Your monthly news & updates |
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Upcoming Events, Industry News, and more! |
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Workshop Schedule:
L&I Updates for the Construction Industry
February 16th
1:30-3:00 PM
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NCW Cyber Meetup - January 2023
Regional professionals coming together for collaborative learning and discussion on technology topics
About January's Event
Presentation by: Dan Paquette, President and Managing Partner, Key Methods
During this session, Dan will speak about how cybersecurity is a journey – not a destination. He will also talk about the need for regularly scheduled penetration testing.
Dan brings over 30 years of industry experience and a keen eye for developing and implementing technology and cybersecurity solutions for small-mid sized businesses.
Dan is part of national organization of Managed Service Providers (MSP’s) and serves as a mentor to MSP’s around the nation. Prior to Key Methods Dan worked in a variety of technology positions ranging from IT director for a publicly held company, business consultant, and ERP software implementation specialist.
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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Employment Security Department
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
Code Reporting Requirements
SOC is a federal coding system that helps government agencies and private businesses compare occupational data. All employers must report SOC codes when they submit their quarterly unemployment tax reports starting with their fourth quarter 2022 report.
Reporting SOC codes is now required, but don’t worry, ESD is here to help!
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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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Increased Equity for Small, Diverse, Veteran-Owned Businesses
Using small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses by state government has been low for 20 years. Last fiscal year, state government spent $817 million on goods and services through DES-managed contracts. Less than 1% of that amount was with businesses that are owned by women, people in racial minorities and veterans. Only 6.8% of that amount was with small businesses. The data clearly shows that what we are doing right now does not work.
The success of small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses makes Washington’s economy and our families more resilient, strengthens our communities and improves the quality of life for all Washingtonians.
- The new enterprise supplier diversity procurement policy takes effect April 1, 2023.
- It requires all state agencies to include supplier diversity considerations in all aspects of their goods and services procurements.
- The goal for this new policy is durable change.
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Get email alerts about opportunities for small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses to get contracts training and opportunities.
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Do you need help starting, growing, or funding sources for your business?
We have an SBDC Advisor 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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Calling All Construction Contractors! |
Tumwater, WA — Are you a new construction contractor? Washington State requires all construction contractors to register with L&I. State Law also requires construction contractors to be bonded and insured to protect the public. Learn all about the process below. Read the full article here:
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Purchase Flood Insurance to Protect What You’ve Built
BOTHELL, Wash. – If you do not carry National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance, now is the time to buy it. Wildfire season is slowing down, and once the fires are out, people and communities are at risk for another threat, flooding. Wildfires leave the ground charred and unable to absorb water. This creates a flash flooding potential for years to come, even in areas that rarely experienced flooding in the past. Sometimes these flash floods can pick up ash and large debris, turning into mudflows that are highly destructive.
Unlike many causes of damage, flooding and mudflows are generally not covered by a homeowners’ policy. An uninsured flood loss can eat into your life’s savings. Floods are the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S. Just an inch of water in an average-sized home can cause $25,000 in damage. A NFIP policy protects against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin.
Flood insurance is easy to get, the only requirement is that you live in an NFIP participating community. These include cities, counties and other jurisdictions that manage development. You don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. If you live outside a floodplain, insurance will likely cost less than for those living in a higher risk area.
Buyers should be aware of the 30-day waiting period for an NFIP policy to go into effect. It is important to purchase a policy now to protect your property against the continuing threat of flooding. You can usually purchase flood insurance from your current agent. If that isn’t possible, NFIP representatives can help you find one.
As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy. Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-4661.
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