Best Small Business Resources in the Spokane Area

Description

Startup Spokane is a program under Greater Spokane Incorporated that provides entrepreneurial assistance for small businesses and startups in the greater Spokane community. They offer free one-on-one consultation and mentorship programs. They host office hours with seasoned professionals, networking events and workshops, an annual venture expo, and lunch-and-learn classes. In addition, their coworking spaces are open to entrepreneurs who need a place to work.

Description

WSU Center for Innovation offers technical assistance, particularly business research and planning assistance for small businesses and startups in the community. Their organization provides tailored support to startups in any industry that require planning or launching assistance, including market research or business plan formation.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

Spokane Business Library is a collaborative initiative offered by Spokane County Library District and Spokane Public Library to unify the library business resources in the region. Any person or organization in the Spokane area has access to the online and offline resources at no cost as long as a valid library card is presented. They have databases and courses for competitive analysis, technical training, and market research. In addition, people can schedule a private consultation with business librarians. Non-residents can apply for a library card through either of the County Library District or Spokane Public Library for a fee.

Restrictions

Users must have an affiliated library card.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.