small business

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 […]

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.

Business advising promotes teacher to Montessori ownership

By Hope Belli Tinney, Washington SBDC MONROE, Wash. – Sometimes Thea Heineman cannot quite believe that she and her husband Aaron are owners of the Monroe Montessori School. Founded in 1978 by Allan and Gayle Washburn, the school serves approximately 130 families in Snohomish County and has a student population of 150 with classes for […]

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?

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.

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.