Insight
Working with your SBDC advisor can help you gain fresh and objective insights into your business. Our goal is to help you get the knowledge, understanding and tools you need to make better informed business decisions
Solutions
Your advisor can guide you through the discovery process to develop viable solutions to the challenges you face or opportunities your business wants to take advantage of
Success
For 30 years the SBDC has consistently proven that businesses using our resources have a higher level success, both in the short term and over the long haul
Client Services
Our Certified Business Advisors and International Trade Specialists assist owners and managers across every aspect of your business management, operation and expansion. Other SBDC advisors and private sector resources are brought in when needed to address specific needs and issues. Our approach is to surround you with the help that you need, when you need it!
SBDC primary services include customized one-on-one advising designed to assist and inform business owners and managers to help them make better informed business decisions to grow and sustain their businesses. Other services of the SBDC include customized and nationally recognized training and advisor assisted gathering of critical market intelligence.
The SBDC Network maintains offices throughout the state. Most businesses are within one hour of their local SBDC office.
In-depth assistance
We take the time to get to know you and your business to insure you get the assistance you need. Typical advising sessions include financial topics, access to capital, growth planning, marketing and sales, employment issues, government procurement, e-commerce and more.
Your SBDC advisor(s) will take the time to learn about your business and you as an owner/manager. This approach is part of the long-term relationship with your business that is designed to help insure you have the knowledge, tools and processes you need to take the business wherever you want it to go. In short, we help you find what you need to make better informed business decision now and into the future.
Confidential assistance
Your confidentiality is mandated by federal law. The fact you are working with us and the information you provide will be held in strictest confidence and will not be released to any parties outside of the Washington SBDC network without your written permission. Your information will never be sold, shared with other organizations or used for commercial advantage of any SBDC advisor or staff member. In fact, SBDC employees are forbidden to get ANY benefit from their relationship with our clients.
No-cost assistance
Our advising services are delivered to you at NO-COST. They are paid for by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Washington, Washington State University and various local universities, colleges, community organizations and a few private sector companies supporting economic development. We have strict conflict of interest policies that prohibit our advisors from receiving any benefit from assisting you, thus keeping our focus where it belongs, on your business. However, minimal fees may apply for specialized training, outside services (such as research) or materials.
“I love talking to [our advisor]” “He’ll walk in with a fresh set of eyes, but a fresh set of eyes with a lot of experience. He helps guide us where we need to be.”
Luke Hossner DropForge Leather Care, Clarkston January 27, 2017
“The bottom line is that I have the utmost respect for the SBDC.” “I could not have done this without the support and help of my advisor. It changed my life.”
Thea Heineman Monroe Montessori January 27, 2017
"You are so much a part of our success."
SBDC Client, Longview June 2, 2016
“It was daunting looking at those 20 tabs on the Excel spreadsheet,” West said, but with [the advisor's] help she got it done. “They didn’t take us seriously until they saw our projections, but then it was like, ‘Wow, this girl really knows what she’s doing.’”
Megan West Owner Claim Clothing November 2, 2015
"I thank you so much for your guidance and coaching through this process. Your help is the reason I felt so confident and the reason I was so prepared. I have learned a ton by going through the business plan process and now feel like I have a solid foundation for starting my business."
SBDC Client Okanogan June 26, 2014
"I was so relieved that I finally found someone who could help me-that I could afford." SBDC business advising is free of charge. "If it weren't for Jim, we wouldn't be here." She calls the SBDC program to help small business owners 'genius'. "It really does help small business owners in Washington."
Marion Lodato - Snowcreek Yoga Leavenworth June 26, 2014
"I received a call from (the bank) yesterday late afternoon and they have decided to approve my loan. I also wanted to express how appreciative I am of all the amazing help, follow through and support you have given to me! I am so thankful that I was referred to the SBDC."
SBDC Client Okanogan June 26, 2014
"Thanks to the SBDC advisor's ... experience [we have] hope when we thought there was none. He put together a cash flow sheet that gave us the ability to 'see' how the business was growing."
SBDC Client Moses Lake June 26, 2014
"With the SBDC's assistance, we were able to launch the creamery and make a dream come true for our whole family by starting on the road to becoming a sustainable farm."
SBDC Client Mount Vernon June 26, 2014
"I have really appreciated the good solid business direction [the SBDC has] provided me over the years."
SBDC Client Peninsula Region June 26, 2014
"There is no doubt that my planning process would have been far more difficult, and I would have missed some essential elements if not for the SBDC."
SBDC Client Wenatchee June 26, 2014
"The SBDC was a main source of education on the process of purchasing a business. Our success was because of the help received."
SBDC Client Spokane June 26, 2014
"SBDC provided tools such as spreadsheets to help plan and manage the business."
SBDC Client Yakima June 26, 2014
"My advisor at the SBDC gave me the knowledge, insight and technical assistance necessary to encourage and empower me."
SBDC Client Seattle June 26, 2014
"I could not have done this without your help. It's beyond words how much I appreciate you guiding me through the maze to secure the SBA loan that kept my little company alive."
SBDC Client Seattle June 26, 2014
"I had no idea that I would have access to such a powerful resource."
SBDC Client Lacey June 26, 2014
"The financial analysis and development of cash flows allowed me to develop the confidence I needed to move forward on my business plans and expansion."
SBDC Client Lynnwood June 26, 2014
"They are a really good sounding board for me. They have helped me greatly during this expansion."
SBDC Client Bellingham June 26, 2014
How can we help you?
I want to learn about ways to grow my business.
I want to learn about growing my sales through exporting my products and services.
I want to learn about starting my own business.