February Events:

Start Simple

February 13th, 2024

5:00 PM

Have a Business Idea? Let’s make it happen!  

Learn basic business concepts and figure out if your business goals are realistic and achievable. Start with this short course and then move on to one on one counseling. Offered at no cost. Classes will be held on Thursdays February 13th and 27th from 5-7 at the Economic Alliance office.

Click Here to sign up today!

Quick Byte: Money Smart for Small Business

February 19th, 2025

10:00 AM

Tune in for a short Quick byte presentation on

Money Smart for Small Business, an educational curriculum developed by the FDIC and SBA. Tune in to learn about the topics covered by the program, what it does to prepare you for business ownership, and how to participate if you're interested.

Start Simple-One on One

February 2024

Have a Business Idea? Let’s make it happen!  

One-on-One Instruction Opportunity: Want to attend our Start Simple business course but unable to make the times or location? Register here to indicate your interest - we'll reach out to coordinate a place and time that work for you.

Click Here to sign up today!

Comience simple: uno a uno

febrero 2024

¿Tiene una idea de negocio? ¡Hagámoslo realidad!  

Oportunidad de instrucción individualizada: ¿Quiere asistir a nuestro curso de negocios Start Simple pero no puede cumplir con el horario o el lugar? Regístrese aquí para indicar su interés; nos comunicaremos con usted para coordinar un lugar y un horario que le convengan.

Click Here to sign up today!

Past Trainings Available on Demand

In case you missed our previous training on Smart Phone Photography, you can catch up here!

Learning Opportunity

Grant Writing Road Trip Summit 2025

The Nonprofit Practices Institute and Thriving Together NCW are bringing the Grant Writing Road Trip Summit back to North Central Washington this spring! This series has been created to offer professional grant writing training to nonprofits across the region.



Grant Writing Essentials

This Grant Writing 101 class is an in person, one-day training that offers participants a step-by-step introduction to crafting compelling and successful grant proposals. Through practical exercises and expert guidance, attendees will learn the fundamentals of grant writing to increase their confidence and effectiveness in securing funding.

Grants Management



This Grant Writing 201 class is an in person, one-day training that provides a comprehensive overview of essential practices for effectively managing grant awards, from compliance and reporting to fostering strong funder relationships. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to ensure successful grant implementation while aligning with funder expectations and organizational goals.

Click Here for more information.

Learning Opportunity

New Rulemaking To Restrict Lead In Cosmetics

The Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act restricts the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cosmetic products that contain certain toxic chemicals within Washington. This new rulemaking will identify a feasible approach to regulating lead in cosmetic products, including potentially adopting a different limit on lead.



Interim policy on lead restrictions

Manufacturers unable to achieve lead concentrations below 1 part per million (ppm) can choose to follow the interim policy.

More information

Go to the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act web page.

Learning Opportunity

Update on the BOI:

As of January 24th, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department is accepting only voluntary submissions of beneficial ownership information, and reporting companies such as LLCs and corporations will not be penalized for failing to file a report. The legal situation remains fluid however, and additional changes can be expected as new decisions are reached in court.

Click Here to ready more!

Building Permit Reports

View a report of the most recent applied and granted Building Permits in the region.



• Chelan County
• Douglas County
• Okanogan County

Legislative Updates

Budget savings directive from Gov. Ferguson would not reduce the maintenance level for 2025–27

Earlier this month, Gov. Ferguson released a budget priorities document that called for across-the-board spending cuts. This sounded like a promising way to start to close the operating budget shortfall. However, the document did not specify the spending level from which the reductions would be made. When I wrote about Gov. Ferguson’s proposal, I assumed that his across-the-board cuts would begin with the maintenance level for 2025–27. (The maintenance level is the cost of continuing current services, adjusted for inflation and enrollment.) That assumption was wrong.



Click Here for more information!

Paid Family & Medical Leave Premium Rate Changes in 2025

The Employment Security Department (ESD) recalculates the Paid Leave premium rate every October based on the contributions and benefits paid from the previous year. The Paid Family & Medical Leave premium rates changed effective January 1, 2025.

• New Premium Rate: Increased to 0.92%.
• Contribution Breakdown:
• Employers will pay 28.48% of the total premium.
• Employees will pay 71.52%.
• Small Businesses: Employers with fewer than 50 employees do not have to pay the employer portion but must collect the employee portion or pay it on the employees' behalf.

Click Here for more information!

The Brownfields Program

Ecology’s Brownfields Program in the Toxics Cleanup Program helps local governments, Tribes, nonprofits, and community organizations investigate, clean up, and redevelop brownfields. 

A brownfield is a formerly developed property that is now vacant or underutilized and may have environmental contamination. Typical brownfields include abandoned gas stations, old dry cleaners, and former orchard lands. Chances are good you live near a brownfield because Washington has more than 14,000 of them. 



Click Here to read more!

Learning Opportunity

FREE On-Demand

Business Training Center

StartUp Washington provides a FREE On-Demand Training Center administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

It offers no-cost education that entrepreneurs can use to build a successful enterprise.

Explore your opportunities!



Click Here for more information

Are you interested in making a difference in Okanogan County??

The Economic Alliance is now recruiting for new Board Members! We recently added new positions to our board, and we would love to have additional small business representatives join us from throughout the county! Please email Roni or call 509-826-5107 to learn more!



We have also facilitated the CCT and Okanogan County Broadband Action Team since 2019! If you are interested in participating in this great group of people who are committed to bringing broadband infrastructure to all the residents in Okanogan County, please email Roni today!

If you are interested in participating or learning more about these committees, give us a call at 509-826-5107

Learning Opportunity



Did you know Revenue’s Telephone Information Center has a dedicated Spanish line? 

It’s true! Call 360-705-6706 for tax and license assistance in Spanish. 

Get ready to file your excise tax returns by attending a free webinar

Learn about your tax reporting responsibilities with the Business Tax Basics webinar. We will discuss tax classifications, deductions, sales tax collection, and recordkeeping requirements. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about taxes that apply specifically to your business. This webinar is offered in English and Spanish. Register online at dor.wa.gov/BusinessTaxWorkshops.

Register online to let us know you’re coming.

Share your Thoughts



We want to know what kind of business trainings would benefit our communities! Please take our brief survey and help us better support the small businesses of Okanogan County!

Click Here to take the survey!

Attention Owners

of Commercial Buildings or Lots!

The Economic Alliance is compiling a list of vacant properties that are for sale, lease or rent throughout Okanogan County. We receive several inquires throughout the year from individuals who are looking for a locations to start/move their business to. We would love to add yours to our list!

Please send the following information to Mason Duke.

• Location-Physical Address
• Lot/Building size
• Utility- Information-electrical load capacity, AC/Heat pump etc.
• Ceiling Height
• Rooms, Restrooms, amenities etc
• Asking price