If we want to support a stronger local economy, we need to listen carefully to the people building it from the ground up.
That’s why the Yakima County Development Association, in partnership with more than a dozen community organizations and with support from a grant from South Central Workforce, conducted a countywide business needs assessment. The goal was simple: to hear directly from business owners about what’s helping them succeed, what’s holding them back, and how we, as a business support community, can better assist them.
More than 190 businesses participated in the survey, collectively representing over 1,250 jobs across Yakima County. Responses came from every city and town in the county, as well as the unincorporated areas; no community was left unrepresented. Every corner of our region was reflected, and so was every sector of our economy: agriculture, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, retail, accommodations, restaurants, healthcare, childcare, and everything in between.
The message was clear. Business owners in Yakima County are resourceful, motivated, and resilient. But they’re also navigating real barriers that limit their ability to grow and hire.
When asked what support they needed most, more than 80 business owners pointed to one thing: access to funding. Whether it’s the capital to expand, secure a permanent location, or weather slow seasons, financial resources remain a top concern. Close behind were requests for mentorship and practical training opportunities—business owners want to connect with others, learn best practices, hear from experts, and build their skills in ways that fit into their busy lives.
The challenges they face reflect many of the same issues confronting business communities nationwide: finding qualified workers, navigating shifting regulations, and managing uncertainty in a rapidly changing economy. But what’s especially notable here in Yakima County is the overwhelming desire among business owners to get connected and stay engaged. That tells us there’s both a need and a real opportunity.
This is why the survey matters. Economic development isn’t something done to the business community; it’s something done with the business community. We can’t assume we know what business owners need without taking the time to ask. And we shouldn’t settle for one-size-fits-all solutions when needs vary so widely by geography, language, industry, and experience.
This assessment, conducted in both English and Spanish, gives us a clear roadmap of what local businesses need most: accessible capital, short-term training and mentorship, help navigating permitting and compliance, and support in bridging communication gaps.
Now, it’s time to act on what we’ve learned. Meeting these needs at scale will require coordinated efforts, expanding the reach of existing business networking events, launching new opportunities for business connections, and increasing access to loan-readiness and financial training programs.
Yakima County already has the right mix of business support organizations – YCDA is just one of many. With the resources, collaboration, and leadership already here, we can continue working together to ensure that every business owner has the resources for growing their business and contributing to our region’s economic future.
