Volume 28 | January 2025

Your monthly news & updates

Upcoming Events, Industry News, and more!

As we step into this promising new year, we're more committed than ever to empowering small businesses. Our team is excited to continue providing innovative solutions, tailored support, and unwavering dedication to help you achieve your goals. Here's to a year of growth, success, and new opportunities!

SAVE THE DATE!

January Events:

Quick Byte: BOI Reporting

January 8th, 2025

10:00 AM

Tune in to learn the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Beneficial Ownership Information, a new reporting requirement for select business entity types that has undergone recent delays and deadline changes.

Start Simple

February 13th, 2024

5:00 PM

Have a Business Idea? Let’s make it happen!

Learn basic business concepts and figure out if your business goals are realistic and achievable. Start with this short course and then move on to one on one counseling. Offered at no cost. Classes will be held on Thursdays February 13th and 27th from 5-7 at the Economic Alliance office.

Click Here to sign up today!

Past Trainings Available on Demand

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

Funding Opportunity

Growth Accelerator Fund Competition

The SBA recently announced the upcoming launch of the 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) for entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) focused on innovation-driven startups and entrepreneurs in underserved regions, industries, and communities to launch, grow, and scale. The competition strengthens ESO capacity, builds connections, and fosters collaboration – expanding access to the innovation economy and boosting entrepreneurial activity nationwide.

The 2025 competition offers $75,000 to $150,000 in awards to organizations to accelerate the growth and maturity of innovation ecosystems in two stages. The Stage One competition will open on January 8, 2025.

Click Here for more information.

Learning Opportunity

How to Do Business with the Forest Service - VIPR

Jan. 7th, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Would you like to work with the Region 6 Fire Suppression each year during fire season? Not quite sure where to start?

Please join me to learn about how to get started to bid on VIPR agreements for the Forest Service, Region 6 Fire Suppression. I will go through what you need to do to get started including:

UEI info
SAM registration
e-Authentication
VIPR company and equipment registration

Learning Opportunity

How to Do Business with FEMA

January 30th, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The webinar will include a review of key steps for doing business with FEMA, key considerations for small business, and Region 10 specific contracting and coordination information.

Click Here to register today!

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

Is your business in compliance with Beneficial Ownership Information reporting?

In 2021, Congress passed the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act which established new reporting requirements for certain business entities. Learn the who, what, when, where, and why of Beneficial Ownership Information to ensure that your business is compliant.

Who: Corporations, LLCs, and other entities that register through the secretary of state must comply with these reporting requirements, minus certain exempt entities such as banks and insurance companies. For a full list of all 23 exemptions or answers to other frequently asked questions, visit https://www.fincen.gov/boi-faqs#C_1.

What: Companies report their legal name, trade names, street address of principal place of business, jurisdiction of formation or registration, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Owners report their names, dates of birth, residential addresses, identifying number from a passport or driver’s license, and a picture of the document from which the identifying number is taken.

When: Companies formed prior to January 1, 2024 have until January 13^th, 2025 to file their Beneficial Ownership Information report. This deadline was extended from January 1^st, 2025 after a legal challenge temporarily suspended reporting requirements. Companies formed on or since January 1^st, 2024 have had 90 calendar days from their formation to file. Starting on January 1^st, 2025, newly formed companies will have 30 calendar days to file.

Where: Filing can all be done electronically through the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) website at https://boiefiling.fincen.gov.

Why: The new reporting requirement is part of an effort by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to crack down on money laundering, shell companies and other kinds of illicit financial activity.

If you have any questions about the reporting requirements or would like any assistance completing them, give us a call at 509-826-5107 or stop by our office at 238 E. Oak St, Okanogan.

Are you interested in making a difference in Okanogan County??

The Economic Alliance is now recruiting for new Board Members! We recently added new positions to our board, and we would love to have additional small business representatives join us from throughout the county! Please email Roni or call 509-826-5107 to learn more!

We have also facilitated the CCT and Okanogan County Broadband Action Team since 2019! If you are interested in participating in this great group of people who are committed to bringing broadband infrastructure to all the residents in Okanogan County, please email Roni today!

