"The biggest surprise was the level of technical expertise that SBDC business advisors have, and it was all available to us for free."
Juliet and Alex Pouillon
OMAK, Wash.—Frank Williams had been working at Mid-Valley Pest in Omak for about five years when the owner, Russ Brantner, decided it was time to retire after nearly four decades in the business. Too often, when small business owners retire, no one else steps up and the business closes. Fortunately, in this case, Williams and … Read more
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 … Read more
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
"I don’t think we expected [SBDC advising] to be as good as it was. Kristina really helped us refine our business plan and put together financial proposals."
Alex LaLonde and Nick LaLonde
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
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 … Read more
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
"I feel like I have the support (of the entire SBDC) network to help me. The resources are there, but you’ve got to do the work."
Mari Borrero and Aaron Borrero
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
Sensory Tool House, a retail store that provides space to explore sensory supportive equipment and tools, has been named the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Star Client for 2023.
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
