The Washington State Microenterprise Association has awarded the Centralia Downtown Association (CDA) a $20,000 grant to support the CDA Roots Collective program, which it aims to launch this spring, according to a news release.
“We’re so honored and excited to receive this WSMA grant,” CDA Executive Director MacKenzie McGee said in the release. “The Roots Collective is an exciting project that we’ve been working towards with several of our community partners, with a goal of supporting local businesses through those crucial early phases through learning and networking opportunities, resource sharing and mentorship.”
The Roots Collective program aims to empower local makers and small business owners by providing a collaborative space for them to share resources and skills, network and let their businesses and ideas take root in the downtown Centralia area.
“This funding will help us take crucial steps to opening the doors on this amazing makers’ space, giving microbusinesses a launch point to go from online or cottage businesses into the brick and mortar space,” McGee stated.
Once ready to open later this spring, the CDA Roots Collective program will be located at 412 N. Tower Ave. in downtown Centralia, according to the release.
The grant is part of a total of $2 million in grant funding the Washington State Microenterprise Association is awarding to 46 different nonprofits statewide to help foster more support for small business owners in rural and urban communities.
It was made possible with help from the Washington state Department of Commerce.
The CDA is a nonprofit that aims to create a vibrant downtown Centralia experience for locals and visitors by promoting historic preservation, economic growth and creative place making, according to its website.
To learn more, visit https://downtowncentralia.org/.
