"The SBDC could not have matched me with a better coach,” she said. “Having a person look at your business from the outside is very valuable. It takes the emotions out of it. When you’re in the grind of the day-to-day, it is hard to step away and work on your business."
Cyndi Philbrook
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. … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
"“Lorena (my SBDC advisor) was very detailed in our meetings and she would send me follow-up emails to make sure I had the information I needed."
Shannon and Phil D’Avanzo
BELLINGHAM, Wash.— In Jeff Shaw’s previous work, he was fighting to save the planet. Now, as owner of Bellingham BJJ, a training academy for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he’s helping students learn to fight for their own improved physical and mental health. “It’s definitely as rewarding [as my previous work was],” said Shaw, a former deputy director … Read more
AUBURN, Wash.—After another conversation with her husband about problems at his work, Mari Borrero told him, “Look, you have a choice. If you don’t like the way things are going, do something different.” So he did, and she did, too. Today, Mari Borrero and her husband Aaron Borrero are co-owners of American Abatement and Demo, … Read more
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash.—Christina Sodemann-Perkins and her husband Dale Perkins had long wanted to quit working for others and open their own small business, but the issue was, what to do and where to do it? Dale Perkins grew up in the lawn care business and Sodemann-Perkins had extensive experience in business management, so when family … Read more
"Once we identify employment barriers and open our businesses to this incredibly talented and skilled workforce, retention increases, productivity skyrockets, innovation increases, culture improves, the business’s bottom line increases, and the entire community benefits,"
Katie McMurray
MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. – A roof leak necessitates immediate action so the building isn’t damaged nor its integrity threatened. It therefore seems fitting that Michael Dechand, a man of action and initiative, wasted little time opening his own roofing company when opportunities for growth with his former employer hindered his aspirations. “There was no ladder … Read more
SPOKANE, Wash.—Single Handed Consulting, a disability management service that helps injured workers get back to work, has been named the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Star Client of the Year. Owned by siblings Katie Leneker-Hynes and Kevin Leneker, the business employs nearly 40 vocational rehabilitation counselors across the state. Kevin Leneker accepted the award … Read more
NEWCASTLE, Wash. – As sole proprietors of their own businesses in 2016, Kristina and Michael Orille had saved their money for … something. To buy a house? To buy a house that included a spa business where they both could practice their vocations – hers as massage therapist and his as personal trainer? Or perhaps … Read more
