Join us for a cyber security workshop next week! This workshop will be held at the Port of Columbia office on January 16th. Learn how to protect your data, your customers, and your peace of mind in today's digital world.

Please email jill@portofcolumbia.org if you are interested in attending!

Everyone is welcome!

These workshops are for anyone who currently operates an early learning or child care program OR who is interested in starting one in Walla Walla County or Columbia County, including in-home and center-based programs.

Join us on January 28th at the Port of Columbia office to learn from our local SBDC advisor all about the financials of running a small business!

Please email jill@portofcolumbia.org if you are interested in attending!

Everyone is welcome!

You can continue to recycle your glass throughout the winter! BIG Recyclers is moving to its winter schedule with drop-offs from 10 am - noon on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Walla Walla Airport Complex location at 240 C Street. This schedule will continue through March 2025. Mark your calendar with these dates: 



January 14 and 28

February 11 and 25

March 11 and 25

As a reminder, they accept all glass food, beverage and cosmetic containers that have been rinsed and have the lids removed.

As part of the WA State Small Business Credit Initiative, the CSP  assists small businesses with qualifying for financing due to a collateral shortfall in their 504 interim loan. The CSP can be used for construction and straight purchase projects. For more information, check out the access to capital page here.

A new cohort for the ScaleUp Business Training begins mid-January! This training helps established businesses increase profitability, build capacity, and spur growth. It is a flexible time commitment and is delivered online. This program which normally costs $1,599 is currently provided at no cost to Washington State businesses through June 30, 2025, thanks to ongoing support from the Washington Department of Commerce. For more information, go here.

As of November 2024, the unemployment rate for Columbia County was 4.9%. This is a very slight increase of 0.2% from last month, and continues the trend of very little recent changes in the unemployment rate.