Last fall TwispWorks and the Methow Conservancy hosted a five-week series on structural changes in the Methow Valley which included findings from the TwispWorks Comprehensive Economic Study, as well as fire updates, changes in plant and animal populations, and how Covid-19 impacted our economy and community during 2020 and 2021. This spring, we are reconvening to explore how other communities have dealt with issues of gentrification and growth. On April 18th, we will host another event on alternatives to a recreation economy and ways to build a sustainable, resource-based economy in the Methow Valley. For more information or to register for this class, please email: daniel@methowconservancy.org.

Looking for resources to rent out your commercial space, and/or are you a business owner looking for space to rent? TwispWorks and Economic Alliance have partnered to create an Empty Buildings Toolkit, a print resource and online platform to answer questions, locate empty buildings, and provide comprehensive resources for landlords and new businesses. Check our website for this new business resource, coming soon!

Also, TwispWorks and the MIN are looking to support essential businesses in the following areas: Childcare, property management services, apprenticeships and skilled trades, dental and healthcare businesses, handyman or landscape services, and small engine or appliance repairs! Please contact businesssupport@twispworks.org if you have a business idea that involves any of the above businesses. We need essential businesses in the Methow Valley!

The Methow Investment Network hosted two virtual pitch nights this winter and heard from seven new and existing businesses. We are pleased to announce that four out of the seven businesses have received partial to full funding and will be expanding or opening their doors later in 2022!

In other news, the MIN hosted our second annual Local Investment Webinar on January 27th "Local Investment Networks and the Housing Crisis." Meeting with local investment networks from around the state and guest speaker, Bill Barberg, the MIN discussed new ways to be involved in affordable housing and upcoming projects to support in the Methow Valley!

This spring, we are opening our 7^th Round of Funding to address innovative resiliency projects that will make businesses more adaptable, climate friendly, and resilient for the future. For this particular grant project, we welcome applications with ideas to make your business more fire-ready, or ways to expand your business throughout the fire season. Examples include creating outdoor dining spaces with micro-sprinklers for a summer heat wave, installing solar hot water panels for your business, or special projects to keep employees busy during summer shutdowns. The grant application will open April 15-May 10^th. Please apply with any idea you think will better your business this year! Please note that all businesses must be located in the Methow Valley and have been operational for at least one year prior to application.