- Port Talk Community Conversations
- WSBDC Google Ads Webinar
- Reminder: SBA Flood Recovery EIDL Application Deadline Nov 24, 2026
- ESD SharedWork Program
- AgriStress Crisis Support Helpline
- ...and more!
| | City of Bellingham Announces Urban Transformation Strategist | | Darby Galligan (Photo by digiprods.nw) | | |
The City of Bellingham recently announced Darby Galligan as the new Urban Transformation Strategist, a concierge-style role designed to reduce hurdles for small businesses and support economic vitality in Bellingham.
Galligan will assist businesses, developers, investors, and creative sector partners in navigating City processes and connecting with staff and partner agencies to move projects from concept to completion.
Our team looks forward to partnering with Galligan to support the Bellingham small business community and foster a stronger economic landscape.
For more information on the City's business resources, visit the Bellingham Business Resource Hub or contact Darby Galligan directly at business@cob.org / (360) 778-8012
| | Port Talk Community Conversations | | |
Make your voice heard at the Port of Bellingham! Port Commissioner Carly James is asking for input on a series of upcoming community conversations called Port Talk. Please complete this short survey to help shape where the first events will be held and which topics will be discussed.
These talks, hosted across Whatcom County, will be designed to create space for discussion about Port issues and community priorities. They will be held at different locations and times to make participation as accessible as possible.
This outreach reflects Commissioner James' personal effort to listen and learn and does not represent an official request on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. Please note, responses related to Port of Bellingham business may be subject to public disclosure under the Washington State Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.
| | Local/Regional Media Request | | Want to share your business perspective with local and regional news outlets? The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce is seeking local business owners who are willing to speak with the media about how policy decisions affect their businesses, including impacts related to a decline in Canadian visitors. If you'd like to be added to the Chamber's media contact list, please email info@bellingham.com. | 2027 National Small Business Week Award Nominations Now Open | |
Are you a resilient, growing, small business with a story to tell? Do you know a local small business that deserves recognition? The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened nominations for the 2027 National Small Business Week awards. Individuals may self-nominate or nominate their favorite local business. For more information, nomination forms, and online submission visit the SBA's National Small Business Week Awards page.
Eligible nominees must meet the following requirements:
- Must own 51%+ of a business and have been in operation for a minimum of three years prior to being nominated.
- Must be in good standing on any federal obligations.
- Must have received at least one type of SBA assistance.
Submission Deadline
Monday, December 7, 2026 at 12:00pm
| WWU BPRI Story Map: "Whatcom County's Cross-Border Retail Economy" | |
WWU’s Border Policy Research Institute’s Story Map, “Whatcom County’s Cross-Border Retail Economy,” pulls together key indicators to illustrate how the drop in Canadian visitors has impacted the Whatcom County economy.
With a collection of interactive maps and data charts, the report shows:
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A significant drop in Canadian shopping visits, about 71 percent down from 2019 to 2024. Canadians are now more likely to cross the border for recreation or to visit family, and less likely to visit primarily to shop.
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Lost revenue in four key retail categories -- general merchandise, clothing, gas stations, and food and beverage -- at least $81 million.
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Uneven impacts: While overall retail sales remain relatively strong in Bellingham, declining Canadian traffic has hit harder in small communities near the border.
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Declining fuel tax revenues in border communities: Blaine lost 51% and Sumas 42% from 2019 to 2024. Fuel tax revenues fund local transportation projects.
| |
Grant Opportunities for Farmers and Ranchers | | | | |
National Young Farmers Coalition Next Generation Farmer Fund
The Next Generation Farmer Fund will provide funding and technical assistance to young, regenerative farmers and ranchers across the country. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2026.
- Grants awarded will range from $10,000 to $50,000.
- Eligible practices will include carbon sequestration and soil health efforts, water quality improvements, biodiversity, supply chain resilience initiatives, and other efforts.
- Open to young and beginning farmers and ranchers under the age of 40 who are stewarding land through sustainable farming practices.
| | Mastering Google Ads & PPC Lead Generation | |
Cost: Free
Date & Time: Thursday, 11/19/26 | 1:00-2:30pm
Location: Live Webinar
Join the WSBDC for a practical Google Ads webinar designed to help business owners understand how paid search works and how to avoid wasting money. Ahead of the holidays, every marketing dollar counts!
Participants will learn how to identify valuable keywords, select campaigns, write stronger ads, target the right geographic areas, improve landing pages, and track calls, leads, and other outcomes. This webinar emphasizes real-world actions businesses can take, whether they manage advertising themselves or want to evaluate or consider the work of an outside agency.
