Commerce heard from more than 4,000 people during recent survey and listening sessions



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Sept. 22, 2025

Your feedback will guide Commerce’s future

Commerce heard from more than 4,000 people during recent survey and listening sessions

More than 4,000 people, including people in every county in Washington, gave us answers to help guide Commerce’s future earlier this year in a survey and series of focus groups and listening sessions.

And we hear you loud and clear: Communities need more transparency into funding opportunities, simplified applications, faster reimbursements, and more. You can view more of the feedback we received, and who we received it from, at our online dashboard. [ [link removed] ]

We’re pleased that about 75% of folks had a positive view on their experiences with Commerce, and we’re listening to improve.

Key themes:


* Awareness and access: People want a centralized place to find funding opportunities with filters, deadlines, and updates.
* Applications: Simplified application processes with clear instructions and eligibility checks.
* Contracting and payments: Faster reimbursements, standard contracts, and flexibility for smaller communities.
* Reporting: Flexible requirements, simpler tools, and more training.
* Rural and small-organization realities: Tailored support for rural partners to compete and succeed.

We received nearly 3,900 survey responses, hosted 41 in-person sessions with nearly 300 participants, and held seven online focus groups with 160 attendees. More than 75% of the participants were from business or economic development organizations, nonprofit or community organizations, or local governments, and 52% had worked with Commerce in the past. That means that we’re hearing from credible, trusted community messengers who know where we’ve succeeded, and where we need to grow.

Next, Commerce staff will review results in a series of internal conversations and start to inform a plan to implement changes. We will consult with communities as we move forward, recognizing that no plan is complete without feedback from the people we serve.

We're committed to continuous improvement and building trust. Thanks to our Community Engagement and Outreach team, led by Cheryl Smith, we're ready to enhance our partnerships and systems. The Community Engagement team's mission: Vibrant, thriving communities for everyone in Washington!

Looking ahead, you'll see some changes soon, while others will take a little more time to implement. 








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Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit [link removed]. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com [ [link removed] ].

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