By Karen Robes Meeks
Small and budding entrepreneurs will get the chance to develop and grow in Thurston County, thanks to an interlocal agreement recently struck by the Port of Olympia and the city of Lacey.
The agreement allows for entrepreneurs and new businesses to have entry-level tenant space in the Lacey Gateway area to nurture and expand their enterprises and connect them to resources such as the Lacey MakerSpace, South Puget Sound Community College Center for Business and Innovation, and Saint Martin’s University.
“This is a big step in the Port’s renewed focus on creating economic opportunities for small and emerging businesses that want to grow and contribute to a prosperous Thurston County,” said Port Commissioner Joe Downing.
In the coming months, the port and city will put together a market analysis to identify potential tenants and design improvements needed to accommodate future tenants. The port will be in charge of the study and future operations at the space; the city will contribute funds for the market analysis and improvements to the space.