About Spark Six
Spark Six Collaborative was founded on a straightforward approach that economic development thrives when solutions are flexible, focused, and tailored to each community’s unique needs. With our experience and expertise in this space, we meet organizations where they are, advancing initiatives that support both their short-and long-term strategic goals.
We deliver tailored economic development strategies for cities, ports, tribal communities, businesses, workforce boards, Associate Development Organizations (ADOs), and post-secondary institutions. Through our aligned partnership, we make roles and projects more cost-efficient by providing flexible, scalable capacity without the fixed expense of permanent, full-time overhead.
Headquartered in Southwest Washington, we work with partners across Washington State, the Portland metro region, and beyond.
Why Economic Development Matters
We believe economic development is a team effort — one that connects industries, ideas, and people. When these sectors thrive together, our communities do too. Our work spans six key sectors that shape the Northwest’s future:
MANUFACTURING
We support advanced and traditional manufacturers that drive regional productivity and create family-wage jobs.
TECHNOLOGY + INNOVATION
We help innovators and tech companies scale ideas that shape the Northwest’s future economy.
NATURAL RESOURCES + ENERGY
We strengthen industries that steward our land, water, and energy while fueling sustainable growth.
PROFESSIONAL + CREATIVE
We champion the businesses and talent that bring expertise, design, and creativity to every sector.
TRANSPORTATION + LOGISTICS
We partner with the networks that keep goods, people, and ideas moving efficiently across the region.
HOSPITALITY + TOURISM
We collaborate with communities to grow destination appeal and visitor-driven economic impact.
How We Collaborate
Together, we’ll identify opportunities, build partnerships, and implement solutions that strengthen your local economy. Every engagement is hands-on, measurable, and designed to deliver lasting impact. Our work includes:
BUSINESS RETENTION
We help communities sustain and strengthen existing employers through proactive outreach, insight, and tailored retention strategies.
BUSINESS EXPANSION
We coordinate resources and partnerships that help businesses grow, invest locally, and create new opportunities for the region.
BUSINESS ATTRACTION
We create meaningful business attraction opportunities through our flagship media platform and data-driven business intelligence tools.
BUSINESS ADVISORY
We create space for practical dialogue, helping decision-makers navigate change and build stronger, more resilient local economies.
HOUSING STRATEGIES
We help integrate housing strategy into economic planning, unlocking regional growth that supports working families and economic stability.
CHILDCARE INITIATIVES
We help communities and employers expand access to childcare initiatives, supporting working families and local economic stability.
Meet the Founder
A message from Jill Walters
I founded Spark Six because I believe in the power of collaboration to transform communities. Every organization deserves a partner who is deeply committed to its success, guided by values, and focused on responsible growth that creates meaningful opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities alike.
My background in economic development, building public and private partnerships, and fostering community prosperity by growing the visitor economy has shown me firsthand the remarkable results happen when resources and relationships align for shared success.
At Spark Six, my mission is to bring that alignment to life—one project, one partnership, and one community at a time.
NW Leaders & Legends Podcast
Join the conversation with the people shaping the Pacific Northwest’s future — from traded-sector businesses and civic leaders to innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
Listen to NW Leaders & Legends to hear real stories of resilience, collaboration, and community growth.
