COLFAX, WA – The Port of Whitman County has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Washington State Microenterprise Association to support business training and technical assistance in Whitman County, in partnership with the Colfax Chamber of Commerce, the Colfax Downtown Association, and the Washington State Small Business Development Center.

The grant is aimed at small businesses with one to five employees, less than $50,000 in startup costs, and limited access to traditional credit. According to the Port, 65% of Whitman County businesses fall into this category.

The Colfax Chamber and Colfax Downtown Association will use their portion of the funds for technical assistance, including marketing guidance, lender referrals, and workforce development. The SBDC will host four sessions in their Start OutStanding series covering startup planning, financial forecasting, and business plan development.

Business trainings and technical assistance are slated for spring 2026. For updates, visit the partner organizations’ websites and social media channels or contact Port staff directly.