Photo: One of the Colfax Downtown Association’s business incubator buildings, housing the CDA office on the upper floor and retail on the ground level.

By Whitney Bond, Executive Director, Colfax Downtown Association

In November 2022, the Colfax Downtown Association (CDA) found itself standing at the precipice of an extraordinary opportunity. With a federal grant of $2,259,820 awarded through the Washington State Department of Commerce, the CDA was given the chance to transform downtown Colfax in a way that had never been done before. The vision? A business incubator designed to nurture two restaurants and four retail or office spaces—a beacon of growth for the heart of the community.

But visions rarely unfold without trials. The CDA was initially given a mere six months to complete the project—an ambitious timeline that left little room for the inevitable obstacles that come with revitalizing historic spaces. Yet, rather than seeing limitations, the CDA’s executive team saw possibilities. Through tenacity, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to Colfax’s future, they turned challenges into catalysts for creativity.

It became evident that one building would not be enough to house the full potential of this project. The CDA took a bold step, seeking and securing a time extension along with the approval to pivot their strategy. Instead of purchasing a single building, they acquired two, each serving a distinct yet complementary purpose. This shift not only aligned with the grant’s original intent but also magnified its impact, creating two business incubators rather than one.

One of the incubator spaces is home to The Cellar, which hosts beer and wine tastings as well as Trivia Night the last Thursday of every month.
Another incubator business is The Coco Bee, which produces small-batch beeswax candles and skin care products.

The first incubator took shape as a haven for retail and service-oriented businesses, a launchpad for entrepreneurs eager to bring fresh energy to downtown Colfax. Within its walls now reside Annie Ruth and The Cellar, two women-owned businesses rooted in community values and a shared belief in fostering local connections. These spaces are more than just shops; they are storytelling hubs, places where neighbors gather, artisans thrive, and new ventures take flight.

The second incubator became a game-changer for dining in Colfax. A restaurant incubator was established, filling a long-standing need for more dining options to draw both residents and visitors into the downtown core. This space welcomed Wild Ember Kitchen, an innovative culinary establishment that quickly became a local favorite. Beyond its delectable menu, it offered something Colfax had long desired—the town’s only outdoor patio for dining. The simple addition of an outdoor space transformed the restaurant into a destination, where friends meet under open skies, families celebrate milestones, and the community finds yet another reason to gather.

The CDA’s restaurant incubator houses local favorite Wild Ember Kitchen.

With the creation of these two incubators, the CDA did more than just complete a grant project—they sparked a movement. Foot traffic increased, businesses flourished, and the downtown area once again buzzed with life and opportunity. What started as a grant award became the foundation for long-term economic vitality in Colfax, proving that when a community dares to dream big and navigate obstacles with ingenuity, transformation is not only possible but inevitable.

The story of this grant isn’t just about dollars and development—it’s about people. It’s about resilience, the spirit of entrepreneurship, and the power of coming together to build something greater than the sum of its parts. The CDA turned chaos into creativity, and in doing so, they didn’t just change the landscape of downtown Colfax; they redefined its future.


All photos courtesy of the Washington State Department of Commerce.