May Events:

Content Creation Essentials

May 13th, 2025

10-12 AM

Unlock the Power of Content Creation!

The Economic Alliance invites you to Content Creation Essentials, a hands-on workshop led by Caroline Sancken. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or community leader, this session will equip you with practical tools to simplify and enhance your content strategy.

What You'll Learn:

✅ How to create eye-catching reels using templates

✅ Repurposing content across multiple platforms

✅ Building a simple content calendar for consistency

✅ Intro to Canva for beginners to design visuals easily

By the end of the workshop, you'll have actionable strategies to streamline your content creation while keeping it engaging and effective.

Location: 238 E. Oak, Okanogan, WA 98840

Register Today: https://ow.ly/EK9o50VouZW

Building Your Business Foundation

May 15th, 2025

10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Join us for an exclusive FREE training session designed to help entrepreneurs build a strong foundation for success!

This training, hosted by Native Business Academy & Economic Alliance, will cover essential topics such as:

✅ How to register your business

✅ Understanding business structures

✅ Gaining market and industry insights

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and connect with fellow entrepreneurs!

Spread the word and join us for a day of learning and growth! 💼✨

Location: Omak Tribal Headstart, 13 Siya Rd, Omak, WA 98841

Register today: https://ow.ly/vHMI50VqPqT

Navigating Cash Flow and Profitability

May 20th, 2025

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join us as we explain the basics and purpose of cashflow, the importance of and reasons for keeping good records, and a brief overview of the process and requirements for financing a business. Furthermore, culturally relevant activities are done to show cash flow projections, determining break-even, and reconciling your bank statement.

Location: Omak Tribal Headstart, 13 Siya Rd, Omak, WA 98841

Register today at https://ow.ly/ey3Q50VN3OW

Chamber Operations-Long Term Success

May 20th, 2025

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join us for an exclusive training session on Chamber Operations and Long-Term Success with Rachelle Baughman of Coulee Creative Co.!

In this dynamic workshop, we'll cover everything from transitioning from volunteer-led to paid staff, strategic budgeting, and role structuring to tax compliance, essential policies, and media use waivers. This is a must-attend for anyone looking to strengthen their chamber's foundation and ensure long-term success!

Location: 238 E. Oak, Okanogan, WA 98840

Register today: https://ow.ly/mJgA50VNi5u

Past Trainings Available on Demand

In case you missed our previous training on Smart Phone Photography, you can catch up here!

Tariff Navigation Resources

Washington State Department of Commerce has launched a new Tariff Information & Resource Guide: Tariff Response - Washington State - Where the Next Big Thing Begins.

The site will include information about tariffs and the rates imposed on different countries, strategies to support business owners dealing with the tariffs, training and support, and other resources and events. The goal is a one-stop shop to support businesses in Washington.

Access To Capital

The #1 request of small businesses is affordable loans. For many businesses, it’s a Catch-22. You need money to get a loan, but you need a loan to get money. This is particularly true for very small businesses or those run by owners in historically underserved communities.

Commerce’s new loan products were made possible by $163.4 million in funds provided through the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). This program aims to promote entrepreneurship, support small business ownership, and increase the flow of capital in underserved communities. A portion of all program funding is targeted towards Very Small Businesses (VSB) and businesses owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI).

Working with private financial partners, Commerce has developed five programs to serve the needs of small businesses across the state.

Learn more about the Washington State Department of Commerce's funding programs here.

Learning Opportunity

Impact Washington, is dedicated to supporting manufacturers across the state by providing them with the resources and trainings they need to thrive.

As part of this mission, they're excited to offer 4 Lean Manufacturing workshops at TwispWorks at NO COST TO ATTENDEES, made possible through a grant from the Department of Commerce. 

Click Here for more information and to sign up!

Learning Opportunity

Ensure Export Compliance

Join the U.S. Commercial Service for the ACE/AES Export Compliance Seminar. This 2-day series will provide U.S. companies with comprehensive information on current and future regulations, classification, and data tools, as well as federal updates and essential export information.

More information and to sign up:

Go to the Click Here web page.

Building Permit Reports

View a report of the most recent applied and granted Building Permits in the region.



