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America’s SBDCs help make the dream of small business ownership a reality for more Americans — creating jobs and opportunities that build communities throughout the nation.
See how the Washington SBDC has served its communities.
We received the SBA Rural Small Business of the Year award (WA) because my advisor believed in me. The resources and people the SBDC has connected me with has been invaluable. With their help I am now exploring exports and government contracting.
Susie Jensen, Owner, Wheel Line Cider
SBDC advising drives growth for mobile truck repair
When David Ruelas started Fast Mobile Service Truck Repair & Parts in rural Central Washington, he was just one guy and a truck. Business was good, but growth was slow. Then he hired his sister, Fatima, as office manager, and she sought assistance from the Washington SBDC. In four years, Fast Mobile Service Truck Repair & Parts has grown to three service trucks, 16 employees and a 14,000-square-foot repair shop and parts store.
Despite COVID-19, international trade clients post record increases in 2020
Small businesses working with the Washington SBDC international trade team recorded revenue of more than $56 Million in 2020, an increase of more than $15 Million over 2019.
The SBDC is an incredibly useful resource for people who want to own a business and have no idea what steps to take.
Melanie Voorhees, Co-owner, Zelda's Pet Grooming
Melanie (right) pictured with co-owner, Dani Voorhees
Stronger marketing, clearer message helps software company grow
Brian Rawlings, owner of software company Foura, says his SBDC advisor"s marketing advice & support helped him grow his business. "It's amazing in these unprecedented times to have someone who believes in you, maybe more than you believe in yourself."
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Washingtonians accessed SBDC Advisor presentations and webinars since the start of the pandemic
[The SBDC] really helped me to grow and develop the business side [of the business]...It's always really good to have an outside perspective, an outside voice.
Matthew Purcell Sr., Owner, PCI Pest Control
SBDC advisors have such a breadth of experience. Sometimes you don't even know what you don't know. They can point out things that you never thought to look at.
Arianna Brooke, Co-owner, MILLIANNA
Arianna (left) pictured with co-owner, Sharmilla Persaud
Success is sweet when baker becomes bakery owner
Catalina Jimenez had no baking or management experience when she was hired at Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery, but she was a fast learner. When the owner decided to sell 5 years later, she told Catalina, "If we can make this work, I want you to have it." Catalina, an immigrant from Mexico, had few assets and no idea what to do. With SBDC assistance, she figured it out, got a loan from a regional nonprofit CDFI and bought the business. "This is for you," she tells her kids. "It's for your future."
