Programs

Innovation Cluster Accelerator 

We are no longer taking applications for the full program.

The program supports clusters in the following way:

Funding

  • – Funding to support administrative and operating expenses
  • – Support with federal grant applications and other funding opportunities
  • – Access to future project funding opportunities

Cluster Strategy Workshops

  • – High impact strategy workshops on dedicated cluster topics
  • – Up to four sessions annually, depending on cluster maturity level
  • – Held individually with each cluster with full board and management team

Cluster Leadership Development Program

  • – Hands-on leadership development program for cluster        CEOS/managers
  • – Four sessions annually
  • – Build your network with fellow cluster CEOs and global cluster experts

Board Chair Onboarding

  • – Hands-on onboarding program for cluster board chairs
  • – 3 sessions during the first 90 days
  • – Build your network with fellow cluster ICAP board chairs

Branding & Communications

  • – Communications amplification
  • – Branding events planned for 2022-2023
  • – Guidance on your branding and communication

1:1 Cluster Support

  • – Technical assistance from the ICAP Team
  • – Access to cluster coaching sessions as needed

ICAP LAUNCH

In conjunction with the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP), the Washington State Department of Commerce is offering ICAP Launch for organizations that are not selected or not yet ready for the full ICAP program.

ICAP Launch will help interested organizations:

– Learn strategies and techniques to convene stakeholders and drive collaboration

– Prepare to apply for anticipated future ICAP cohorts

 

Over the course of the next year, ICAP Launch participants will join cluster experts for a series of four workshops and follow-up technical assistance, including:

  1. Intro to Innovation Clusters – date TBD
  2. Basic Cluster Strategy: Strategy framework – date TBD
  3. Growing a Cluster – date TBD
  4. Building and engaging your cluster membership – date TBD

Note: Funding is only available to participants in the full ICAP program.

 

How to apply

Organizations that submit a proposal and are not accepted for the full Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program will automatically be considered for ICAP Launch.

To apply for ICAP Launch, please email the following in a Word document or PDF to icap@commerce.wa.gov  with subject ICAP Launch Application:

 – Name of organization

– Address of organization

– Name and contact information for key contact

– Industry/sector your cluster would focus on

– Brief overview and history of your current organization, if applicable

– Describe your current membership, if applicable. Provide break down of membership numbers by corporations, entrepreneurs, government agencies, academic institutions, and investors

– Describe your current board of directors, if applicable

– Describe your cluster’s current or anticipated key partners

Contact Us

Stephanie Scott, Program Director  – icap@commerce.wa.gov