September 7, 2009

Regional help for aspiring small business owners

• 3 Comments |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

I don't know about you, but August's 9.7 percent national unemployment rate doesn't exactly scream "The recession's over!" to me.

If you're one of the many unemployed contemplating starting your own business, you don't have to go it alone. The greater Seattle area is home to a number of affordable resources for those interested in learning how to launch and maintain a solo venture. Behold:

Seattle SCORE. This U.S. Small Business Administration partner is one of the best small business resources around. In addition to its numerous low-cost workshops, the non-profit offers free one-on-one business coaching with seasoned entrepreneurs and executives, regardless of whether you're self-employed or still in the daydreaming stage. If you're outside Seattle, check out this list of SCORE locations around the Puget Sound.

Washington CASH. This Seattle-based non-profit has been helping women, people of color, and those with low incomes get the training and mentorship they need to go into business for themselves since 1995. Training is offered on a sliding scale basis, depending on income. In addition, Washington CASH features a computer lab that's open 46 hours a week and grants microloans ($1,000 to $50,000) to eligible students. Washington CASH's next Seattle orientation meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9.

Self-Employment Assistance Program. If you quality for unemployment benefits in Washington, you may also qualify for the state's Self-Employment Assistance Program, which, like the above services, offers entrepreneurial training and counseling. To see if you're eligible for SEAP and to fill out an application, visit the Employment Security Department's website.

Grassroots Business Association. This collective of small business owners has been hosting monthly Seattle meetups since 2008 to educate and inspire networking among entrepreneurs and freelancers. The next GBA event is at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16 at Richard Hugo House on Capitol Hill. Admission is free (though donations are welcome).

Biznik. Launched in 2006 by Seattleites Lara Eve Feltin and Dan McComb, this international web community of entrepreneurs and independent professionals is a goldmine of information on starting and nurturing a small business. But the helpful online forum and hundreds of how-to articles (all free) are only part of the story. Each month, dozens of Biznik members host free and low-cost educational events throughout greater Seattle on everything from paying your taxes and managing cash flow to closing a sale and asking for referrals.

Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail Michelle at mgoodman@nwjobs.com

• 3 Comments |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Read more

3 Comments

Teresa Lemmons on September 8, 2009 4:48 PM | Reply

For additional resources in Washington check the list of microenterprise development organizations (serving self-employed and businesses with 5 or fewer employees) at http://wamicrobiz.org/members.php These organizations provide entrepreneurial training, technical assistance and many provide access to micro-loan funds (microfinance) to eligible residents.

Andy Brucia on September 11, 2009 1:12 PM | Reply

This article is going on my employment blog for my students. Good stuff as usual, Michelle.

Vicky Miller on September 14, 2009 7:44 AM | Reply

Michelle,

I use a lot of these resources for businesses in the start-up phase in need of funds we can't provide. You have some others I'll recommend too.

Leave a comment

* required field

Your name: *

E-mail address: (Will not be displayed)

Your comment: *

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.