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About PCBA

The Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) started in October 2021 to address the adverse impacts of the pandemic on underserved communities in Pierce County and the fragility of our smallest businesses. Today, the PCBA is still going strong, serving 578 BIPOC, veteran and women owned businesses. 89% of businesses are minority owned, 71% are women owned, and 8% are veteran owned.

Pierce County Economic Development launched the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) program in October 2021 with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and support from vital community partnerships. Additional funding and support have sustained this very successful program.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce administers the program. City of Lakewood is a municipal partner. The PCBA is managed in partnership with Next Consulting, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, The Black Collective, Mi Centro, and Korean Women’s Association.

PCBA is an Award-Winning Program

Testimonials

  • 2022 Economic Development Board Tacoma-Pierce County Golden Shovel Award – Pierce County Business Accelerator nabs Golden Shovel – Tacoma-Pierce County, WA
  • 2022 Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) Innovation in Economic Development Award
  • 2022 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award for Innovation Programs and Initiatives
  • 2023 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award
  • 2023 Puget Sound Regional Council VISION 2050 Working Together Award
"For me, PCBA made me take a "hard" look at me through a series of exercises. These exercises made me realize the importance of a website a rehearsed elevator speech on-hand at all ties, a written business plan, and a need to hire expert(s) in areas (i.e., finances, legal, human resources, etc.) where I lack expertise."
Testimonial from a PCBA Graduate
"PCBA a has been a game-changer for me. Before joining the program, I lacked a clear vision for my business. I knew I was passionate about hair, but I didn't have a structures plan or the confidence to turn that passion into a thriving business. Through the program, I rediscovered my love for the industry and, more importantly, learned how to channel it into a sustainable business model."
Testimonial from a PCBA Graduate
"Since graduating from the program, I've been loving my business a lot more. I feel way more confident knowing what I should be focusing on and where to find help when I need it. It's awesome knowing I can turn to my fellow classmates if I'm facing something they've already been through."
Testimonial from a PCBA Graduate

PCBA Businesses In The News

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Pierce County Economic Development
(253) 798-6150
[email protected]

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