August Events:

Quick Byte: Cost and Revenue

August 15th, 2024

10:00 AM

Tune in to our Facebook or YouTube pages to watch this short video and learn more about how businesses earn and spend money, including a simple equation to determine revenue and a breakdown of different types of costs.

Start Simple: Spanish Version

August 15th, 2024

5:00 PM

This co-hort will be offered specifically to our Spanish speaking community.

Learn basic business concepts and figure out if your business goals are realistic and achievable. Start with this 4week course (2hrs/week) and then move on to one on one counseling. Offered at no cost. Classes will be held on Thursdays starting: August 15th, August 22nd, August 29th and September 5th from 5-7 at the Economic Alliance office and can be offered via zoom if needed.

Okanogan County Thriving Communities

September 11th-12th, 2024

8:30 AM-4:30 PM

12 Tribes Omak Hotel, 28968 Hwy 97,

Omak, WA 98841

A Community-Centered Convening with Federal & State Partners and Key Community Leaders to Talk About Federal & State Programs to Help Grow Okanogan County.

Start Simple

September 19th, 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 4week course (2hrs/week) and then move on to one on one counseling. Offered at no cost. Classes will be held on Thursdays starting: September 19th, September 26th, October 3rd, and October 10th from 5-7 at the Economic Alliance office and can be offered via zoom if needed.

Social Media Marketing Tools

How to do social media marketing for small businesses:

Successful social media marketing requires strategy. There are many aspects to consider when choosing your marketing campaigns, including:

Metrics

You can gain valuable insight by tracking interactions on your social media sites, like shares, likes, comments, and call-to-action responses, to measure how many people view your content. Understanding metrics can help you optimize your social media campaign performances by showing your strengths and weaknesses. For example, you may have many impressions but not a high CTR (click-through rate).

Alignment with business objectives

Effective SMM plans have a clear alignment with company objectives. Before you start designing posts, determine your goals, be specific, and make them measurable so it’s easier to track their success.

Competitive analysis

Researching your competition to learn the content they use and their interactions with their customers can provide strategic insights. Perform a competitive analysis to identify their strengths and weaknesses and then strategize to capitalize on them.

Audience personas

Research the demographics for each social media platform. Once you know who your customers are and the sites they frequent, you can create specific content that your customers find compelling and deliver it right to them.

Content calendar

Keep track of what you create and distribute to your customers with a content calendar. Ensure fresh, new content that’s interesting and actionable to keep your audience engaged. Mix it up with a balance of videos, products, pictures, and information throughout your campaign—daily, weekly, and monthly.

Social media audit

Perform a self-assessment of your business’s social media presence to determine what you’re doing well and what needs improving. Observe who engages with your content and use this information to enhance your content, profile, and online interactions.

Analytics

Data provided by social media sites can help you assess your performance and make adjustments to improve your strategies. They include interactions such as:

• page views
• likes
• shares
• clicks
• comments

Consistent content

Create a memorable experience for your audience by keeping your brand voice consistent and ensuring your content is professional and engaging.

Information courtesy of indeed.com

Networking Opportunity

The Nonprofit Practices Institute is partnering with nonprofits across the region to host Board Socials & Networking Events! Join them on Thursday, August 22, 2024 in at the CFNCW Omak Office, 715A Okoma Drive. Sign up here.

Funding Opportunity

SBA is offering a Hardship Accommodation Plan (HAP) for COVID-19 EIDL borrowers experiencing short-term financial challenges. Borrowers eligible for this plan may pay 10% of their usual payments for six months, without first catching up on missed payments. Borrowers will have the option to renew after the plan concludes.

Eligibility

All loans in repayment, including past due loans, are eligible. You're also eligible if your loan is in default (more than 120 days late on a payment) as long as it hasn't been sent to the Treasury for extra collection steps.



Click Here for more information on how to apply!

Learning Opportunity

Whether you are a small shop, or a volunteer run organization, your nonprofit’s success depends on finding qualified, dedicated people and keeping them happy, engaged, and accountable. While small nonprofits face complex challenges in accessing and implementing strategic human resource management, leaders at all levels can still pursue impactful systems, even with limited time and resources.

Understanding the essentials is critical because nonprofit HR includes areas required for compliance with local, state, and federal law as well as great team development. In this workshop, participants will explore regulations and practices that support an organization’s ability to pursue its mission in the most effective way possible through talent management, compliance, recruitment, and onboarding. Click Here

Informative Reading

As a small business owner, did you know your personal credit score could make or break your chances of getting the financing you need? It's true! Learn more here!

Learning Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched the first of five planned small business loan and investment programs aimed at increasing access to capital for small businesses in Washington state, particularly those that have been historically underserved or underbanked. 

For more information Click Here!

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

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