Matching its scenic, agricultural and educational attractions are the Palouse’s business climate, well-educated workforce, and small-town feel; we have high tech, bioanalytical, and outdoor recreational industry clusters, as well as an emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem that is as unique as its natural beauties.
Business Friendly Support From Governmental & Educational Leaders
Government
Support from Pullman and Whitman County, governmental leaders, as well as the dynamic chamber of commerce in Pullman.
Washington State University
- Office of Commercialization
- Business Plan competitions
- Harold Frank Entrepreneurship Institute
- Entrepreneurship Center Carson College of Business
- SKILD Program
- Entrepreneurial Faculty Ambassadors
- I-CORPS
- Frank Innovation Zone (FIZ)
University of Idaho
- Office of Technology Transfer
- Idaho Entrepreneurs
- Business plan competition
- Economic Development
- Entrepreneurial Groups
- Vandal Solutions
- Small Business Legal Clinic
- Executive MBA Program
- Center for Food Business and Technology
- TechHelp
Spokane Falls Community College
Economic Development Support
Support structure for businesses to succeed
According to United States census data from 2011-2015, when compared to the five largest cities in their states, Pullman, WA ranks #1 in highest percentages of college-educated persons, lowest median monthly housing rent, and shortest commute times to work.
Transportation Infrastructure
- Pullman Regional Airport (PUW) broke ground in 2016 on a 5-year runway upgrade project which when completed will give PUW the same FAA ratings as Spokane International Airport.
- Bus service in Pullman supports over 1.4 million riders/year
- 2013 study reports, “The state’s freight rail industry provides benefits to the state, including employment and tax benefits. Also, it provides a vital mode of transportation to support goods movement industries, such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, wholesale trade and retail trade.”
- The Port of Lewiston Idaho provides the largest crane and warehouse facility on the inland river system. The Lewis-Clark Terminal, a privately-owned business adjacent to the Port, provides the largest grain storage facilities on the river system. Located 465 miles from the Pacific Ocean, it is the most inland port on the west coast and an important conduit for international shipping into and out of the Palouse.
High-Speed Internet Infrastructure
- First Step Research in Moscow, leases unused fiber optic cabling (dark fiber) from the Port of Lewiston’s network and the Port of Whitman has applied for necessary state permits allowing it access.
Established business technology, agriculture, healthcare and outdoor recreational clusters
- Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL)
- TerraGraphics
- Alturas Analytics
- Regional Wine Entrepreneurs
- Badger Braces
- Culinary Tourism Venues & Farmer’s Markets
- BioCement
- Northwest River Supply
- Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)
- Meter Group
- Digilent
- Metriguard
- Amplicon Express
- Palouse Discovery Science Center
- Phytelligence
- Hinrichs Trading Company
Why Do Businesses & Employees Choose The Palouse?
Employment opportunities
- Washington State University, University of Idaho, area school districts and hospitals, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Bennett Lumber Products, Economic Modeling Specialists International, and any number of small and medium-sized local businesses.
Healthcare
Award-winning K-12 Education
Activities For All Four Seasons
- College and high school sporting events
- Hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, private aircraft facilities, and instruction, etc.
- Bicycle tourism
Community Awards
- Pullman community awards – 20 of Washington’s safest cities, safest college towns, best college town neighborhoods for adults, best place to raise children, a walk to work community, healthiest county, fastest growing cities in Washington, top 30 high schools in Washington and others.