Empowering Our Local Economy
Inclusive Economy Scholarships
Application deadline: July 31, 2024
Who's Eligible?
The Inclusive Economy Scholarship is open to locally owned business owners in Whatcom County who identify with underrepresented racial, sexual, ethnic, religious, gender, disability, age, origin, ancestry, or veteran statuses. Locally owned businesses located in a rural area of Whatcom County are also encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Program Includes:
- Complimentary 2-year business membership to Sustainable Connections ($550 value) including all benefits listed below
- An optional 50% discount on business membership for the third year
If you can answer “yes” to the following questions, your business is considered locally owned:
- Is your business privately held?
- Does 50% or more of your ownership live in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, or Island Counties?
- Is your business registered in Washington, and does your corporate or national headquarters lie inside Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, or Island Counties?
- Do you have full autonomy to make independent decisions regarding your unique business and its purchasing, operations, and distribution, as well as the name and look of your business?
- Do you pay for all of your marketing, rent, and other business expenses without assistance from, or payment to, a corporate headquarters?
Showcasing Our Impact
Inclusive Economy Scholarship includes
![colorful fabric](https://sustainableconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/colorful-fabric-e1716483043585.jpg)
Access to marketing tools & resources to boost your business:
- Local Business Directory
- Local Repair Directory
- Community Event Calendar
- Job Board
- Sustainable Connections Newsletters
- Sustainable Connections Facebook and Instagram (and more)
- Window clings, stickers & decals
![self propelled wheelchair](https://sustainableconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/self-propelled-wheelchair-e1716483141937.jpg)
Opportunities to build relationships, learn, and network with other local businesses
- Member Networking Meetups
- Energy and Green Building Events
- Food & Farming Events
- Housing & Smart Growth Events
![Indian cuisine](https://sustainableconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/Indian-cuisine-e1716483243250.jpg)
Promotions & events to strengthen the local economy:
![Wow](https://sustainableconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/Wow-1-e1716482942784.jpg)
One-on-one assistance and resources for your business:
![Lummi 9-11 Healing Poles](https://sustainableconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/Lummi-9-11-Healing-Poles-e1716483080810.jpg)
Promotional blog article featuring your business (optional):
- Published in our Local Champions Blog
- Featured on Social Media channels
- Highlighted in Newsletter
![pride flag](https://sustainableconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/pride-flag-e1716483109258.jpg)
Sustainable Connections Membership:
- Complimentary 2-year business membership to Sustainable Connections
- 50% discount on the third year of Sustainable Connections business membership
Submit an Interest Form to Learn More
After submitting a short interest form, we will contact you to learn more about your business!
![BECU BECU](https://sustainableconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/BECU.jpg)
Thank you to our Sponsor:
Thank you to the Boeing Educational Credit Union Foundation for providing financial support for the Inclusive Economy Business Scholarship program.