Empowering and Sustaining Our Local Economy

June/July 2023

Welcome to our July newsletter! This month, we’re all about “Empowering Entrepreneurship: Fueling Economic Growth.” Join us as we celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, explore funding opportunities, and highlight exciting summer events. Let’s embark on a journey of growth and innovation together.

Exciting summer events await! Gain valuable insights, connections, and business opportunities through our engaging workshops, networking sessions, and panel discussions. Click here to join us and learn more.

Renton River Days returns July 21-23

Join us for the Renton River Days Parade, sponsored by Brotherton Cadillac, on July 22, at 10 a.m. The theme is “Where Community Grows,” reflecting Renton’s thriving atmosphere. On Sunday, July 23, at 3:30 p.m., participate in the Rubber Ducky Derby, organized by the Rotary Club of Renton. Experience the food, entertainment and activities, and build new friendships in our vibrant community. For more information, visit Renton River Days.

Henry Moses Aquatic Center is open

Cool off this summer at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center! HMAC offers a lap pool, lazy river, wave pool, water play structure, and water slides. Enjoy fun activities for all ages, including Half-Pint Splash-N-Play for little ones, water walking, lap swim, and open swim sessions. Contact the center for pricing and schedule details.

Business Buzz: Ribbon Cuttings Mark Exciting Growth

Renton is a hotbed for new businesses, with recent ribbon cuttings opening Premier Meat Pies, Soul Fusion food truck, Seattle Fine Jewelry, Family First Community Center, and the re-opening of Car Pros Hyundai. These innovative ventures highlight the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in our city. As Renton continues to attract and support new businesses, the opportunities for growth and success are limitless. Join us in celebrating this thriving business community and explore the exciting possibilities in Renton.

Sweet Nothings and More

Sweet Nothings and More is a wholesale bakery specializing in crafting delectable desserts for restaurants and other food service establishments. They’re also the winner of the highly anticipated Renton Main Street Pitch Competition held this past April. Read how their innovative approach to dessert production and dedication to supporting local farms, captivated the judges and secured their well-deserved triumph.

Explore these latest funding programs and grants that can provide financial support for your business endeavors. Learning how to access these resources can fuel your growth.

WA Small Business Credit Initiative

The SBCI is a program designed to support small businesses by providing access to credit and capital. It offers loan programs and financing options to help small businesses grow and expand.

 

Black Founder Startup Grant

SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, Blue Mercury, TwelveNYC, Walmart org’s Center for Racial Equity, and other sponsors to make a small step towards progress by providing several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs.

Linked Deposit Loan Program

The Linked Deposit Loan Program provides affordable capital for any firm currently certified by OMWBE as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE), or Combined Business Enterprise (CBE).

Discover Business Resources: Unlock Your Renton Business’s Potential at WhyRenton.com

Startup Washington Entrepreneur Academy

Considering launching a business in Washington State? Startup Washington has you covered. A group of experts from across the state have established an academy that provides comprehensive training to help you become a prosperous business owner. Whether you want to generate initial ideas or avoid common beginner’s errors, you can master the essential skills. The best part, it’s completely free. Don’t hesitate any longer – seize the opportunity for a lifetime of learning in the Academy. Click for more information.

Free Summer Movies

The City of Renton’s Parks and Recreation Department and King County Parks present three family-friendly movies under the summer night sky. The first is Puss in Boots, on Friday, June 30, at Liberty Park (1101 Bronson Way N). The movie begins at dusk. There’s also a free VIP Experience, with winners announced before the movie starts. Register in advance. Use the keyword “VIP.” Must be present to win.

Return to Renton Benefit Car Show

The 32nd annual Return to Renton Benefit Car Show takes over S 3rd Street and Piazza Park on Sunday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features hundreds of cars with trophies for winning entrants, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and kids’ activities. The event benefits local youth, families, and community programs.

Summer Concert and Entertainment Series

The city’s free Summer Concert and Entertainment Series kickoffs with two concerts in July. On Thursday, July 6, from 7-8:30 p.m., enjoy the Blues with the Stacy Jones Band on the Kidd Valley Stage at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Blvd N).

On Wednesday, July 26, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., take a trip through Latin America and Japan courtesy of Miho and Diego at Heritage Park (233 Union Ave. NE).

Get better connected

This newsletter is produced by the City of Renton’s Economic Development Division. Let us know what you need to grow your Renton-based business. We will help find the answers you need! Connect with us at   thrive@rentonwa.gov.

Stay in the loop with the latest updates!Subscribe to our e-newsletter for exclusive content, valuable resources, and exciting news about Renton’s business community. Don’t miss out on opportunities to empower your entrepreneurial journey!

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