SBDC corner coaching supports Bellingham small business growth

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…

Schoening brings 35+ years’ experience to SBDC advising in Kittitas County

CLE ELUM, Wash.—Barry Schoening, a former small business owner with more than 35 years’ experience in mortgages and securities, is the new Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business advisor in Kittitas County. Shoening’s office is located at the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce in Cle Elum and he is available to meet in person or…

Jennifer Dye Selected as Associate State Director of the Washington SBDC

SPOKANE, Wash. — Jennifer Dye has been named the new associate state director of the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Dye has been the SBDC Center Director at South Puget Sound Community College since 2020 and has been an SBDC business advisor for more than eight years. The Washington SBDC is a network of…

Juan Garcia

Prior to joining the Washington SBDC at Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Juan worked in the restaurant industry alongside many talented chefs. Most recently, he was head chef at Roundtop Public House, where he mentored culinary students. Previously, Juan and his spouse opened a mobile food business in Seattle, The Tamale Guy, where they implemented their…

SBDC trade mission brings Washington specialty beverages to Hong Kong and Taipei

SPOKANE, Wash.—When the pandemic shut down restaurants, bars and tasting rooms across Washington State, producers of artisanal and craft adult beverages, including wine, cider, beer and spirits, were hit hard. In response, the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) began working with partners across the state to expand export opportunities. When COVID restrictions were in…

Empty nesters access SBDC services to start a business and achieve their dream

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…

SBDC at Pierce College provides one-to-one support for small business growth

PUYALLUP, Wash.–Small business owners and entrepreneurs can now get no-cost technical assistance to start, grow or buy/sell a business from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) office at Pierce College. Liz Jamieson, the SBDC certified business advisor at Pierce College, provides one-on-one, confidential advising to small business owners in nearly any industry and at any…

SBDC Star Client champions neurodiversity with innovative retail space

LACEY, Wash.—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. Business owner Katie McMurray was honored at the Small Business Awards Gala on May 3 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. “Sensory Tool…

Hornby receives Washington SBDC top honor

AUBURN, Wash.– The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has named Taryn Hornby, an SBDC small business advisor at Green River College in Auburn, the network’s 2022 State Star. She will be honored for this achievement at the America’s SBDC annual conference in Nashville in September. “Our annual State Star award is intended to recognize…