Responding to COVID-19
Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon, Kaiser Permanente Washington, and Alaska Airlines were highlighted in the Puget Sound Business Journal as Washington businesses that are using their expertise in workflow, customer experience, technology, call centers, and scheduling to assist the state with COVID-19 vaccination efforts. This month, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is hosting a series of seminars about demystifying COVID-19.
Helping communities
As part of its $30 million commitment to advancing racial equity, JPMorgan Chase announced $40 million in investments and commitments to Black and Latinx-led Minority Depository Institutions, among other initiatives. Through its Open for Business Fund, Wells Fargo awarded nonprofit Ventures a $350,000 grant to keep Seattle-area small businesses open. A $500,000 gift from the McKinstry Charitable Foundation will create more research opportunities at Eastern Washington University.
Launching a new fund
PSL Ventures announced the launch of its second venture fund. The team raised $100 million for its Fund II, which it will invest in companies across the Pacific Northwest.