Small Business Development Centers

Experienced employee grabs reins as owner with SBDC support

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington Small Business Development Center EVERETT, Wash. – Carrie deKubber has held just about every position at Bob’s Burgers and Brew over the past 20 years, but thanks to the Washington Small Business Development Center, she added a new title this year — owner.

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 […]

Fruit, nut exporter connects U.S. farms, China markets

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC TACOMA, Wash. – Farm Breeze International, a specialty crop export company headquartered in Tacoma, did $7.5 million in revenue in its first year selling tree nuts and fruit concentrate to China. In its second year, 2016, it shipped 15 million pounds of tree nuts and revenue more than tripled.

Business advisor connection sparks electrical service success

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC YAKIMA, Wash. – When Rod Cassel met Yakima business advisor Linda Johnson, he was looking for a lifeline. After several decades as general manager at a large, well-established electrical service company, the family-owned business reorganized and he was out of a job.

Shopping to support generosity of local businesses

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC SPOKANE, Wash. – When local high school officials need prizes for Sober Grad Night, who do they call? When the local youth sports team needs a sponsor or when dozens of community nonprofits need items for a silent auction, who do they call?