Tacoma Startup Resources
30+ free resources for Tacoma founders. Lower costs, strong community, growing tech scene in Pierce County.
Tacoma
Pierce County’s largest city. 35 miles south of Seattle with half the rent.
Tacoma offers founders lower overhead, a tight-knit community, and direct access to the Port of Tacoma.
Why Tacoma
- 50% lower office costs vs. Seattle
- Port access for hardware, logistics, manufacturing
- Growing tech scene with UW Tacoma and PLU nearby
- Diverse founder community with strong BIPOC support networks
Where Founders Build
Downtown Tacoma — Business Impact NW, city economic development programs
Hilltop — Spaceworks Tacoma, community-focused incubators
Tacoma Dome District — FabLab Tacoma, maker community
Stadium District — Coworking, networking events
Key Programs
- Spaceworks Tacoma — Free workspace and mentorship for creative entrepreneurs
- Business Impact NW — Microloans and business coaching
- FabLab Tacoma — Maker space with CNC, laser cutters, 3D printers
- 253 Connections — Pierce County networking and workshops
- EDB Tacoma-Pierce — Economic development grants and connections