If you are interested in participating or learning more about these committees, give us a call at 509-826-5107

Celebrating Our Board Members!

December 4th, 2024

As the new year is here, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions of our recently retired board members. Their dedication, wisdom, and leadership have been instrumental in guiding our organization to new heights.

First, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Kurt Danison, as he transitions out of the Board President roll. Kurt's strategic vision and unwavering commitment have been pivotal in achieving our mission. His efforts have left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit our community and organization for years to come.

We also express our deepest gratitude to Don Linnertz as he steps out of the board secretary roll. His exceptional leadership and knowledge has inspired us all. Don's ability to navigate challenges with grace and determination has set a high standard for all future board members.

Finally, we celebrate Chris Branch, whose passion and innovation have driven significant progress in both our organization and Okanogan County. Chris' dedication to excellence and continuous improvement has made a profound impact on our organization.

To our outgoing and retiring board members, we offer our sincere congratulations on your well-deserved break. Your contributions have been invaluable, and your presence will be greatly missed. As you embark on this new chapter, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Thank you for your service, and congratulations on a remarkable career.

With that we would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our existing board members, as well as our new board members for their commitment to the Economic Alliance!

TAKE THE OKANOGAN COUNTY CEDS COMMUNITY SURVEY

This survey is for residents of Okanogan County. Please take 10 minutes or less to give us your thoughts.

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (or CEDS) is the result of a local planning process designed to build and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of a region. This survey will be used as a guide for a community over the next 5 years to determine economic and community development needs.

The four steps to completing a CEDS:

1) Develop a summary background. This describes the economic development of Okanogan County and incorporates input from the community.

2) Develop a summary background. This describes the economic development of Okanogan County and incorporates input from the community.

3) Develop a strategic action plan. This shows Okanogan County’s vision for the future and documents how to get there.

4) Build an evaluation framework to measure progress over time.

Click Here to take the survey!

The survey will close January 20th, 2025!

L&I Contractor Workshop

Presented live in English and Spanish

In-person training event: Wenatchee

January 23

English: 4 - 5- p.m. | Spanish 5 - 6 p.m.

Location: 238 Olds Station, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Are you a small business owner in Washington state looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of contractor regulations? Join us for an invaluable in-person workshop designed to demystify the complexities of working with contractors.

During this one-hour session, experts from Washington State Department of Labor & Industries will guide you through:

Employee vs. Contractor: Clearly understand the distinctions and legal implications.
Contractor Licenses and Permits: Learn about the various types of licenses and permits required for different contractor roles.
Regulations and Compliance: Stay informed about the latest regulations affecting contractors and employers of contractors.
Verification Process: Master the steps to verify contractor credentials and ensure compliance.

This workshop is essential for staying up-to-date with regulatory changes and ensuring your business operates within legal parameters. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain critical insights and protect your business.

Click Here for more information and sign up!

Access to Capital

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)

Elevate your skills, elevate your business

SBDC webinars and workshops provide practical, real-life solutions for some of the most common challenges faced by small business owners. They are often a valuable complement to confidential, one-to-one business advising, but you do not need to be an SBDC client to attend.

Sign-up for training on the Washington SBDC registration platform eCenter Direct. Toggle between “Live” in person webinars and workshops or recorded “On demand” webinars. Also note the ‘advanced search’ function to search for in person events in your area, search by topic, Spanish on-demand webinars, and more.

This platform may occasionally include events presented or hosted by other publicly funded organizations and resource partners. Training hosted by resource partners will be linked to partner pages.

Click the link for this months already listed trainings. Washington SBDC

The Washington SBDC is a proud participant in the Grow with Google Partner Program. We are partnering with Grow with Google for a series of Spanish language webinars to empower Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. We are dedicated to leveraging Google’s resources and expertise to empower individuals and businesses through digital skills training, online tools and resources. Join us in embracing the future of technology and learning with Grow with Google!

Click Here for more information.

The Economic Alliance has a SBDC Certified Business Advisor on staff to meet with you!

