It all began as a pivot in response to the COVID pandemic and the adverse impacts on underserved communities in Pierce County. Today, the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) continues to meet a critical need and make a positive impact.

Pierce County Economic Development launched the program in October 2021 with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and support from vital community partnerships. In less than a year, PCBA completed 9 cohorts and provided 200 business owners and entrepreneurs with business training, coaching, and technical and networking support. Ninety percent of those businesses were BIPOC owned.

Additional funding and support have sustained the wildly successful program. To date, 452 businesses have graduated from the PCBA, and more alums are on the horizon. Thanks to an additional $1 million in Small Business Administration funding and the initial ARPA dollars, the program will continue into 2025.

Success stories

The program’s success is in the numbers. Since its inception, PCBA graduates have:

• • Raised $6.5 million in capital.
  • Been reimbursed for over $990,000 in monthly commercial lease expenses.
  • Received 15,000 hours of professional services and coaching valued at more than $1.9 million.

Their personal testimonials tell an even richer story:

• • “Utilizing the resources available to me from the PCBA program, I expanded my presence across more farmers market locations. This increased visibility led to recognition by QFC, ultimately resulting in my products being stocked in all their store locations.”
  • “Because of my growth, I just finalized a three-month campaign with British Vogue to showcase my jewelry in the August, September and October print and digital issues. I feel like this is just a stepping-stone to many more opportunities like it.”
  • “My revenue grew by more than 500% last year, and l managed to introduce new products. The grant helped me to get into bigger markets.”
  • “I used my PCBA grants to open my dream salon location in Tacoma. I went from working alone in a small studio, to having a multi-chair salon with 3 other women leasing from me. I am so grateful to this program!”
  • “We are convinced that without their efforts, training and support we would have given up by now. But PCBA empowered us and created resilience and confidence in what we are, do and produce. None of this would have been possible without their help.”

New cohorts begin this fall

This fall, four new PCBA cohorts will be offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean.

Applications are being accepted through Sept. 30. For more information and to apply, visit the Pierce County Business Accelerator website.

Get connected and shop like it matters

Want to feel more connected to local and regional businesses? Here’s how:

• • Shop PCBA businesses at the 2024 Washington State Fair 30-Sept. 22. Several graduates are participating.
  • Make connections at the Pierce County Business Accelerator Showcase 13. The Washington State Fair Events Center will host some of the most ambitious and diverse entrepreneurs and business leaders in the South Sound. More than 100 graduates of the PCBA program will attend as exhibitors, caterers and guests. This is a great opportunity to meet new business partners, catering connections and eager clients, and discover new Pierce County products and services. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Registration is required.
  • Discover a PCBA business near you at pcbamap.biz.

The Pierce County Business Accelerator is a program of Pierce County Economic Development and administered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. Asia Pacific Cultural Center, The Black Collective, Mi Centro and Korean Women’s Association are managing partners. City of Lakewood is a municipal partner.