Big Resources for Small Businesses
The Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) of Washington and North Central Idaho, in conjunction with USDA Rural Development and the SBA Seattle District, will be hosting two upcoming events to connect rural small business owners with essential resources
to grow and expand.
Both sessions will be in-person, are free to attend, and registration is required. Topics will include presentations on funding programs from USDA Rural Development and SBA, introductions to federal contracting opportunities, and tips from your local SBDC advisor
on starting and growing a successful small business.
Thursday, Sept 8 in Moscow, Idaho
Wednesday, Sept. 14 in Walla Walla, WA
SBA Supports Women in Business
Women’s Equality Day is August 26, and SBA is proud to support Woman-Owned Small Businesses. Whether you are thinking about starting a business or ready to grow and expand, mentorship, guidance and funding opportunities are one click away.
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Women’s
Business Centers (WBCs) provide free and low-cost counseling and training with a focus on women who want to start, grow, and expand their small business. Learn more and
find a location near you.
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Financial Assistance: Women entrepreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of the SBA’s loan
programs. SBA-guaranteed loans give aspiring women entrepreneurs the support they need to start their businesses. There is even financial help for seasoned business owners looking to grow, expand, or recover. SBA partners offer advice and counseling to
lead women entrepreneurs in the right direction.
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Did you know that the SBA hosts a free educational platform for women entrepreneurs looking to grow or improve their business? Ascent is
a user-centered digital tool that allows women business owners to customize their learning experience. Ascent is divided into modules called “Journeys,” which are developed by experts in women’s entrepreneurship. Within each Journey are “Excursions” that help
users master the topic.
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Get
certified as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). The federal government’s goal is to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year.
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SBA’s
8(a) Business Development Program is a unique federal certification that empowers small business growth through federal contracts. In addition to becoming eligible for set-aside and sole-source contracts, 8(a)-certified firms receive one-on-one business
development assistance for their nine-year term from dedicated Business Opportunity Specialists focused on helping firms grow and accomplish their business objectives, and strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.
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Exporting Conference Sept 8
Join the SBA at the “Small Business Growth via U.S. – Korea Trade” exporting conference focused on exporting opportunities in the South Korean market. This event will include a full-day conference of presentations and panel discussions on Thursday, Sept. 8,
and reception the evening prior.
SBA Regional Administrator Mike Fong (Region X serving Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho) will be speaking at both events, along with leadership from the SBA Office of International Trade.
Both events are open to the public and free to attend. For more information and registration:
Reception: Wednesday, Sept. 7 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Conference: Thursday, Sept. 8 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Small Business Owners Invited to Digital Tools Outreach Meeting Sept. 12
The Office of Advocacy, an independent office within the U.S. Small Business Administration, is holding an outreach meeting in Seattle on Sept.13 to hear from small businesses about their views on access to, and use of digital tools. The use of digital tools
is a key enabler for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to innovate, grow and compete. Its uptake varies significantly across sectors and regions. Beyond training and education gaps and market access barriers, SMEs face challenges regarding access to
technologies, data, and finance.
The purpose of the listening sessions with SMEs and underserved communities is to develop recommendations for U.S. and E.U. policymakers through the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) that will help accelerate SME access to, and the uptake, of digital technologies.
When
Monday, Sept 12 2022
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where
SBA Seattle District Office
2401 4th Ave, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
RSVP
For additional information RSVP to:
Rosalyn Steward, Assistant Chief Counsel, SBA Office of Advocacy
rosalyn.steward@sba.gov
Join SBA to connect with local procurement community Sept. 21
Join SBA Seattle subject matter experts at the 2022 Regional Contracting Forum. This free event is an opportunity for small businesses to connect with government contracting representatives and network with contractors, consultants, and suppliers. The Regional
Contracting Forum will take place in-person on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Muckleshoot Event Center in Auburn. For more information please visit:
Applications open until Sept. 9
Applications for the Working Washington Grants: Round 5, and new Convention Center Grants program opened on Aug. 17. Together these programs will distribute $75 million in pandemic relief grants to eligible small businesses and nonprofits across Washington.
The
Washington State Department of Commerce manages the grants with support from the
Washington State Arts Commission.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sept 9
For more information, application portal, and recordings of recent trainings and info sessions visit:
Technical assistance is available to help you start your business, prepare for loan applications, build valuable skills, and more.
The SBA Seattle District Office works with a network of Resource Partners across Washington State and northern Idaho that are available to assist with business support through workshops, trainings, and one-on-one counseling.
Friday, September 2
2 – 4 p.m. |
Your Business Journey: Get Started!
Monday, September 5
7:30 pm |
Comadres (registration deadline)
Thursday, September 8
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
Business Expert Session: A Farmer’s Guide to Reporting to the IRS*
1 – 4 p.m. |
Big Resources for Small Businesses
*SBA’s participation or support is not an endorsement of any product, service, or entity
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