Thinking about relocating your business can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what a new city will bring. Spokane, WA, has been catching the eye of business owners for good reason. 

If you’re curious about the region, you might notice how services like Spokane house experts highlight real estate opportunities for businesses and residents alike. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Spokane a compelling option for your business move.

Affordable Cost of Living

When evaluating business relocations, cost of living isn’t just about housing—it drives employee satisfaction, competitive wages, and operational costs. Spokane thrives in this area, making it an attractive destination.

• Lower Office Rents: Commercial rents in Spokane typically run lower than those in larger metro areas, allowing you to allocate resources elsewhere.
• Reasonable Housing Costs: Employees enjoy affordable homes, which increases job retention and improves quality of life for your whole team.
• Reduced Overhead: From utilities to goods, overall business expenses tend to be more manageable compared to high-cost cities.
• Improved Recruitment: Potential hires are likely to accept offers in a city where their pay stretches further, benefiting their families and lifestyles.
• Cost of Living Index Under 100: Spokane’s recent cost-of-living index is below the national average.

No matter how you measure it, moving your business to Spokane can lead to a healthier bottom line and happier employees.

Vibrant Business Districts

Spokane’s revitalized neighborhood business districts offer lively backdrops for growth and networking. These unique hubs provide the energy and sense of community that businesses crave.

Historic Districts with Modern Energy

The Garland, Hillyard, North Monroe, and South Perry districts are brimming with character and charm, thanks to ongoing improvements and restoration efforts.

Placemaking and Design Improvements

Public spaces, facades, and streetscapes receive ongoing investment. These enhancements not only attract visitors but also foster pride among business owners.

Business Support and Funding

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation manages nearly $2.5 million in grant funding, uplifting businesses with placemaking initiatives, branding, and safety improvements in select districts.

Community-Driven Success

Businesses and nonprofits can apply for activation grants for projects with immediate impact. Active community engagement ensures priorities reflect the needs and desires of local entrepreneurs.

Low Commute Times

Lengthy commutes bog down productivity and diminish work-life balance. Spokane’s manageable traffic and Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) initiatives change the game for your business and your employees.

• Shorter Drives: Average Spokane commutes hover around 20 minutes, significantly below times endured in bigger cities.
• Sustainable Modes: Biking, walking, and efficient public transit are actively promoted, helping reduce single-occupancy vehicles and congestion.
• Employer Incentives: Participation in the CTR program provides subsidies for vanpooling and public transit, lowering overall parking needs and emissions.
• Employee Engagement: Annual campaigns offer prizes and motivation for alternative transportation, creating a positive company culture around eco-friendly choices.
• Improved Lifestyle: Staff will appreciate the extra time for family, fitness, and community—making for happier, more productive teams.

Reduced commute times make Spokane not just less stressful, but more appealing for employees seeking balance and convenience.

Access to Outdoor Activities

Living and working in Spokane means having the outdoors as your playground. The city’s natural resources are a compelling benefit in attracting and retaining top talent.

Year-Round Recreation

There’s something for every season: skiing and snowshoeing in winter, hiking and kayaking in spring and summer, and scenic biking trails throughout the year.

City and State Parks

Riverside State Park, Liberty Lake County Park, and Dishman Hills are just minutes away, offering easy access to group activities or solo adventures after work.

Team Building Opportunities

Outdoor company retreats and recreational group outings have never been easier to organize, encouraging wellness, camaraderie, and innovation within your business.

Outdoor Inclusivity

Whether you’re a beginner or need adaptive equipment, the city and its partners strive to make activities accessible to all employees and residents.

This proximity to nature isn’t just good for morale—it makes Spokane a destination for professionals who prioritize balance and well-being.

Supportive Development Authorities

Spokane stands out for its proactive economic development partners who make it easier to start, grow, and thrive within city limits.

• Public Development Authorities: Specialized groups like S3R3 Solutions and the Northeast Public Development Authority offer infrastructure and recruiting services tailored to your sector.
• Innovation Districts: The University District brings together five universities, medical school programs, and ongoing investment in life sciences and tech.
• Main Street Partnerships: Organizations focus on district branding, safety, and ongoing improvements, ensuring your company’s neighborhood offers what you and your team need.
• Business Incentives: City programs provide streamlined permitting and incentives for qualifying businesses, smoothing the path for relocation or expansion.
• Networking & Resources: Local groups foster introductions, offer workshops, and keep your company plugged into Spokane’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Collaborating with invested partners lets you focus on business growth, knowing there’s a local network invested in your success.

Company Growth Opportunities

Spokane is emerging as a destination for ambitious companies of all sizes. You’ll find a business-friendly climate, a growing population, and buzzy momentum across industries.

Emerging Sectors

Technology, healthcare, and manufacturing are thriving, with established local giants and hungry startups all contributing to a diverse commercial landscape.

Access to Capital

Banks, investment funds, and business development programs are keen to support businesses relocating to or expanding within Spokane.

Affordable Expansion

With lower real estate costs and a range of incentive programs, businesses can expand with less risk and higher returns than in costlier metropolitan areas.

Business Development Support

From mentorships to incubators, Spokane’s vigorous entrepreneurial ecosystem makes scaling operations smoother, especially for organizations ready to level up.

The area’s economic outlook and expanding workforce create conditions ideal for businesses ready to invest in growth.

Skilled Talent and Education

Having a robust and educated talent pool is essential as your company grows. Spokane punches above its weight thanks to a pipeline of skilled professionals and ongoing educational opportunities.

• Higher Education Leaders: Home to institutions such as Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University, and the expanding University District, Spokane continually graduates job-ready professionals.
• Technical and Trade Programs: Several technical schools and community colleges provide vital training in healthcare, engineering, and trades that keep local industries strong.
• Workforce Initiatives: Greater Spokane Inc. and other partners connect businesses with employees through targeted talent programs and job boards.
• Continuing Education: Ample opportunities for ongoing training and upskilling ensure your employees stay ahead in their fields.
• Diversity of Talent: From creative arts to biotech research, you’ll find specialists and fresh graduates eager to make their mark in a thriving business community.

Spokane’s emphasis on education and professional development will give your business access to motivated, skilled workers across a variety of sectors.

Proximity to Clients

Location is everything, especially when your clients demand responsiveness and accessibility. Spokane’s central spot in the Northwest boosts business connections regionally and nationally.

Transportation Options

The city offers easy access to I-90, robust freight corridors, and the Spokane International Airport, making getting to and from clients a breeze.

Business-Friendly Registration

Licensing and setting up operations is straightforward, helping your company hit the ground running with minimal delays or red tape. Start quickly by reviewing Spokane’s business registration guide.

Regional Reach

The location makes it convenient to serve clients across Washington, Idaho, Montana, as well as internationally via nearby Canadian border access.

Client-Centric Growth

With the city’s efficient site evaluation and business resources, positioning your business near your target markets is remarkably streamlined and affordable.

The strategic advantages of proximity make Spokane an ideal spot for maintaining and expanding valuable client relationships across the West.

Thinking Practically

Weighing Spokane for your business relocation? It’s prudent to research your options thoroughly. If housing or property transitions are part of your move, consider resources like these legitimate home buyers in Washington to help facilitate a smoother process.