Which grant is right for me, Large Projects or Small Projects?
Please see the following guidance on choosing the right grant, here.
Can I apply for purchases or expenditures I’ve already made?
No, any expenditures made before an executed grant contract with WSDA are not eligible.
What is a “reimbursement grant?”
Under reimbursement grants, recipients do not receive money in advance. They make approved purchases and submit reimbursement invoices for those expenses, and WSDA reimburses (pays back) approved expenses. Grant awardees may submit requests for reimbursements as often as once per month. Reimbursement payments take up to 30 days to process by WSDA.
If an applicant does not have the working capital to complete their proposed project activities before being reimbursed, they will need to develop a financing plan. WSDA strongly recommends applicants develop a plan as soon as possible, so as not to risk delaying a project and losing access to grant funds. Suggested resources for “bridge” financing options are here.
Do I need Statewide Vendor Number?
Recipients of the grant will need to have an active Statewide Vendor Number in order to receive reimbursement payments from WSDA. You can look up your vendor number or register for one, here.
What happens if I don’t spend all my grant award by the deadline in my contract?
Grant funds will expire if they are not used by the deadline. After the deadline, the funds will no longer be available to you.
I’m an entrepreneur just starting up a processing business and I don’t have a licensed facility yet – can I still apply?
Yes. You may apply for a start up project if you do not yet have a license. However, you should be at a stage with your operation that you anticipate being appropriately licensed, permitted, or inspected within the grant period or shortly after (up to 6 months for WSDA-licensing or local health permitting; and up to one year for USDA inspection).
Applicants must be registered to do business in the State of Washington.
Applicants who are a partnership, corporation, liability or limited liability corporation, or non-profit must be in good standing with the Washington Secretary of State.
Is there a “match” requirement for this grant?
No. There is no cost share or match requirement for this grant.
Can I apply for both the Small Projects and Large Projects grant?
No. Applicants may apply for only one grant. Please see the following guidance to determine which grant is the best fit for you, here.
Are grant awards taxable?
Yes. Awards are considered taxable income, and will be reported to the IRS.
When can I start spending?
If you are awarded a grant, you may start spending as soon as you complete and return a signed grant contract to WSDA.
