Program areas at Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business and Innovation
Southwest Washington agricultural Business & Innovation parkthe sw agriculture Business & Innovation park is an integrated multi-tenant Business park focused on value-added, agricultural/ food-related enterprises. Located within the city of tenino, the park will include a state-of-the art hospitality event Center and Business resource Innovation hub. The park will become an agri-tourism destination and will be a step toward establishing a local supply food chain. Future phases of the park may also include establishing research & educational components. A fully developed agricultural park could provide an estimated 150 jobs. Once established it is projected that the park could generate more than $25 million for the region. Opening of the agriculture park is projected for early fall 2024.
Washington Center for women in businessthe Washington Center for women in Business offers no cost, one-on-one Business coaching with professionals experienced in Business startup, finance, accounting, marketing, and operations. Coaching can be conducted over the phone, through webinars, or in person. Entrepreneurs will leave coaching sessions with a list of next steps in their Business journey.in 2023, the wcwb served 339 businesses, started 31 businesses, counseled 292 businesses, and handed out $23,500 worth of scholarships total to 47 businesses.
Lacey makerspacethe roy heynderickx hub for Innovation at the lacey makerspace is a workshop for builders, inventors, and anyone who wants to explore their creativity. Located on the saint martin's university campus in zaverl hall, the space serves as a launching point for Economic growth, especially in the advanced manufacturing sector. The lacey makerspace benefits the community by providing access to advanced design and fabrication tools, Business and education resources, and skill Development. Lms has built out an online-learning course home page on teachable. Several courses are in the final stages of editing, to be loaded and made available soon.lms made several large equipment and supply purchases from the eda grant list, including the protomax waterjet, mosaic element printers, embroidery machine and more and is preparing the next round of purchases, to include a rotary air compressor, direct to garment printer, virtual welder, and general shop supplies and tools.