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38 | Old Heat CERB Feasibility Study <br />A MARKET STRATEGY CONTAINING ACTION ELEMENTS <br />LINKED TO TIMELINES. <br />The market strategy for the Old Heat project is designed to position Kittitas <br />County as an emerging innovation node by serving both as a launch pad for new <br />accelerative firms and an on-ramp for existing businesses to integrate advanced <br />technologies and workforce skills. This dual role ensures that Old Heat supports <br />enterprise growth at multiple points along the innovation <br />spectrum: seeding new firms, scaling regional businesses, and equipping the <br />workforce with capabilities required for high-wage, technology-driven industries. <br />Because implementation cannot realistically begin until 2026, the phased plan <br />is structured around readiness, recruitment, programming, and long-term scale- <br />out. Each stage intentionally balances Old Heat’s two essential functions: (1) <br />supporting the launch and growth of accelerative enterprises, and (2) diffusing <br />technology and skills into the broader economy to <br />ensure regional competitiveness. <br /> <br />PHASE 1: INFRASTRUCTURE READINESS AND STRATEGIC POSITIONING <br />Timeline: Q1–Q3 2026 <br />Lead: CWU Business and Community Services + Old Heat Advisory Council <br />• Finalize architectural and engineering plans for Old Heat, including flexible <br />lab, prototyping, and training spaces that serve both new firms and existing <br />businesses. <br /> <br />• Complete site readiness work: zoning, transportation, environmental <br />compliance. <br />• Develop branding that highlights Old Heat as both a regional accelerator <br />(launch pad) and a skills training hub (on-ramp). <br />• Formalize coordination with the Bowers Field development team to <br />establish the growth pathway from incubation and training (Old Heat) to <br />expansion and production (Bowers Field). <br />SECTION B SECTION B