Business recruitment, retention and expansion. We drive economic growth by building business organically and attracting new business investment into Washington state. Part of the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, we collaborate with decision makers and site selectors here in the U.S. and across the globe to cultivate business expansion and investment prospects, foster creative economic partnerships, remove roadblocks and bring new employment opportunities that strengthen communities throughout Washington.
Business Recruitment and Site Selection Services
Our team partners with businesses, site selectors, and economic development organizations worldwide to find opportunities for expansion, relocation, and new investments. Through customized services and interactive tools, we help businesses identify the ideal locations for their operations, with a focus on ensuring long-term success in Washington. We manage statewide Requests for Information (RFIs) and Proposals (RFPs), working closely with local partners to offer site options. Additionally, we assist businesses in navigating Washington’s financial incentives, including tax credits and grants, providing tailored tax analysis in collaboration with the Department of Revenue.
Business Growth and Attraction
Our strategy focuses on Washington’s strengths, our key industries, our demographics and data and a deep understanding of Washington’s greatest assets across our 39 counties. By attending targeted industry events and engaging with global investors, we actively promote the state’s competitive advantages to generate leads and foster partnerships. Washington is uniquely positioned as a hub for innovation, making it a prime location for businesses seeking growth opportunities in sustainable industries.
Foreign Direct Investment
Foreign investment contributes to Washington’s economic growth, by helping drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s global competitiveness. Our focus is to attract international businesses looking to expand or relocate. Through our international offices in strategic locations worldwide, we actively promote Washington as an ideal investment destination. These offices work to build relationships with foreign investors, showcase the state’s unique strengths, and facilitate connections between global companies and local partners.
Resources
The Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness office in downtown Seattle recruits volunteer interns on an ongoing basis. We ask that interns volunteer 10-20 hours per week, for a minimum term of three months.
Ideal candidates will be in their junior or senior year in college with a 3.3 GPA or higher, or have recently completed their degree, or be enrolled in a Master’s degree program.
In general, we look for responsible, reliable candidates who can work independently and have a genuine interest in international affairs, economic development, investment and trade. We value research and writing skills, Microsoft Office suite proficiency, critical thinking, foreign language capabilities, and diversity.
- Ability to work independently
- Attention to detail
- Experience organizing events
- Writing experience, especially on a newspaper or newsletter
- Database, Excel, PowerPoint proficiency
Examples of duties/projects include:
- Assisting with Business Development activities and events
- Researching industries, business trends, incentives, investment statistics, workforce data
- Writing briefs and other content
- PowerPoint presentations, and related research
- Assisting on specific projects
- Quality control
Past interns have gone on to work with consulting firms, economic development agencies and international organizations.
To apply, please fill out the application form and press send. Then separately, email your cover letter and resume to Intern@Commerce.wa.gov.