Spokane Workforce Council – 2025 Grant Recipient

As a non-profit organization, NWBDA is able to provide grants on an annual basis to other organizations or programs providing economic or community development in the areas that NWBDA serves. This year, NWBDA was able to give away a grand total of $134,500 to organizations devoted to making an impact.

About Spokane Workforce Council: The Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) is a nonprofit organization that leads the local workforce system. SWC invests in programs that help individuals access meaningful careers while meeting employer needs. SWC also works to expand training opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and build pathways that connect people to stable employment while supporting the region’s economic growth.

Grant Funds:

Funds from the Northwest Business Development Association will help expand SWC’s childcare impact project, Reconnect2Work. Over the past two years, SWC has invested nearly $2 million in direct tuition assistance to help Spokane families return to work post-pandemic. This support has enabled parents to pursue training for higher-paying jobs, pay down debt to reduce monthly expenses, and gain the financial breathing room needed to make the best decisions for their families. Building on that success, this next phase of the project will create on-ramps for individuals to enter the childcare field through training, certification, and support services, while also expanding access to affordable childcare slots for Spokane families.

In addition, the funds will support a region-wide childcare needs assessment to ensure that the initiative is both data-driven and provider-led. This assessment will provide a clear picture of gaps, challenges, and opportunities across Spokane County, ensuring that resources are aligned with the real needs of families and providers. The results will also inform future policy, funding, and program design, creating long-term strategies to strengthen Spokane’s childcare system and better support working families.

Quote from Bianka DeSure, Program Coordinator

“We are incredibly grateful to NWBDA for their investment as we work together to achieve our shared mission of strengthening small businesses and increasing employment in our region. Childcare is foundational to our economy. By supporting both families and childcare providers, this initiative not only helps parents get back to work, but also ensures children have safe, high-quality learning environments.”

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Giving Back

​NWBDA is grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community and make a positive impact on the world around us. We are incredibly thankful to our lenders and borrowers; their continued support enables us to help others.

NWBDA is honored to support these exceptional organizations working to transform their communities and create a better world for all. We encourage everyone to visit these inspiring places and make a positive impact of your own.

“Small things done with great love will change the world.”

— Mother Teresa —