DelBene Delivers $850,000 Federal Investment for New Arlington Small Business Innovation Center

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) presented the Northwest Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) with a $850,000 ceremonial check to launch a new center in Arlington. DelBene secured the investment in the FY24 federal funding law.

The new facility will provide entrepreneurs and small businesses with the resources and support needed to explore new technologies, develop innovative products, and remain competitive. By fostering a collaborative environment, the center will drive economic growth and strengthen Arlington's economy, ensuring the city continues to thrive. NWIRC currently has an innovation center in Everett and is working on renovating the Sedro-Wooley Innovation for Tomorrow Center with the Port of Skagit on the former Northern State Hospital Campus.

"This new innovation center in Arlington is a significant step forward for our community," said DelBene. "This project will provide critical resources needed to support our local entrepreneurs and small businesses, drive innovation and ensure that Arlington remains a vibrant hub for business development."

"As part of the Cascade Industrial Center, the City of Arlington in north Snohomish County is a rapidly growing business center. The support of Congresswoman DelBene provides the NWIRC funding to establish the IRC Lab at Arlington to provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses to access the resources they require to participate in this growing economic region," said Diane Kamionka, NWIRC Executive Director.

Since 2011, NWIRC has assisted innovative entrepreneurs in northwest Washington in the pursuit of their ideas. Through their foundation of resources, including the Just-In-Time Mentors, Innovation Cohort, one-to-one advising, and other informational presentations, NWIRC provides assistance to be competitive in the digital economy. The addition of resources to be available at the IRC Labs will significantly increase opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed.

DelBene secured over $18 million for 15 community projects across Washington's 1^st Congressional District in the FY24 federal funding package. Projects came directly from non-profit, city, county, Tribal, and state entities, and all funding secured was done in collaboration with project sponsors.

More information about the project can be found here.