Your monthly news & updates |
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Upcoming Events, Industry News, and more! |
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Workshop Schedule:
Social Media Marketing
February 9th
5:30-7:30 PM
L&I Updates for the Construction Industry
February 16th
1:30-3:00 PM
Access To Capital for Small Businesses
February 23rd
10:00-12:00 PM
L&I Minor Work Regulations, Resources and Requirements for Employers
March 14th
1:30-3:00 PM
Register to attend via in person or zoom!
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Business 101
Interview with the Expert
Social Media Best Practices
Sheila Corson
Learn more about Social Media Best Practices from Sheila Corson, who will join me for our Business 101 Interview with the Expert on 02.2.23 at 1:30, join us live on the Okanogan County
Economic Alliance Facebook Page!
Sheila will be available to answer questions from the audience!
Department of Commerce
Flex Fund Program Extended through March 2023
The Small Business Flex Fund launched last year as part of a pandemic recovery program. The Fund currently has nearly $45 million in available loans for eligible small businesses, and they have extended application deadlines through March 2023 so that more business owners can take advantage of this unique public-private partnership.
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UW Michael G. Foster
School of Business
FREE Business Certificate Program
This free six week program provides participants an opportunity to learn proven business concepts, expand your business skills and improve your job performance.
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When? Feb. 2 - March 9, every Thursday, from 6pm to 9pm via Zoom
- Registration Required
SBA: 2023 Small Business Trends
Whether you are starting a business this year or setting your sights for strategic growth, having well-informed expectations can help you make the right moves. While it is impossible to predict exactly what the future will bring, here are the trends the SBA is monitoring as we begin the new year.
View Workshops, Event Calendars & Training Opportunities:
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DID YOU KNOW??
That the Economic Alliance has the following subcommittees that you can participate in:
- CCT/Okanogan County Broadband Action Team
- Vacant/Abandoned Building Committee
- Business Education Committee
If you are interested in participating or learning more about these committees, give us a call at 509-826-5107
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Are you a business owner needing access to technology?
The SBRTC has laptops, a DSLR Camera, camcorder, drone, photo light box, and a green screen that is available for businesses to check out or for use in our office.
To reserve call 509 826 5107 or
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Do you need a meeting space? |
Are you a group, small business or individual looking for a space to host a meeting? The Economic Alliance has available meeting space for up to 12 in our conference room, along with all of the equipment you will need for video conferencing at no charge for your small business needs!
To reserve call 509 826 5107
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USDA RBDG Applications are OPEN!! Deadline Feb 28, 2023
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) is accepting applications to support economic development and create jobs for people in Okanogan County. RD is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program to support business opportunities or business enterprise projects in rural communities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally recognized Tribes, public institutions of higher education and non-profit cooperatives.
Business opportunity projects are used to identify and analyze business opportunities that will use local rural materials or human resources. These projects must be consistent with local and area-wide community and economic development strategic plans. Projects must also support other economic development activities in the project area. They may include establishing business support centers or financing job training and leadership development in rural areas. Enterprise projects include the repair or modernization of buildings, technical assistance such as feasibility studies or business plans, or equipment purchases for leasing to small or emerging businesses.
In fiscal year 2023, USDA anticipates that part of the funding may be set aside for federally recognized Native American Tribes, Rural Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities/Rural Economic Area Partnerships, projects located in persistent poverty areas (including those of Native Americans), and Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) projects. Eligible applicants for the persistent poverty and SECD set-aside funds must demonstrate that 100% of the benefits of an approved grant will assist beneficiaries in the designated areas.
Applications for grants, including all set-aside funds, must be submitted in paper or electronic format to the USDA Rural Development Washington State Office by 4:30 p.m. local time on Feb. 28, 2023. For additional information, visit Grants.gov or see page 71571 of the Nov. 23, 2022, Federal Register.
For more information on how to apply for the Rural Business Development Grant Program, contact Brandon Hoffman, Business and Cooperative Programs Director for USDA Rural Development in Washington at 360-488-4841 or Brandon.Hoffman@usda.gov
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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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Do you need help starting, growing, or funding sources for your business?
Our SBDC Advisor is here to help entrepreneurs or small business owners start, grow or buy/sell a business.
The Economic Alliance’s SBDC advisor Lew Blakeney provides one-on-one, confidential, no-cost advising on all phases of small business development throughout Okanogan County and Colville Indian Reservation.
To schedule an appointment, give us a call at: (509) 826 5107
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Be On The Look Out! UPDATE!! |
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