MOVING FORWARD, TOGETHER

Over the past several months, I’ve traveled across the state and met with Washington SBDC advisors, staff, partners, and stakeholders. Each conversation has reinforced what I saw when I first stepped into this role: the strength of the Washington SBDC comes from our people and partnerships. 

Our network is statewide, but the work is deeply local. Advisors bring their knowledge and experience to entrepreneurs in their communities, while our funding partners, hosts, economic development organizations, chambers, and other stakeholders connect small businesses with the resources they need to succeed. Together, we create a stronger support system for Washington’s entrepreneurs. 

One of the things that stood out to me: each community is different, while at the same time the needs of entrepreneurs can be very similar. Whether meeting with an advisor, a local economic development organization, a chamber, or another community partner, I heard repeatedly about the importance of a trusted local resource who understands the community and can help business owners work through challenges. I have also seen firsthand how strongly our advisors are connected to the communities they serve, and how much those relationships matter. 

Over and over, these visits confirmed to me that the Washington SBDC is at its best when we combine the resources of a statewide network with robust local partnerships. No single organization can meet every need of a small business, but when we work together, we can connect entrepreneurs to the right expertise, resources, and opportunities at the right time. I have been incredibly encouraged by the willingness of partners across Washington to sit down, share ideas, and look for new ways we can work together. 

As we approach the end of the year, we remain focused on listening to our communities, enhancing our partnerships, and ensuring the Washington SBDC continues to be a trusted resource for small businesses across the state. I’m grateful to everyone who welcomed me into their community and shared their ideas, experiences, and perspectives. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the important role you play in supporting Washington’s small business community. I look forward to continuing this work together. 

Best regards,

Rich French

Interim State Director

Washington SBDC

SBDC CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Roast House Coffee

Owners: Aaron and Allison Jordan

SBDC advisor: Ursula Sanson

Spokane, WA

“Before we started working with SBDC, we were stuck in the day-to-day without much future planning. But because of Ursula’s help, we have plans in motion through the next two years, which is an incredible accomplishment and wouldn’t have been possible without SBDC’s help.”

– Aaron Jordan

South King Media

Owner: Scott Schaefer

SBDC advisor: Rich Shockley

Burien, WA

“My partnership with Rich and the SBDC exemplifies the profound impact mentorship can have on entrepreneurial success.”

– Scott Schaefer

ADVISOR SPOTLIGHT: SUPO TECHAGUMTHORN

Supo Techagumthorn joined the Washington SBDC in March 2025, bringing a unique combination of small business, hospitality, technology, and consulting experience to his work as a business advisor serving Seattle. His position is supported by the Seattle Office of Economic Development.

Supo’s connection to small business began at his family’s Thai restaurant in Lynnwood, where he spent more than a decade helping modernize the business and its operations. After earning his degree from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, he founded a technology consulting firm serving small businesses, later working as a business instructor and technology coach with Ventures. He also brings experience as a commercial real estate broker where he served small businesses throughout the greater Seattle area.



Today, Supo draws on those experiences to help business owners brainstorm solutions to big business challenges, connect with resources and professional networks, and turn ideas into action.

"The Washington SBDC has been an invaluable resource in helping me grow my business. [Supo's] guidance has helped me better understand financial management, business planning, certifications, funding opportunities, and long-term growth strategies. He has provided practical advice that has increased my confidence as a business owner and helped position my company for future success. I truly appreciate [his] professionalism, knowledge, and continued support."

- Service Provider, Seattle - July 2026

Network News

Since the last Biz Buzz newsletter, we have had several staff changes with our network:

• Stacey Dacar, the former SBDC statewide marketing manager, has been named the new assistant state director of operations. Stacey has been with the SBDC since 2016.
• Kyle Todd, the former SBDC advisor in Vancouver, has been named the new assistant director of advising services. Kyle has been with the SBDC since 2024.
• Juan Garcia, formerly the SBDC advisor in Pullman, has relocated to western Washington and is the new SBDC advisor in Tukwila, co-located with Evergreen Business Capital. Juan, a former small business owner, will continue serving entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business.
• Shannon Smith has joined the Washington SBDC at Okanogan County Economic Alliance as a certified business advisors. She will be working with aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners across Okanogan County to help them start, grow, and strengthen their businesses.

Port of Pasco steps up to keep SBDC doors open amid budget cuts

Washington SBDC certified business advisor Maria Peña was recently featured in the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, highlighting her work providing bilingual, no-cost, confidential advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the Tri-Cities. The story also highlights the important role that local partnerships play in connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. We’re grateful to our partners at the Port of Pasco and The Share Fund for their continued support of small business resources in the region.

Read the full story here.

Washington SBDC Partners with 
WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks



The Washington SBDC is partnering with WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks and the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce to help small businesses prepare for the holiday selling season. The Holiday Marketing Playbook: Strategies to Grow Small Business Sales workshop, led by Washington SBDC advisors Christy Mastin and Maria Peña, will provide practical strategies for seasonal marketing, customer experience, and using AI-powered tools to attract customers and increase holiday sales. The hands-on workshop is part of Cougar Tracks’ Resilient Business Builders Network and demonstrates how collaboration among local partners can bring timely, practical resources to small businesses.

More information.

RESOURCE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: WEDA

The Washington SBDC is proud to be an active partner in Washington's economic development community through our ongoing relationship with the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA). WEDA brings together economic development professionals from across the state to share ideas, build connections, and strengthen the communities they serve. Through our participation in WEDA events and committees, the SBDC has opportunities to collaborate with economic development leaders, share resources for small businesses, and better understand the needs of communities across Washington. We value WEDA's role in bringing our state's economic development community together and look forward to continuing to build connections and collaborate in support of Washington's small businesses.

Learn more here.

The Washington SBDC network, hosted by Washington State University, is an accredited member of America’s SBDC. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, institutions of higher education, economic development organizations and other public and private funding partners. Additional information about SBDC funding is available at tinyurl.com/4mbdbn4y.