Tom Albro talks to the Kent Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon on Oct. 7. MARK KLAAS

Tom Albro talks to the Kent Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon on Oct. 7. MARK KLAAS

Kent receives Port of Seattle funding to promote local businesses

The City of Kent has received a $65,000 grant from the Port of Seattle to support local community economic development activities.

  • BY Wire Service
  • Wednesday, October 12, 2016 7:56pm
  • Business

The City of Kent has received a $65,000 grant from the Port of Seattle to support local community economic development activities.

Kent plans to use the funds, along with a local match, to execute a multi-level program to support and expand Kent’s food entrepreneur business community, working with the Food Innovation Network and Green River College’s Small Business Development Center.

The program will provide below-market-rate commercial kitchen incubator space and business training for food entrepreneurs and launch a social enterprise café serving international foods and hold eight to 10 downtown pop-up dining events featuring diverse cuisines.

“Good paying jobs bring healthy families and communities, and to support this workforce and business development, the Port of Seattle is committed to partnering with local governments and cities,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Tom Albro, who was a guest speaker at a Kent Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Golden Steer Steak ‘n Rib House last Friday. “Kent has an innovative approach to expanding food resources with this grant, and we look forward to seeing the results.”

The Port is offering more than $962,000 to cities in King County as matching funds. Based on population, each city receives between $5,000 and $65,000 for the following eligible activities:

• Business recruitment initiatives designed to attract new companies to a region or city

• Small business development

• Industry retention and expansion assistance

• Tourism development

• Downtown revitalization

• Commercial or industrial property development

• Other community or economic development projects that support new investment and job creation

About the Port of Seattle

Founded in 1911, the Port of Seattle owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, two cruise ship terminals, a grain terminal, four public marinas, and manages a number of real estate assets for financial return and economic advantage. The Port’s operations currently help create nearly 200,000 jobs and $7 billion in wages throughout the region.

Over the next 21 years, the Port’s “Century Agenda” seeks to create an additional 100,000 jobs through economic growth while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port.

Learn more at portseattle.org.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Business

Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent will give away more than 1,000 meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas Day. COURTESY PHOTO, Nana’s Southern Kitchen
Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent to give away 1,000 meals Christmas Day

Fifth year of event to give back to community and provide meals to those in need

Kent School of Rock’s new owners Phil Gustavson, Joshila Wilson and Chris Wilson. COURTESY PHOTO, School of Rock
School of Rock Kent new owners plan relaunch party Dec. 14

Group looks to bring ‘fresh perspective and energy to iconic music education brand’

The crew that completed Kent-based Blue Origin’s ninth human flight into space on Friday, Nov. 22. COURTESY PHOTO, Blue Origin
Kent-based Blue Origin completes ninth human spaceflight

Six-member crew soars into space from West Texas for 10-minute flight

Advance Auto Parts plans to close its locations in Kent, Federal Way and Auburn. COURTESY PHOTO, Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts to close stores in Kent, Federal Way and Auburn

Part of nine closures in state and more than 500 across the nation

t
Kent-based Blue Origin reveals crew for ninth human flight to space

Flight scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22 from West Texas launch site

Kent-based Blue Origin recently mated New Glenn’s first and second stages. COURTESY PHOTO, Blue Origin
Kent-based Blue Origin signs rocket launch contract to deliver satellites

Reaches agreement with AST SpaceMobile to use New Glenn to send satellites to space

Joshua Harris is a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran who runs a security company out of Kent. Courtesy photo
King County veteran selected to national business-growth program

In October, South King County-based company Cascadia Global Security was chosen to… Continue reading

The Hardys also were able to visit Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland while escorting a client’s European trip, summer 2024. Courtesy photo.
From Alaska to the Rhine, Jennifer Hardy has your travel needs in mind

When it comes to planning a cruise trip with the family, fewer… Continue reading

Darren, Ryan and Launice Malmassari and Becca Pimentel all work at Kent East Hill Nursery as a family. Courtesy photo
Kent East Hill Nursery continues to grow

When the Malmassari family took over the Kent East Hill Nursery in… Continue reading

Paul Raftis (right) of Paolo’s Italian learned how to cook from his mother, Darlene Risse Raftis (left). Courtesy photo.
Vittoria! Paolo’s Italian wins big

It’s been a good month for Paolo’s Italian Restaurant in Kent —… Continue reading

Best of Kent 2024 winners announced!
Best of Kent 2024 winners: See the list here

Check out the Kent Reporter’s special section.