• Chelan County
• Douglas County
• Okanogan County

Celebrating National Small Business Week: Why It Matters

Every year, National Small Business Week shines a spotlight on the backbone of our economy—small businesses. These enterprises, often built from passion and perseverance, drive innovation, create jobs, and foster vibrant communities. Whether it’s the local coffee shop, the family-owned bookstore, or the budding entrepreneur launching a new venture, small businesses shape the character and economic health of our towns and cities.

Why Small Businesses Matter

Small businesses account for nearly half of all private-sector employment in the U.S. They fuel economic growth, provide opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, and bring unique products and services to the marketplace. Beyond numbers, they represent dreams turned into reality, proving that with dedication and support, anyone can build something meaningful.

The Role of National Small Business Week

This annual celebration, led by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recognizes the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs. It’s a time to:

• Highlight success stories of businesses that have overcome challenges and thrived.
• Encourage community support by shopping local and investing in small enterprises.
• Provide resources and education to help business owners navigate growth, funding, and sustainability.

Local Support: The Economic Alliance

For small business owners and entrepreneurs in Okanogan County, the Okanogan County Economic Alliance serves as a vital resource. This organization provides business training, networking opportunities, and access to funding programs that help local businesses grow and succeed. Whether you're looking for guidance on starting a business, expanding operations, or navigating economic challenges, the Economic Alliance offers valuable support tailored to the needs of our community.

How You Can Support Small Businesses

Supporting small businesses doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s about intentional choices. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Shop local: Choose independent retailers over big-box stores.
• Spread the word: Share your favorite businesses on social media.
• Attend events: Participate in workshops, networking sessions, and business expos.
• Advocate for policies that help small businesses thrive.

Looking Ahead

National Small Business Week is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of entrepreneurs. As we recognize their contributions, let’s commit to fostering an environment where small businesses can grow, innovate, and succeed.

Whether you’re a business owner, a customer, or a community leader, your support matters. Let’s champion small businesses—not just this week, but every day.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is hosting a series of online community feedback and listening sessions this Spring, Remaining sessions will be held via Zoom on May 12, May 23 and May 29. Learn more and register here. Commerce also invites businesses and organizations to take its five-minute community feedback survey.

The Okanogan County Tourism Council (OCTC) recently held a meeting with local Visitor Information Centers, Chambers, and Museums. This was a great meeting and provided an opportunity to meet Okanogan County’s frontline information ambassadors. It also allowed the Tourism Council time to share information about upcoming activities, advertisements, and programs.

The Okanogan County Commissioners have tasked OCTC with collaborating promotional and marketing activities throughout the county, so tourists know what every area has to offer. All OCTC’s current guides and maps, including the updated Travel Planners, Hiking Guides, Fishing Guides, and the Arts Maps, were available for each local area. Representatives from each area of the county also shared information about activities, events and information about new developments or attractions in their area.

This helps our official “greeters of visitors” to know what is happening in other parts of the county and can encourage visitors to stay in the county longer.

OCTC also spoke about some of the new projects that the Tourism Council is just starting to work on, such as developing an Okanogan County Food Trail, creating a “Walking in Mr. Matsura Footprints” adventure, the start of a Trails Inventory in Okanogan Country, and creating a video segment for the “Homemade Live” cooking show.

The county Lodging Tax application funding process was also discussed and participants learned who can apply for funds and how the funds can be used. If you have an interest in tourism in Okanogan County, and would like to participate, the OCTC Board usually meets the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the 12 Tribes Casino Board Room.

Arts & Culture Unrestricted Funding Opportunity Opening Soon!

ArtsFund and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation are partnering once again on the Community Accelerator Grant program. The program will distribute $10 million in unrestricted funding to Washington State arts and culture nonprofits, fiscally sponsored organizations, and tribal entities. 

Application for the grants of $2,500 to $25,000 will be accepted from now through June 6^th. You can find more information and access all materials here!

This powerful program will give you the tools necessary to take your time back, break through the profit plateau, create new sources of revenue, and help you to work on your business rather than in your business!

ScaleUp is a flexible time commitment and is delivered online through the ScaleUp online learning environment, live training sessions with roundtable discussion, and weekly Study Hall mentorship hours. Graduates of the program will also retain continued access to the Alumni resources, which include all of the above and much more!

Our trainers are highly qualified and come with years of practical experience building and scaling businesses and helping others do the same.

This program is most beneficial for established business owners, with two or more years’ experience owning and operating a small business, and are currently based in Washington state.

Click Here for more information.

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