LONGVIEW, Wash.—A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Small Business Development Center (SBDC) office at Lower Columbia College is set for 2 p.m. on Nov. 13.
The SBDC center at Lower Columbia College is part of a network of more than 30 SBDC centers across the state where small business owners can access no-cost technical assistance for whatever need their business is facing. SBDC business advisors can assist entrepreneurs with diverse matters including preparing for a loan, creating a marketing plan, setting up business systems, managing cash flow and preparing for export. SBDC advisors can also assist entrepreneurs working to start their first business.
Matt Simears, president of Lower Columbia College, will attend the ceremony, as will Longview Mayor Spencer Boudreau and Washington SBDC State Director Sheryl McGrath.
“I am incredibly grateful for the people and programs that have stepped up to make this SBDC center possible,” McGrath said. “Washington’s southwest coastal counties of Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Pacific and Grays Harbor are home to people who are exceptionally hardworking, resourceful, and committed to an extraordinary future for their families and their communities,” she said. “We are thrilled to expand our presence in this area and work alongside existing and aspiring small business owners to help them achieve their dreams.”
Lindsey Cope, vice president of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, said she’s excited about the new center as well. “This expansion will strengthen the resources available to entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and economic growth in Cowlitz County,” she said.
Mark Gaither, a faculty member in Lower Columbia College’s business and IT department, said the SBDC will be a welcome complement to business education in the area. “The SBDC is essential in equipping students and community members with the expertise to grow their businesses,” he said.
The SBDC center in Longview will be the homebase for Kyle Todd, an economic development specialist with more than 15 years’ experience with Main Street programs. In addition to meeting with business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in his office at Lower Columbia College and on Zoom, Todd will also have regular office hours at Greater Grays Harbor Inc. at 506 Duffy St. in Aberdeen.
Todd is continuing to work with stakeholders in other parts of southwest Washington to identify office space for in-person meetings to complement online meetings.
Washington State University has been the statewide host of the Washington SBDC network since its inception in 1980. The program is sustained through a cooperative agreement between WSU and the U.S. Small Business Administration. About half of SBDC funding is provided by the SBA and the other half comes from state and local agencies and organizations, including the Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State University and other institutions of higher education, economic development agencies and municipalities and business organizations.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 2 p.m., Nov. 13 at Lower Columbia College, 1600 Maple St., in Longview.
To schedule an appointment with Kyle Todd, call xxxxx or email [email protected]. For more about the Washington SBDC, go to www.wsbdc.org.
CONTACT:
Kyle Todd: [email protected]
Jennifer Shelton: [email protected]
