Application Instructions

• Microenterprise (fewer than 5 employees)
• Tacoma-based business
• Tested product or service in the market or extensive background in the industry of your business. For people who are still in the idea phase, please consider taking our free 4-week workshop series, Business Foundations.

The review process is competitive, and the panel looks for a diversity of businesses. Businesses are evaluated in the following categories:

• Innovation and Creativity 25% – How novel is the product or service?
• Scale and Impact 20% – Does the business activate a physical brick-and-mortar location? Are there multiple employees? Is this a full-time pursuit?
• Financial Need 10% – Is the owner part of a low-to-moderate income household? Has there been a negative impact from COVID-19?
• Quality of Product or Service 20% – Is this something people would buy and pay for? Is there a need in the market? 
• Community Investment/Involvement 25% – How will the entrepreneur collaborate and contribute to the vibrancy and growth of the community? 
  

Selection Process
Incubator applications are reviewed by a panel that includes Spaceworks Steering Committee members, Spaceworks alumni, and community members. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by February 21, 2025. Spaceworks is committed to recruiting an applicant pool that reflects the diversity of Tacoma. We will only move forward with the selection panel once we achieve that commitment.

If accepted into the Spaceworks Business Plan Cohort, there is a sliding scale $200 fee to support our services for small businesses. The services that we offer are valued at $15,000, and we are grateful to grants and donations to provide those services at a lower cost.

We offer a sliding scale and payments plans and will not turn anyone away due to inability to pay. Payment will be requested upon acceptance into the program. There is no cost to apply.