Small Business

Advising helps woodworker grow business, financial acumen

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC OLYMPIA, Wash. – Custom cabinetry shop Beech Tree Woodworks grew out of owner Nic James’ passion for wood and appreciation of quality craftsmanship. Then it grew out of its location in a 2,200-square-foot shop under his apartment.

Immigrant finds a home providing homes for elderly

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC FERNDALE, Wash. – As an immigrant from Ethiopia, Bizu Getachew depended on housekeeping and caregiving work “for survival” when she moved to Seattle in 1996. But while employed at an adult family home, she realized she enjoyed the work and was good at it.

Businesses head to South Korea to explore new markets

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC MOSES LAKE, Wash. – Business owners from Grant County are headed to South Korea April 26 for an eight-day trade mission to explore export opportunities for Eastern Washington products ranging from flour to exercise equipment.

Setting up business overseas easier with free, expert counsel

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC SPOKANE, Wash. – When Coleen Quisenberry created Flexhibit to design, assemble and install hands-on, interactive science exhibits for discovery centers and children’s museums, she assumed her primary customers would be in the United States.

Advisor helps nurse practitioner serve small community

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC MONTESANO, Wash. – One day Laura Raykowski, a nurse practitioner and owner of Hometown Family Health, walked out of an exam room to see her office manager talking to an indigent patient about billing.

Advisor helps family keep business true to their values

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC WAUCONDA, Wash. – John and Tree Kiesecker had quit their day jobs, he as an orchardist and she as a nurse, and were scrambling to make ends meet when they heard about the free business advising services of the Washington Small Business Development Center. They made an appointment to […]