Serving Tumwater
Grow your Tumwater business with free expert help
From craft beverage makers in the Craft District to contractors and service businesses that work with the state, Tumwater’s owners build on a long tradition of making things here. As a women’s business center for Tumwater, WCWB helps women start and grow with free advising, practical classes and a supportive community.
CountyThurston County
Population28,030
WCWB advisingFree, by phone or video
Our officeLacey, Washington
Where business happens
Business districts in Tumwater
- Tumwater Craft District. A mixed-use development at 4200–4242 Capitol Blvd SE with local food, drink and retail tenants: Mount Olympus Brewing, Wines by the Valley, Olympia Seafood Co., SweetLee’s Ice Cream, Tumwater Taco Co., the Kluh Art Gallery, Test Patch Studio and others. It also has SPSCC’s brewing and distilling program and a 2,000-person amphitheater overlooking the Deschutes River.
- Brewery District and Capitol Boulevard corridor. The area around the former Olympia Brewery: a four-acre brewery facility, a 22-acre warehouse complex and a vacant 12-acre former WSDOT office site. In March 2024 the city accepted $700,000 in EPA and state Ecology grants to assess contamination in the area as a first step toward redevelopment.
- Olympia Regional Airport and Port of Olympia properties. Port-owned land in Tumwater, including the airport, the NewMarket Industrial Campus and the Cleanwater Centre retail/commercial area. The Port has listed small retail space here for lease.
Good to know in Tumwater
- Tumwater has its own city B&O tax. Tax is due once your Tumwater receipts pass $20,000 a year ($5,000 a quarter); confirm current rates with Tumwater Finance at 360-754-5855.
- A Tumwater business license is a city endorsement on your state business license, added through the Business Licensing Service.
- South Puget Sound Community College’s Craft Brewing and Distilling program, based in the Craft District, prepares graduates to open their own businesses, with most classes online.
Not sure what applies to you? An advisor can walk you through it.
From brewery town to Craft District
Tumwater sits just south of Olympia and shares the capital region’s government-heavy economy: state government is about 23% of all jobs in Thurston County, and state agencies such as the Department of Labor & Industries have offices in Tumwater. The city is the historic home of the Olympia Brewing Company, and that heritage now carries on in the Tumwater Craft District. There, South Puget Sound Community College’s brewing and distilling program shares space with tasting rooms, restaurants and shops. The Port of Olympia’s Olympia Regional Airport and its industrial and commercial land in Tumwater add aviation, industrial and retail space.
State government
State government is about 23% of all jobs in Thurston County. Agencies with Tumwater offices include the Department of Labor & Industries, at 7273 Linderson Way SW.
Craft brewing, distilling and beverages
South Puget Sound Community College trains brewers and distillers at its facility in the Tumwater Craft District. In 2026 the program’s first student-developed capstone beer was scaled up and sold through the Percival Creek Tasting Room in the district’s Market Building.
Aviation
The Port of Olympia’s Olympia Regional Airport, a general-aviation airport in Tumwater, hosts aircraft maintenance, flight schools, charter and air ambulance services, state aviation operations (including DNR aerial firefighting and the State Patrol) and the Olympic Flight Museum. The Port leases airport land for aviation-related businesses.
Industrial and commercial real estate
The Port of Olympia’s Tumwater holdings include the NewMarket Industrial Campus and the Cleanwater Centre (formerly Tumwater Town Center), which the Port offers for retail, commercial and industrial development.
Your women’s business center for Tumwater
Tumwater businesses can use every WCWB program, including one reserved for Tumwater, Lacey and Olympia.
Free one-on-one advising
Plan a launch, price your products or prepare for a loan with an advisor, by phone or video, at no cost.
Quick Startup for Tumwater businesses
Selected women-owned businesses in Tumwater, Lacey and Olympia get e-commerce training, six months of mentorship and a $2,500 scholarship.
Write your business plan
BEST is five self-paced online courses that take you from choosing a business structure to a finished business plan.
More help in Tumwater
Alongside WCWB, these Tumwater organizations support local businesses. Each link opens their own website.
City of Tumwater – Business
The city’s business section, with services for business, an economic profile, development sites and the city’s craft-industry page.
Tumwater Area Chamber of Commerce
Local chamber with a monthly lunch forum, an events calendar, a member directory and community events.
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
Countywide chamber serving Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, with networking groups, advocacy and a Small Business Incubator.
Washington SBDC – Lacey/Olympia (South Puget Sound Community College)
Free, confidential one-on-one advising for people starting, growing or buying or selling a business in the Tumwater area.
Timberland Regional Library – Small Business
Free computers and printing, business and legal databases and staff referrals to WorkSource and other local business support.
Port of Olympia Real Estate
Leasing contact for Port-owned retail, commercial, industrial and airport space in Tumwater.
Questions from Tumwater business owners
I’m launching a brewery, distillery or food business in Tumwater. Can WCWB help?
Yes. Beverage and food businesses have big start-up costs, so a solid plan and realistic numbers matter. An advisor can help you build both and get ready for lender conversations.
Can I rent space at the airport or other Port properties in Tumwater?
The Port of Olympia leases retail, commercial, industrial and airport space in Tumwater. An advisor can help you work out what you can afford and what to ask before you sign.
Does WCWB have an office in Tumwater?
No. We meet by phone and video, so we can work with you anywhere in Washington State. Our office is at 4220 6th Ave SE in Lacey.
Who can work with WCWB?
Anyone who is starting a business or growing a small to medium-sized one. We focus on women-identified business owners in Washington State, and our services are open to everyone.
Build your Tumwater business with WCWB
Free advising, practical classes and a community of women owners are a phone call or a short form away.