TOLEDO, Wash.—Cyndi Philbrook has been self-employed for most of the past 30 years, relying on her resourcefulness, growth mindset and grit to navigate successful careers in construction, finance and insurance. She had been the owner of Philbrook Insurance in the tiny town of Toledo, Wash., for more than a decade before she reached out to…
WENATCHEE, Wash.–Legacy media has incredible barriers to entry; new media, not so much. Just ask Rafael Aguilar, owner of La Pera Radio and TV, based in Wenatchee. The challenge is how to create a sustainable business. La Pera Radio and TV broadcasts live online through the La Pera app from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.…
ANACORTES, Wash.—When Alex LaLonde moved to Anacortes about six years ago to work as a kayak guide and instructor, about the only unchecked box on his adopted hometown wish list was somewhere to buy a fresh, delicious bagel. In January 2023, Alex and his brother, Nick, were able to check that box when they opened…
SPOKANE, Wash.—The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) invites small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state to celebrate SBDC Day on March 20. The Washington SBDC is a small but mighty network of more than 40 business advisors who provide one-on-one technical assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start, expand…
Victor Ponce serves as the North Cascades Program Manager, offering training and one-on-one advising in both Spanish and English to emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses in Skagit County and the surrounding areas. With over 8 years of experience as a small business advisor in Chile, Victor has a rich background in developing products and experiences…
Devin serves as a bilingual Business Advisor focusing on Food Business and community outreach for the North Cascades region, offering one-on-one advising to aspiring entrepreneurs in the Skagit, Island, and Whatcom counties. His passion for the food industry and his background in entrepreneurship as the owner of a restaurant and catering company make him an…
Manny is a devoted advocate of financial education, driven by his own personal journey and a strong desire to uplift underrepresented communities. In his most recent role as a Mortgage Loan Officer, Manny guided individuals towards the path of generational wealth through strategic real estate investments, a role that aligns harmoniously with his passion for…
The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Washington Small Business Development Center announced the opening of an SBA Business Recovery Center in Spokane on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by the wildfires that occurred Aug. 18 – 25, 2023. “Due to the severe property damage and economic…
Melissa Tanno is a Business Advisor with Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Poulsbo, WA. Born and raised in Kitsap County, she has spent the better part of the last 10 years consulting with and advising organizations of all size, primarily in technology operations. She specializes in root-cause analysis, drawing on decades…
ELLENSBURG, Wash.—Being named the SBA Seattle 2020 Rural Small Business of the Year not only put Wheel Line Cider on the map, it opened up a world of export possibilities for this small, family-owned cidery. Wheel Line Cider owner Susie Jensen says she recently shipped 63 cases of cider to one of the largest adult…
Growing up in a family-owned business was the beginning of Asche’s business education and instilled in her a deep respect for the hard work and numerous skills needed to run a business. Over the past 20 years, she’s worked in restaurants, wealth management, value-added ag, and as a Certified Business Advisor. Asche is particularly good…
GOLDENDALE, Wash.–Shannon and Phil D’Avanzo knew they wanted to relocate from Troutdale, Oregon, to the small town of Goldendale in rural Washington state to be closer to family, but what would they do for work? Shannon had worked in corporate retail for 16 years and Phil’s experience was in gym management and auto detailing, so….what…
The Washington Small Business Development Center network, hosted by Washington State University, is an accredited member of America’s SBDC. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, institutions of higher education, economic development organizations and other public and private funding partners. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the SBA.
Washington SBDC services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals. Email or phone the Washington SBDC.
Because we are federally funded, we cannot provide services for enterprises selling federally illegal products such as marijuana.
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