🌱 Hope Grows Here: New Energy, Fresh Starts, and Local Leadership this Spring
Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship — April 2025 Newsletter
As spring unfolds across our communities, we’re celebrating a season of growth—not just in nature, but in the effort & achievements of the communities we serve. From expanding access to clean energy and launching child care businesses to deepening our roots on the Olympic Peninsula, this season is in full force.
This a reminder that when we invest in people—especially those from underserved and rural communities—we help grow more than businesses. We grow resilience, opportunity, and lasting change. With your continued support, CIE is proud to walk alongside entrepreneurs as they build brighter futures, one bold step at a time.
🌲 Rooted in Community: New Leadership Blooms in the Olympic Peninsula
CIE is expanding its local footprint with dedicated offices in Port Angeles and Port Townsend, and we’re excited to introduce new leadership in the region.
Micah Jonet has stepped into the role of Program Manager, bringing years of experience in business advising and accounting. Joining him is Devin Gonzalez, who transitions from our North Cascades team. A bilingual business advisor and former restaurateur, Devin brings deep cultural and community insight to his new role supporting Clallam and Jefferson counties.
“This is a significant moment for our team,” said Mike Skinner, CIE Executive Director. “Micah and Devin bring the skills and passion needed to deepen our impact in the region.”
As the team grows, new partnerships are also on the horizon with EDC Team Jefferson. Cindy Brooks, the EDC’s executive director says “CIE is a valued partner of the Economic Development Council of Jefferson County. Working together we are able to provide a spectrum of services from startup through business growth and succession.”
⚡ Energizing Opportunity: Broadening Clean Energy Access with PSE
We’re thrilled to share that the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) has been awarded the Powerful Partnerships Grant from Puget Sound Energy (PSE)! This grant supports our ongoing work to advance equity and economic opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs in the North Cascades region.
With this funding, we’re expanding our outreach to connect BIPOC, immigrant, and rural entrepreneurs with energy-saving programs—from utility bill assistance to renewable energy options. Our team is also launching bilingual workshops and community events to promote energy equity and resilience.
“This grant allows us to be a stronger bridge to financial resilience and long-term sustainability,” said Victor Ponce, CIE Program Manager.
We’re proud to partner with PSE to ensure small businesses and working families have access to clean, affordable energy. ¡Más oportunidades vienen pronto!
☀️ Building Brighter Futures: Expanding for Childcare Entrepreneurs
CIE is excited to expand its Start Your Child Care program with support from the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA). In partnership with Rural Development Initiatives and Unidos Nueva Alianza, we’re offering a three-session training in May for Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs interested in starting home-based child care businesses.
The course, to be held in Toppenish, will cover essential business skills such as navigating the start-up process, meeting licensing requirements, marketing, and record-keeping. This builds on the success of last year’s program in Othello, where we helped local entrepreneurs establish their own child care businesses.
This initiative is part of our continued commitment to empowering underserved communities with the tools needed to build sustainable businesses. CIE is one of 46 nonprofits awarded funding by WSMA to support entrepreneurs across Washington State.
Become a Donor!
By offering all our programs at no cost, we ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the dreams of those seeking to build generational wealth and fuel local development in their rural communities.
Join us in making a meaningful impact by donating today!
