Small Business Development Centers

Indian eatery rises from ashes with local, business support

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – As Puja and Kummar Sharma watched firefighters battle the blaze destroying their seven-month-old restaurant, they thought it was a sign: Maybe they weren’t meant to own their own restaurant. But their community wasn’t ready to let the only Indian restaurant in Skagit County disappear.

Sept. 28: Clients share about success with business advising

COLFAX, Wash. – Free, confidential business advising available through the Washington Small Business Development Center will be discussed at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Historic Perkins House in Colfax. Part of the Cup o’ Joe monthly business support group, the presentation will also feature two area entrepreneurs who have benefited from SBDC advising.

Business advising saves state jobs, aerospace support

By Hope Belli Tinney, Small Business Development Center MOSES LAKE, Wash. – When WWII-era buildings at the Port of Moses Lake needed work in 2013, Sonico, the aircraft parts repair and maintenance business leasing those buildings, was told it would have to depart.

Aug. 5: Open house celebrates small business success

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC EVERETT, Wash. – The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Everett will host an open house 3-4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County to celebrate the successes of more than 20 Snohomish County business owners and highlight the diverse services available to help […]

Great Clips purchase a great fit for business professor

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC TACOMA, Wash. – Kory Brown knows business. In fact, he’s a professor of business at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. Still, when he and his wife, Pam, decided to purchase a Great Clips franchise, they enlisted the help of the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Torklift expands exports with global market research

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC SUMNER, Wash. – Torklift International has made hitches, suspension products, steps and more in Washington since 1976 and started building export capacity about 10 years ago. Sales in Australia have been so strong that in 2015 the company opened a warehouse and distribution center in Sydney.

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.