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2026 Bellingham Chamber
Annual Awards Dinner
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Cost: $115 Chamber Member | $140 General Admission
Date & Time: Thursday, 11/19/26 | 5:00-8:30pm
Location: Silver Reef Casino Resort
4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA
Every year, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrates excellence in our business community at the Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Silver Reef Casino Resort. Join the business community on November 19 to celebrate the excellent businesses making a difference in Whatcom County.
| | Congratulations to this year's finalists: | | |
Large Business of the Year
- Echotech Solar
- Peoples Bank
- Village Books & Paper Dreams
Small Business of the Year
- Garden Spot Nursery
- Lummi Seafood Market
- Talbot Group
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Solo & Small Team Business of the Year
- Diventa Solutions
- Joey Winkler Videography
- Limitless Law
Nonprofit of the Year
- Community Boating Center
- Deming Logging Show
- YWCA Bellingham
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SBDC Certified Business Advisors Sherri Daymon and Eric Grimstead joined the crowd to celebrate the amazing young professionals shaping Whatcom County. Congratulations to this year's Top 7 under 40 awardees:
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Dejah Griffin, Marketing Director at North Coast Credit Union
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Brookelyn McClellan, Marketing Manager at Hardware Sales
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Jessica Welter-Kolbo, Owner at Cinder Coaching
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Ramesh Raliya, Founder & CEO at RhizoPhyll Corporation
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Francine St Laurent, Owner at Snow Creek Planning
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Jenny Hagemann, Communications and Development Director at Downtown Bellingham Partnership
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Erin Dahlman-Oeth, Program Coordinator at Cascade Connections
| | Learn about Government Contracting | | Crisis Support for Agricultural Communities | | The AgriStress Helpline is a free, 24/7 confidential crisis and support line. Phone calls have interpretation available in 185 languages, and text message service is available in English and Spanish. The helpline is answered by trained professionals who can offer emotional and crisis support and help you find mental health and agriculture-related resources in your area. | |
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Struggling with labor costs?
The SharedWork program can help employers prevent layoffs with the flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours during economic downturns.
SharedWork allows you to reduce your employees' usual hours from 10% to 50%. Your workers collect unemployment benefits to replace part of their lost wages.
A SharedWork plan can last up to 1 year and you can reapply when your plan ends. Learn more about the program and how to apply.
| | Whatcom County Flood Recovery | | |
The WWU SBDC continues to support business-related flood recovery efforts in Whatcom County. If your business was impacted by the December 2025 flooding, please contact us.
Reminder: the deadline to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans is Nov 24, 2026.
Visit our flood recovery page for updates and resources.
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| Find Interns or Employees at WWU | | | | |
Hiring for internships or career-focused positions?
The Career Center is your recruitment partner for WWU students. To share your opportunities with students and alumni, you’ll first need to create a free account in Handshake, an online recruiting platform.
You can find step-by-step instructions on the Career Services page to create a new Handshake account and learn how WWU can help you find the right fit for your business.
| | Main Street America Small Business Hub | | SBA National Resource Guide | | The SBA has released the updated National Resource Guide for Small Business in both English and Spanish. This guide is a helpful tool for entrepreneurs exploring how to start or grow a business. | | | Washington Center for Employee Ownership | | | | Proactive succession planning helps protect the value you’ve built in your company and ensure continuity for employees and customers. Employee ownership is one option to consider. Connect with the Washington Center for Employee Ownership (WACEO) to explore transition strategies that preserve your legacy and keep your business running and rooted in community. | | Small Business Loans and Grants Tool | | The Washington State Small Business Liaison Team has developed a new Small Business Loans and Grants Tool. This sortable tool can help you learn about and connect with funding options that meet your needs at the state, federal, and local level. | | | Local Businesses For Sale | | Are you interested in purchasing a local business? BizBuySell is regularly updated with current businesses for sale in Whatcom County. Many industries are represented including retail, food service, automotive, and more. | |
| Washington SBDC Live & On-Demand Trainings | |
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SCORE has many live online workshops covering a variety of topics including acquiring loans, financial basics, social media, and more!
| | SCORE Washington is dedicated to helping small businesses start, grow, and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. | | | | |
At WWU SBDC, we're committed to fostering growth, learning, and community. Your feedback highlights the transformative experiences we strive to create:
“Asche has been invaluable as a trusted advisor, providing realistic advice and encouragement that stopped me from making mistakes which could have cost me my entire business."
“I’m not yet in business but Eric Grimstead’s guidance and advice have been invaluable. Thanks to him, I have a plan for how to fund my acquisitions and I’m looking to make my first purchase in the next 9-12 months."
"SBDC is the foundation for my success as a small business owner, helping me manage and naviagate all aspects of running a business in our community."
"SBDC has been advising me for a number of years now. Sherri Daymon has been my advisor since day one. She is outstanding. My business would not be succeeding the way it is without her. I'm forever grateful."
Visit our website to learn more.
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YOUR WWU SBDC BUSINESS ADVISORS
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What's your vision of success and how can we help you realize that vision?
To get started with business advising, complete our client sign up form and we will connect you with the resource that best fits your needs!
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The Washington SBDC at Western Washington University is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made for SBDC services if requested at least two weeks in advance.
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