Eligibility
Artists residing in the city limits of Tacoma
Opportunity
- Two artists will be selected to design and paint a mural in the Stadium district.
- Top applicants will be compensated $200 for a more detailed design mock up for review by a panel.
- Selected artist will be compensated $5500 for mural completion.
- Wall square footage section is approximately 524 sq feet. The wall is not a full rectangle, it has a slope where the height goes from 4 feet tall to approximately 13 feet tall. The wall is approximately 124 feet wide. The section from the highest point will be approximately 51 feet long while the lowest point will be approximately 73 feet long.
Selection Panel
Applications are reviewed and voted on by a panel of 5 individuals comprised of one artist, three Stadium district community partners, and one public art facilitator.
Applicants will be notified on Monday, August 31st, 2026
Questions?
Reach out to Arabella Bautista
Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator: Applications Now Open
The Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator (TMI) is seeking aspiring and early-stage manufacturing entrepreneurs who are ready to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses while strengthening Tacoma's manufacturing economy. TMI provides a structured pathway for entrepreneurs to validate their concepts, develop operational plans, build industry connections, and launch sustainable manufacturing ventures.
Since its inception, TMI has focused on supporting product-based businesses, makers, fabricators, inventors, and manufacturers through practical education, mentorship, and hands-on business development. The program serves as a training ground to test ideas, validate markets, and build a manufacturing business with the support of industry experts and peers.
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Cohort Training
The 12-Week Manufacturing Business Cohort is the foundation of the Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator and guides participants through the development of a launch-ready manufacturing business plan and growth strategy.
Participants meet weekly for structured sessions that combine instruction, examples, worksheets, and networking activities.
Session 1: Ignite
Session 2: Define
Session 3: Validate
Session 4: Map
Session 5: Position
Session 6: Protect
Session 7: Connect
Session 8: Measure
Session 9: Scale
Session 10: Fuel
Session 11: Pitch
Session 12: Launch
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Program Benefits
Acceptance into the Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator includes:
• Manufacturing-focused business training
• Expert-led instruction from industry professionals
• Business planning tools and templates
• Lean Canvas and process mapping resources
• Financial modeling and pricing guidance
• Supply chain and sourcing strategies
• Legal and compliance planning support
• Investor-ready pitch development
• Peer networking and accountability
• Access to Tacoma's manufacturing ecosystem
• Access to alumni resources and networking opportunities
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Program Eligibility
Applicants should:
• Be developing or operating a manufacturing, product-based, fabrication, or industrial business.
• Be committed to participating in the full 12-week cohort.
• Have a product concept, prototype, or business idea they wish to validate and grow.
• Be prepared to dedicate approximately 5–7 hours per week to sessions, networking activities, and assignments.
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Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
Innovation & Opportunity
• Novelty and market potential of the product or service
• Ability to address customer problems or industry needs
Manufacturing Readiness
• Commitment to developing a manufacturing business
• Understanding of production and operational requirements
Growth Potential
• Scalability of the business model
• Potential for job creation and economic impact
Engagement & Participation
• Willingness to actively participate in cohort activities
• Commitment to learning and collaboration
Community Impact
• Contribution to Tacoma's manufacturing ecosystem
• Potential to strengthen the local economy and workforce
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What You Will Leave With
By the end of the program, participants will have:
✅ Validated Business Model
✅ Mission, Vision, and Strategic Goals
✅ Market Research and Customer Validation
✅ Lean Canvas
✅ Manufacturing Process Maps
✅ Costing and Pricing Models
✅ Supply Chain Strategy
✅ Compliance and Risk Management Plans
✅ Financial Projections
✅ Equipment and Technology Roadmap
✅ Investor-Ready Pitch Deck
✅ 90-Day Launch Action Plan
✅ Manufacturing Industry Network
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Participant Commitment
Participants should expect:
• 3 hours of weekly cohort sessions
• 2 hours of networking and LinkedIn engagement
• 1–2 hours of assignments and worksheet completion
Total Weekly Commitment: 5–7 hours.
Cost. $750
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Program Director
Ryan Spence
Program Director
Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator
Manufacturing Industrial Council (MIC)
ryans@tacomachamber.org
"Transform your manufacturing idea into a thriving business."
DATES:
Incubator applications due: August 10th 2026 11:59 PM
Notifications sent out: August 17, 2026
Manufacturing Incubator Cohort begins: September 8, 2026 and meets every Tuesday from 5:30-8:30pm. With additional experiential opportunities.