ABOUT
SBDC
The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a network of more than 30 expert business advisors working in communities across the state to help entrepreneurs or small business owners start, grow or buy/sell a business.
SBDC advisors provide one-on-one, confidential, no-cost advising on all phases of small business development and are often co-located with economic development specialists in community colleges, economic development agencies or government agencies. Other services of the Washington SBDC include no-cost or low-cost workshops on a variety of business topics and customized market research services.
The Washington SBDC, a member of the national America’s SBDC program, is governed by a cooperative agreement between Washington State University, which is the statewide host of the program, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Mission: Helping Washington businesses grow and succeed through advising, education and research.
Vision: To be Washington’s world-class business advising service.
Values
Innovation: We educate and empower businesses to develop creative solutions, data driven decisions and best practices.
Integrity: We embrace responsible stewardship of public resources and serve the best interest of Washington businesses.
Collaboration: We cultivate partnerships to ensure entrepreneurs have the resources and tools to thrive.
Inclusion: We are committed to fostering and sustaining a culture of inclusion through equitable outreach and service to Washington’s diverse business community.
STARTZONE
StartZone is part of Highline College Business Development Center, founded in 2008. The initiative represents a beacon of hope and support for aspiring entrepreneurs from marginalized communities in South King County. This initiative is specifically designed to empower those who often face significant barriers in the business world, including low-income individuals, BIPOC communities, women, immigrants, refugees, and people with disabilities.
StartZone assists South King County residents and small business owners in attaining financial independence by creating businesses that are financially secure, profitable, and deeply integrated into the local economy.
We provide comprehensive no-cost services, including:
- Business Workshops and Trainings
- Confidential One-on-One Business Advising
- Assessments and Business Plan Development
- Community Partnership Referrals and Access to Resources
- Support with Loan Packaging