WENATCHEE, Wash.—The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is pleased to announce that Kirk Duncan is available to work with small business owners in Douglas and Chelan counties who want to start, grow or buy/sell a business.
Duncan, who was a successful small business owner for more than 20 years, joins Ron Nielsen, the Washington SBDC regional manager for Eastern Washington, at the SBDC office in Wentachee. SBDC services in Chelan and Douglas counties are supported by the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority.
“Kirk is a welcome addition to the SBDC in Wenatchee,” Nielsen said. “As a former resident of Wenatchee, he knows Chelan and Douglas counties and his expertise in food service and hospitality will be especially helpful to entrepreneurs in this area.”
The Washington SBDC is a network of more than 35 business advisors working in communities across the state to provide confidential, no-cost, one-to-one assistance to entrepreneurs at any stage of business development and just about any industry. SBDC business advisors can assist business owners with diverse challenges, including accessing capital, market analysis, strategic planning, financial discipline, online sales and more.
Duncan has more than 20 years’ experience as a small business owner, primarily operating food service businesses in ski resorts around the Pacific Northwest. His years in food service gave him an acute appreciation for challenges related to cash flow, inventory control, employee recruitment and retention, and managing a seasonal business.
“As a retired small business owner and consultant, I feel very fortunate to be able to assist small businesses in Chelan and Douglas counties grow and prosper,” Duncan said. “Having spent the last 15 years in in the Tongass rainforest of southeast Alaska, I look forward to the climate of the Wenatchee area and all that comes with this wonderful environment.”
Prior to joining the SBDC, Duncan spent more than 15 years as the director of parks and recreation, and later public works, for the city of Juneau, Alaska.
The Washington SBDC has been hosted by Washington State University since 1980 and receives about half its funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The other half of its funding comes from WSU, other institutions of higher education, economic development agencies and business and civic organizations.
To make an appointment to meet with Duncan, call the SBDC in Wenatchee at 509-888-7252 or email him at [email protected].
Contact:
Ron Nielsen, SBDC Eastern Region Manager: [email protected]
Kirk Duncan, SBDC certified business advisor: [email protected]
Jim Kuntz, Executive Director, Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority: [email protected]
