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For many folks, November equals Thanksgiving. But it’s also a time to honor the tireless, hardworking, inspired and inspirational entrepreneurs around us with Entrepreneurship Month. Locally, there are many civic organizations dedicated to entrepreneurial success. The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) and its  Center for Business & Innovation (CBI) and Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) is one organization that works around the clock helping local businesses begin, expand, adapt and succeed in today’s fast-paced, crowded marketplace.

The U.S. State Department says that November’s Entrepreneurship Month, which also contains Global Entrepreneurship Week, is “a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs who serve their communities and bolster the American economy.”

When launching a small business or moving from side-hustle crafter to full-time entrepreneur, it can be tricky to know where to start.  

The Center for Business & Innovation Encourages Development at Any and Every Stage

Dr. Sean Moore, Director of the CBI and adjunct business faculty member at South Puget Sound Community College explains that within our region, more than 99% of businesses are considered small businesses.

“Thurston County values its small businesses and the shop local mantra is strong in this region,” says Moore. “There is a vibrant entrepreneur ecosystem in place that includes an Economic Development Council with one of largest startup and growth resource offerings in the state along with one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in the state. Thurston County is also home to one of the top ten community colleges in the nation in South Puget Sound Community College.”

For those taking the first step, says Moore, these groups offer online courses, in-person trainings, no cost start-up advising and a proximity to the Lacey MakerSpace for making product prototypes or logo branded merchandise.

Moore also states the EDC’s “entrepreneur ecosystem provides resources for entrepreneurs in any stage of business. We have an intake process that ensures entrepreneurs are quickly routed to the most appropriate resource inside or outside of our organization for their immediate needs. Not only can the CBI provide resources for new and growing businesses it can help well established businesses research new markets and customers as well as measure their economic impact through our Research and Development Team.”

These programs include Business Enterprise Startup Training (BEST) for new entrepreneurs in writing a strong business plan to apply for an SBA microloan, typically the only funding path for new entrepreneurs other than self-funding or investors.

The Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) offers tailored training and resources which have helped more than 380 businesses in 2024 alone. Photo courtesy: Center for Business & Innovation

The Washington Center for Women in Business is a popular program that provides no cost business advising, a bi-monthly podcast, and hosts INSPIRE! an annual women’s business conference.

For growth stage businesses the CBI is home to the APEX Accelerator, a statewide program providing no-cost advising on the navigation of, identification and bidding how-to for city, state and federal government contracts. The ScaleUp Program, which the EDC administers on behalf of the Washington State Department of Commerce is another no-cost business growth training program that assists growing businesses in creating strategies for revenue growth.

The majority of EDC training courses are online and on-demand so busy business owners can participate in their free time. But there are also plenty of fun opportunities to network and mingle.

Center for Business & Innovation building
The Thurston Economic Developement Council (EDC) and Center for Business & Innovation (CBI) are just two local groups dedicated to helping Thurston County entrepreneurs. Photo courtesy: Center for Business & Innovation

 Supporting Local Businesses Builds a Strong, Vibrant Economy

Ashley Whitley, program manager for the Washington Center for Women in Business, states that their resources overlap with other programs as well as fill in gaps. “The WCWB is a statewide resource for women to utilize at any time to start or grow their businesses,” says Whitley. “The program is designed to remove any and all barriers to education, networking and business support through any economic or political changes. Women are continuing to start businesses at an astonishing rate, with the WCWB helping 31 new businesses in Washington become licensed and 383 businesses received counseling in 2024 so far.”

Other community partners and industry sponsors include SPSCC, Saint Martin’s University, the Cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater and Yelm, the Washington State Department of Commerce, the SBA and the EDA. Moore thanks them for “continued support in helping to create one of the best resource support systems for businesses in Washington.”

To learn more, check out the website, email office@thurstonedc.com or call the resource hotline at 888.821.6652 to get started. For agriculture or food-related businesses, check out the new Southwest Washington Regional Agricultural Business & Innovation Park due to open soon.

This November, shop locally as the holidays approach and take a minute to thank the entrepreneurs who keep Thurston County moving forward. Or take the plunge yourself and face 2025 as your own boss, living the entrepreneurial dream.

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