The NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) is a non-profit organization that helps entrepreneurs and start-up business owners build and grow a thriving, innovative business that strengthens the economic pulse of northwest Washington.

The NWIRC strives to empower innovative thinkers, inventors, aspiring entrepreneurs and startups throughout their journeys to turn their ideas into successful businesses by offering:

• One-On-One- Business Coaching and Entrepreneur Services.
• Exclusive Business development tool-kits and processes built with years of experience and expertise.
• Connections to business and industry leaders.
• Networking events, Meet-ups, and guest speakers.
• Assistance in the identification of funding and preparation of materials.

Upcoming happenings at the NWIRC in 2023:

The NWIRC is excited to present their 2023 lineup of upcoming events, workshops, cohorts, Meet-Ups, and Business Mini-Series to assist innovative entrepreneurs and startups to build businesses that are resilient and competitive in our digital economy. For the full list of programs and events, visit their website:

For questions, contact Director of Entrepreneur Services Anjuli Johnson ([email protected]).

L-R: Mayor Jon Nehring, Toni Mathews (Vice President, Branch Manager at

Coastal Community Bank), and City Councilmembers Peter Condyles and Tom King

On Monday, Snohomish County Department of Conservation & Natural Resources’ Office of Energy and Sustainability launched the Commercial Property Clean Energy & Resiliency (C-PACER) Program. This new program provides a financial tool for commercial property owners to obtain low-cost financing for energy efficiency, natural disaster and resiliency upgrades that carry with the life of the property instead of the property owner. The C-PACER program supports the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in line with Snohomish County Joint Resolution 19-006 that committed to a goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2045.

Read more.

A Taste of Paradise and Community in Marysville

Coconut Kenny's, in business since 2004, opened its first Snohomish County location in Marysville in July 2022 and in just a few short months has become a hot food spot for many. The business recently won the New Business of the Year award from The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce.

City staff talked with Jesus Lopez, co-owner of Coconut Kenny's in Marysville.

Tell us a little bit about Coconut Kenny’s. What food do you serve?

Lopez: Coconut Kenny's is a tropical-themed restaurant serving pizzas and sandwiches, salads, a bunch of local microbrews. Just a laid-back place to go eat at or grab food on the go. I think I'm a little biased when I say the Tiki Tan is my favorite thing on our menu. It's like a Sriracha-ranch pizza with pepperoni, cilantro, red onions, tomatoes and feta. It's a nice balance of heat and creaminess. 

Coconut Kenny's has several locations, but this is the first one in Snohomish County. Why did you choose Marysville as the location?

Lopez: We’ve had a bunch of wonderful customers in our previous stores. And one thing we learned was that a bunch of them were coming from Snohomish County; Arlington, Marysville, Lake Stevens- a lot of our regulars were from around here. So, we decided to bring a location to them a little closer to home. One day, we just said, "Hey, let's drive around. See if we find our seventh location." When we stopped by here in Marysville, it was well kept. The streets were clean, the traffic was awesome. Marysville was a hub of people- existing customers- coming in from up north. It’s right in the center of everything.

What have you enjoyed about doing business in Marysville?

Lopez: One of the reasons why it took us so long to get over here was it was a little intimidating, you know, getting into a more populated area because we've always been that small town restaurant where we know our customers by their first names. Coming to a new environment with people who haven't heard of Coconut Kenny's before- it was intimidating. But everyone's just so nice and so welcoming. From the city, from the customers, from the vendors, even other local restaurants have come in and supported us. All the support we've been feeling from the different contractors around here, the schools… It’s just been very warming. We definitely made the right choice coming here. 

What are some of your goals with this new location?

Lopez: We're still fairly new here, so we're still trying to establish ourselves within the community. Even though we feel the love from Marysville, from the city, the customers and in our vendors, we still want to establish ourselves as a community member, you know? Some goals of ours is just to keep on supporting. We love supporting kids, whether it be athletics or in their teachings. We try to support schools and all that as much as we can, like getting our foot in there with athletics and Pilchuck and Getchell. We would definitely love to get involved with more of the schools around here.

Is there anything you would like to say the Marysville community?

Lopez: Thank you. Thank you, Marysville. We've definitely felt the love and we appreciate it. Appreciate everything you guys have done to support us and we will continue to give you guys a great place to come and hang out and eat some good food.

Watch the short video interview: