International Trade and Economic DevelopmentDepartment of Community, Trade & Economic Development 
|
Send Page Via EMail View Printable Version (opens in new window) Jump directly to county:
Business Resource Directory
Each of the resources provided in the Directory is described in more detail on the Key Terms page or click on one of the sections below.
Resources for each of Washington's 39 counties are listed below:
Economic Development Councils (EDC) Economic Development Councils across the state provide a variety of services to assist businesses. These services may include local business assistance resources, community profiles, business seminars, industrial site information, export assistance and finance assistance to small businesses wishing to expand their operation, and entrepreneurs who wish to start a business.
Technical Assistance Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) The SBDC provides no-cost one-on-one counseling to small business firms, develops educational programs geared to the needs and interests of small business people, and coordinates and conducts research into general and technical small business problems throughout Washington . Services include management and technical assistance such as: financial analysis, business plan analysis, purchase/sale of business, merchandising/advertising, market assessment, and loan preparation assistance. Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) SCORE is a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Volunteer business executives share their management and technical expertise with prospective owners and managers of small businesses. Every effort is made to match a client's need with a counselor experienced in that line of business. Counseling is provided without charge to the client and is confidential. Many SCORE offices provide workshops and training opportunities.
Washington Manufacturing Services (WMS) WMS is a manufacturing extension program to assist small and medium manufacturing companies improve their competitiveness. WMS has project managers strategically located in offices across the state. Several project managers focus on specific industry areas statewide.
WorkSource Centers provide information, technology and services businesses needs to thrive; and job seekers need to achieve successful careers. WorkSource services for employers include labor market information, job listings, applicant referral, employer assessments, employee training and re-training, business closure and layoffs, and others. WorkFirst is Washington State 's welfare reform program that helps financially struggling families find jobs, keep their jobs, get better jobs and build a better life for their children. See how your business can become a WorkFirst Business Partner-- tax incentives, trainings and other opportunities may be available to you. Community and Technical Colleges Washington ’s community colleges and technical colleges offer a wide variety of adult education programs, including entrepreneurial skills, management, marketing, computer, accounting, job training, college transfer, basic skills, adult literacy and many others.
Finance Business Finance Unit (BFU) - Washington State Dept. of Community, Trade and Economic Development The Business Finance Unit helps businesses secure long-term expansion loans. Finance specialists work to market public financing programs and to structure small business project applications that leverage private investment, generate tax revenue, and create or retain jobs. They also work with businesses to review project proposals, determine financing alternatives, design a financing structure, prepare and assemble application materials, and present projects to appropriate lending authorities. The program's priority projects include creating employment opportunities in high unemployment and timber-impact areas of the state, creation and retention of family-wage jobs and to support minority- and women-owned business development.
Loan Programs (Revolving and Micro Loan Funds) Local revolving and micro loan funds are intended to fill financing gaps and provide access to capital to entrepreneurs who cannot access bank loans. Their policies vary depending on the needs of the local economy. Often, training courses and technical assistance are provided or required as part of the loan process, particularly with micro lending. Some revolving loan funds and the majority of micro loan funds are targeted to low-income and minority entrepreneurs. Similar to the U.S. Small Business Administration guaranteed loan program, revolving funds can in many cases be used to make a bank financing proposal more attractive. The mission of the Chamber of Commerce is to promote commerce by providing value to its members through business education, networking opportunities and effective representation. As grassroots economic development organizations, chambers of commerce are excellent sources of information and business assistance for their communities. Chambers of Commerce provide networking, community activities, and economic development. Port Districts - Washington Public Ports Washington ’s port districts offer a wide range of services designed to meet the specific economic development needs of their communities. Ports build and operate marinas, airports, railroads, parks, recreational facilities, industrial sites, and shipping terminals, as well as promote tourism in their areas.
|