer that you choose the grant that best aligns with your business goals. If you’re not awarded in your chosen category, the Advisory Panel can still award your application in another category as they see fit. You can apply for grants for more than one business, as long as each business has its own UBI number.

Yes, to apply for Workforce Development, your business must be registered in King County specifically. 

 YES , for the Creative Empowerment Program (CEP), Micro Grant, or Youth Entrepreneur Program,  your business must be registered in Washington State.

 No, you do not have to be a nonprofit to apply. However, nonprofits are welcome to apply, provided they have fewer than 10 employees.

Yes, we expect to see you at our orientation April 13 and Award Ceremony June 1. We also request an impact statement outlining how the funds helped your business. The key deliverable is receipts for any spending to ensure we can properly report how the dollars were used.

Funds are generally delivered in phases, with a receipt-exchange system in place. However, we approach this on a case-by-case basis. The best way to expedite your payments is by being timely and accurate with any paperwork, including your application.

If you have a business license, we do not require a fiscal sponsor to accept the funds on your behalf. However, if you have an agreement with a fiscal sponsor that supersedes ours, please include their UBI number and indicate that if selected.

Generally, yes. However, applicants for Workforce Development must have been in business for at least one year. Applicants for the Youth Entrepreneur Program or Creative Empowerment Program do not need to be licensed upon entry but must dedicate the first portion of their funds to getting licensed before receiving their full funding. Micro Grant and Workforce Development awardees must be actively licensed before applying.

CEP Commitment: Additional Business Development Support: All CEP participants will consult with a Business Consultant, Marketing Consultant, Content Creator, Website Developer, and Business Law Professional to develop their individual business needs. These sessions will be scheduled upon selection and will not interfere with Sunday ,Wednesday, workshop schedules. All consultants will be considered and appointed and determined by individual business needs. 

Micro Grant commitment : Must Attend 5 Core workshops slated for Sundays April 27- May 25th

Workforce Development: Licensed in King County Specifically, Plan for Employee enhancement Impact Report and Receipts of purchase 

Young Entrepreneur Program: 

All Programs: Attend Orientation and Award Ceremony, Submit Budget, Submit Receipts After spending, Submit Grant Impact report, and Submit UBI.

We define “creative” as relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work. We consider our entire community creative, and we hope you see yourself as part of this grant!

Application awards will be announced on April 1 by 5pm.

Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to guarantee we will provide individual feedback for those who are not selected. However, we encourage you to apply again in the future or explore other resources available within our community.

Eligible expenses include costs that directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of your business, such as marketing, equipment, materials, professional development, and operational costs. Detailed guidelines are available for each program.

If you don’t meet the required milestones, we may withhold part or all of the funding. It’s important to stay on track with your business plan and complete all required deliverables to ensure full disbursement of your award.

Orientation for CEP, Micro Grants, and Workforce Development will take place on April 13 at Langston.

Youth Entrepreneur Program (YEP) Orientation will take place on April 6 at Langston.

The Kick-Off Ceremony for YEP will take place on April 13 at Never 2 Early HQ.

The Award Ceremony is mandatory for all grant recipients and will take place on June 1 in person at Langston.

Create And Thrive Workshops are conducted online and are open to the public. 

Will be held online twice a week Sunday and Wednesday Starting Wednesday April 23 2025.

 All workshops are mandatory for CEP Creative Empowerment Program Participants. 

Sunday Workshops are Mandatory for Microgrant Participants. 

Workforce development and YEP Awardees  are welcome at all workshops.

Microgrant participants are expected to be at five core workshops. :April 27 – May 25 Sundays – Mandatory Workshops (Sundays)

For Youth Entrepreneur Program participants workshops will take place Sundays April-June online *for youth only (parents welcome) * Youth must attend 80% of workshops as part of grant requirements.

1 hour maybe less. We just wanna know about your business and what you’ll spend the money on. We also want to know how this can positively impact your community.

Create and Thrive Business Grant: Approved Use of Funds

All grant funds must be used by JUNE 1 and must be used strictly for the enhancement and growth of the recipient’s business. Approved expenses include, but are not limited to:

1. Business Operations & Infrastructure

• Business registration, licensing, and permits
• Website development, domain purchase, and hosting fees
• Business insurance coverage
• Accounting and bookkeeping services
• Legal services (contracts, trademarks, LLC formation)
• Payroll for employees and independent contractors
• Rent or lease of office, retail, or studio space
• Virtual office services (co-working space memberships, virtual addresses)
• Professional memberships and certifications

2. Equipment & Technology

• Computers, tablets, printers, and related accessories
• Cameras, lighting, and audiovisual equipment
• Point-of-sale (POS) systems and credit card processing fees
• Business phone, VoIP services, and communication tools
• Industry-specific tools and machinery
• Inventory management and tracking systems
• Data security and backup solutions
• Office furniture and workspace setup

3. Marketing & Branding

• Logo design, rebranding, and professional branding materials
• Business cards, flyers, brochures, and promotional materials
• Digital marketing and social media advertising
• Search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns
• Content creation (photography, videography, copywriting)
• Printing and packaging design
• Public relations and media outreach services
• Sponsorships for industry events or trade shows

4. Product & Service Development

• Research & development for new products or services
• Manufacturing and production costs
• Prototyping and sample creation
• Bulk inventory purchases for retail and e-commerce businesses
• Subscription-based tools for product/service management
• Patents, copyrights, and intellectual property protections

5. Professional Development & Education

• Business coaching and mentorship programs
• Courses, certifications, and professional training
• Conference, summit, and networking event attendance
• Industry-specific workshops and boot camps
• Books, digital resources, and educational subscriptions

6. Shipping & Logistics

• Packaging and shipping materials
• E-commerce fulfillment services
• Dropshipping setup and fees
• Transportation and delivery service costs

7. Community Engagement & Impact Initiatives

• Hosting workshops, events, and community programs
• Partnership collaborations that align with business objectives
• Giving back initiatives that align with the mission of the business
• Sponsorships or grants for community-based projects

8. Compliance & Reporting Requirements

All grantees must provide proof that all expenses are business-related through receipts, invoices, and financial documentation. Misuse of funds will result in disqualification from future funding opportunities and potential repayment obligations.

This list serves as a guideline, and any expenses outside of the categories above must be pre-approved by the Create and Thrive Team before use.