To schedule an appointment, give us a call at: (509) 826 5107

Work Experience and Internships

Get the experience you need to gain the job you want. SkillSource connects you with businesses for an internship or work experience while SkillSource pays your wages. These paid opportunities are designed to help you gain the experience you need to demonstrate work-readiness and occupational skills.

On-the-job Training

For many people, a job is the best teacher. We connect you to businesses that need custom-trained workers. SkillSource reimburses the business for up to half of your wages and can assist you with costs associated with getting and holding the job. Your employer will benefit by gaining a great, specially trained employee and reducing expenses related to employee turnover.

Benefits include:

Up to 50% reimbursement to employer of a trainee’s gross wage while in training (up to 6 months) to offset the cost of training.
Reimbursement to employer of up to 50% of the cost of related formal training, such as workshops and seminars.
Assistance for trainee to buy tools & equipment not normally provided by employer.
Assistance for trainee to obtain work clothes, childcare and transportation to ease the cost of transitioning into a new job.

Incumbent Worker Training – Grow your skills in your current job

Advance in your current job by improving your skills and achieving industry-recognized credentials. SkillSource will work with qualified employers to deliver relevant training to keep your skills competitive and advance your career. You must have six or more months experience working for your company (some exceptions apply). Businesses benefit by increased productivity, retention of employees and the ability to promote from within.

Worksource Okanogan also has other programs and services to help employers meet their workforce needs. Click Here to learn more.

Contact Worksource today to learn more at 509-826-7310.

L&I Update

Winter 2024

Jan. 1 will see expanded rights, higher pay for many Washington workers

Some significant changes involving Washington worker rights and pay take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. From the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), here’s what workers and employers need to know:

State minimum wage

The state’s minimum wage will increase to $16.66 an hour, up 2.35 percent from 2024. It applies to workers age 16 and up. Employers may pay 85 percent of that wage or $14.16 an hour to workers ages 14-15.

Overtime exempt workers

The salary threshold used to determine if certain workers are exempt from overtime pay is going up to $1,332.80 a week ($69,305.60 a year) for employers with up to 50 employees, and $1,499.40 a week ($77,968.80 a year) for employers with 51 or more employees. The rate affects executive, administrative, and professional workers, plus computer professionals and outside salespeople. That means, if workers in those categories do not get paid for overtime, they must get paid at least those salaries.

The hourly wage for exempt computer professionals will be $58.31, or 3.5 times the minimum wage.

Minimum pay for rideshare drivers

In 2025, for trips within Seattle, drivers for rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber will earn at least 68 cents for each minute a driver is transporting passengers and $1.59 for every mile driven during a trip, or $5.95 per trip, whichever is greater.

For trips outside of Seattle, drivers will earn 39 cents per minute and $1.34 for each mile driven during that time, or $3.45 per trip, whichever is greater.

Food delivery drivers are not covered by this law.

Non-compete agreements

Only workers who earn more than $123,394.17 per year or $308,485.43 per year for independent contractors can be held to non-competition agreements.

Employer incentives

The maximum wage reimbursements for the Stay at Work and Preferred Worker Programs are increasing from $10,000 to $25,000 per claim in 2025. The limits for training and expenses will also increase. These programs offer financial incentives to employers when they help injured workers return to an approved job within their medical restrictions.

Paid sick leave

Washington’s paid sick leave law is expanding. Washington workers will be able to take paid sick leave to care for more people than they could before — including anyone who lives at their home or who has a relationship with them that creates an expectation that they would take care of them during an illness. Under the new law, workers can also take paid sick leave if an emergency closes their child’s school or daycare.

Know your rights as a worker

L&I enforces the state’s wage-and-hour laws and investigates all wage-payment complaints. Workers can file complaints online, download and mail the form to the agency, or come in person to a local L&I office.

These changes are part of L&I’s ongoing mission to keep Washington safe and working.

You can request a no-charge consult through L&I for any questions you may have.

For more information

Go online to www.Lni.wa.gov or lni.wa.gov/espanol

Besides the L&I’s website, contact program specialists via email at L&I or by calling 509-209-3448.