small business

Brooks named SBDC advisor for Skagit, Island, San Juan counties

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Cynthia Ann Brooks has joined the Washington Small Business Development Center in Skagit County where she provides no-cost, confidential advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to start, grow or transition a business. Businesses today operate in a rapidly changing world, Brooks said, […]

Puyallup entrepreneur transforms unemployment into sweet cheesecake success

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC PUYALLUP, Wash. – When Danelle Hillman found herself unemployed with a young daughter to support and another mortgage payment due, she cried for a week, then put her faith in God and a 20-year-old cheesecake recipe.

Banking, marketing experts join SBDC in Puget Sound area

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC TACOMA, Wash. – Taryn Hornby, a former executive in the banking industry, has joined the Washington Small Business Development Center at Green River College to provide one-to-one, confidential, no-cost advising to entrepreneurs who want to start, grow or transition a business.

Sept. 1: Student entrepreneurship program info session

By Erik Gomez, intern, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – Students interested in starting and running a technology-based business are invited to an informational meeting from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, in the Frank Innovation Zone, located on the ground floor of Dana Hall. Refreshments will be served.

Secret ingredient to catering business — a good lease agreement

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC RENTON, Wash. – You might think delicious and beautifully prepared food is key to a successful catering company, and you would be right. But Kenneth Rogers, co-owner and general manager of Rain City Catering, will tell you the secret to his recent success is a good lease.

Cascades hostel draws success from advice, varied clientele

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC WINTHROP, Wash. – Imagine heading up to the Methow Valley to ski, hike, bike, fish or read in the shade of a Cottonwood tree for as little as $25 per night.  Welcome to North Cascades Mountain Hostel owned by the husband and wife team of Paul Smotherman and Audrey […]

Yoga business grows, flexes to deliver corporate classes

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – When successful small business Three Trees Yoga determined to offer classes in the workplace, it needed to learn how to attract companies, rather than individuals, as clients. An ongoing relationship with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provided support the expanding yoga business could […]