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Upcoming Events, Industry News, and more! | |
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March Events:
Quick Byte: Money Smart for Small Business
March 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
March 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
Marzo 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!
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Past Trainings Available on Demand
In case you missed our previous training on Smart Phone Photography, you can catch up here!
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Funding Opportunity
Okanogan Valley Fund
While Okanogan County spans over 5,300 square miles, its population is just over 42,000. Its expansive beauty lies along rolling hills of agriculture, farmland, and wildlife. Residents enjoy and care for their quiet, rural communities.
The Okanogan Valley Fund will provide funding for charitable causes that aim to preserve, protect, and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Qualified nonprofits can apply for grant funding each Spring and people who love and care for the Okanogan Valley can donate to the fund - during or after their lifetime - to increase the annual grant award allotment.
Click Here for more information.
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Learning Opportunity
Workshops designed to help manufacturers gain a foundational understanding and practical insights of supply chain management as well as network with like-minded peers.
Click Here for more information and to sign up!
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Learning Opportunity
Ensure Export Compliance
Join the U.S. Commercial Service for the ACE/AES Export Compliance Seminar. This 2-day series will provide U.S. companies with comprehensive information on current and future regulations, classification, and data tools, as well as federal updates and essential export information.
More information and to sign up:
Go to the Click Here web page.
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Building Permit Reports
View a report of the most recent applied and granted Building Permits in the region.
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Beneficial Ownership Information
As of Feb. 19th, Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements are back in effect for corporations, LLCs and other entities that register through the secretary of state. The new deadline to file an initial or updated BOI report is March 21st.
Click Here for more information!
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Minimizing Lender Risk Supports Small Business Growth
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) supports the export growth of small businesses across the U.S. While international expansion offers significant growth opportunities, it can also introduce additional risks for lenders. The SBA has designed programs that enhance development opportunities and minimize lender risk by providing a 90% guarantee.
Click Here for more information!
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Schedule C and Small Business Taxes
Attendees will learn business deductions and credits. This workshop promotes tax planning to pay no more than the right amount of taxes, covering topics like Schedule C, deductions, profit, and loss. Save money on income taxes by writing it off!
About the Presenter: David Higgins works for the IRS in the Communications and Liaison Division as a Tax Specialist in Seattle, WA. David serves as the primary IRS contact to community, industry, and business organizations throughout the State of Washington. David coordinates, educates, and presents a variety of tax topics to all taxpayer communities, including employers, community groups, small business resource partners and tax practitioner organizations.
Click Here to read more!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Property Spotlights
Are you looking for the perfect space to expand, or start your small business? Check out these prime property options available in the area! The Economic Alliance is here to connect you with resources to help your business thrive.
For more information and to find more properties. Click Here
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Boots to Business
Entrepreneurial education and training program for service members and military spouses.
About Boots to Business
Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by SBA as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). B2B provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and military spouses.
Begin your journey
Introduction to Entrepreneurship: The foundational two-day, in-person course provides you with an introductory understanding of business ownership.
Continue your journey
Optional Follow-on Courses: “B2B: Revenue Readiness” is an online course delivered through a partnership with Mississippi State University. Receive sign-up information once you complete the in-person introductory course. B2B and B2BR participants are also encouraged to take advantage of the many resources offered by the SBA and its partner network.
Click Here for more information about Boots to Business.
The Economic Alliance has a SBDC Certified Business Advisor on staff to meet with you!
To schedule an appointment, give us a call at: (509) 826-5107
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Okanogan County Career & Resource Fair
The Okanogan County Career & Resource Fair is happening on Tuesday March 11, 2025 at the Omak Community Center from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and come dressed for success! You'll meet local employers who are ready to hire, and find resources to help you on your career.
For Job seekers: Meet local employers who are ready to hire, discover job openings tailored to your skills and aspirations, and secure potential interviews and job offers. Learn from experts who can guide your career journey and connect with professionals and peers. Don't miss this chance to shape your future! The job fair aims to attract a diverse group of attendees, providing them with opportunities to connect with local employers, explore job openings, and gain valuable career insights.
For Employers: Discover exceptional talent and elevate your recruitment efforts at our upcoming Job Fair. This event offers employers the chance to access a diverse pool of qualified candidates, from recent graduates to experienced professionals. Build meaningful connections and evaluate candidates' communication skills and enthusiasm in person. Increase their organization's visibility and demonstrate their dedication to the local workforce. Take advantage of networking opportunities to foster collaborations with other businesses and professionals. Create engaging booths that reflect your brand and showcase your company culture. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to unlock new possibilities for your organization.
To learn more about what WorkSource can do for your Small Business Click Here
WorkSource Okanogan also has other programs and services to help employers meet their workforce needs.
Contact Worksource today to learn more at 509-826-7310.
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Winter 2024
Paid Sick Leave
Since Jan. 1, 2018, employers in Washington State are required to provide paid sick leave to their employees. Legislation passed in 2024 updates the definition of family members for which a worker can use paid sick leave while caring for them. It also expands when paid sick leave can be used. These changes have a Jan. 1, 2025 effective date.
The tabs below give both employers and employees an overview of Washington's paid sick leave requirements. In-depth information is also available for employers on the following topics:
Click Here to learn more!
You can request a no-charge consult through L&I for any questions you may have.
For more information
Go online to www.Lni.wa.gov or lni.wa.gov/espanol
Besides the L&I’s website, contact program specialists via email at L&I or by calling 509-209-3448.
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