Headshot of Jennifer Shelton

Jennifer Shelton

Jennifer brings over 20 years’ experience as a technical assistance advisor and first-hand experience as a small business owner to her work with SBDC clients.  

Jennifer enjoys helping business owners/managers create solutions that works for them. Areas of focus in her advising include leadership development, cash flow forecasting, financial analysis, increasing profitability, buying a business, marketing strategies, engaging employees, business plan development, and obtaining financing. 

Jennifer first started working for the Washington SBDC in 2000 as a research analyst while earning an MBA from Western Washington University. Over the next two decades she distinguished herself as a top advisor and SBDC center director, including leading efforts to start the SBDC program at Highline College, reopen the SBDC center at Edmonds Community College, and grow the SBDC program at Western Washington University to become the largest in the state. In 2011 she was named the Washington SBDC State Star, the network’s highest honor for business advisors. 

Jennifer left the SBDC in 2017 to pursue a dream of owning a sailing and snorkeling business in the U.S. Virgin Islands. When her young son was ready to start school, she sold the business, which is still operating, and moved back to Washington State where she joined Banner Bank as a credit analyst of business loans, mid 2019 to early 2023.

Jennifer returned to the SBDC in March 2023 to open a new office at Shoreline College.  

Here is a small sample of client feedback: 

  • “Jennifer is a wonderful advisor – incredibly insightful, experienced, and thorough in every way. Jennifer’s honest, say-it-as-it-is approach is a key driver for anybody seeking to improve one’s small business” 
  • “Jennifer’s vast professional knowledge makes her one of the best in the business. Her focus on the business owner, not just the “bottom line” makes her an exceptional talent.” 

Jennifer has helped hundreds of SBDC clients increase sales and grow their business and she looks forward to being of service to you and your business.  

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (833) 492-7232
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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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