Small Business Development Center
Since 1983, the SBDC in Whatcom County has made a difference in our economy by bringing expert business advising and academic resources to our local business owners. Our goal: to help you achieve business success, on your terms. Each of our advisors is committed to helping you improve your business and your life as an entrepreneur.
Typically, our clients meet with their business advisor once a month to work on various strategic or operational business issues. All advising sessions are confidential and unique to your business.
Through these one-on-one sessions we hope to help you gain clarity on what to do next in your business to realize your goals. In follow-up meetings we check your progress and make sure you’re staying on track. Many clients view their advisor as one of their trusted accountability partners.
SBDC services are made available free of charge due to the generosity of our local funding partners. We are fortunate to be able to serve approximately 350-400 business clients each year. Fill out our client intake form and we'll see if your business is a fit for our services.
"Working with my advisor has been very inspiring. We were looking for someone to provide coaching on long term strategic planning for the business. She brings a contagious enthusiasm and a depth of experience in business that allows her to share really valuable insights into our business."
“My favorite part of working with SBDC is the fact that I can seek specific help as needed and feel confident that the help is truly meant to further my business’ success. I am not an expert at setting up a business and I haven’t learned all that’s needed to take it to the next level either. The SBDC gives me access to talented, knowledgeable, experts who have vast experience and expertise I need. I get to tap into all that experience without being the expert in it ALL myself.”
"Other small business owners would be crazy not to work with the Small Business Development Center, it's free, professional advice and where do you get help like that?"
"My biggest business concern was 'how to run a business'. I had little prior business experience before starting Custom Closets and Bedrooms. Someone at a business round table meeting suggested I contact the SBDC. So I did. For the past 15 years I have met with an advisor about once a month to discuss everything and anything to do with my business. I love that it is a free service and they cover every part of business; from planning, running and expanding. All of the people at SBDC are friendly, polite, accommodating and helpful."
"We were concerned that our business plan would be sufficient to acquire an SBA 7a loan to finance the startup of our brewery operation. As a new business owner, I felt comfortable being naive in asking questions, and at the same time felt confident that the support I got was trustworthy, because of the hands on approach and explanation. The SBDC can assist with anything relating to start-up, they will ask questions and ensure that you are on track."
"I needed guidance in understanding exactly what it would take to create a thriving business that would grow and be sustainable for my work/life balance. My favorite part of working with the SBDC is being able to talk through issues that arise within my business and create solutions that not only eradicate my concerns but create a healthier business, streamline systems and boost moral. The SBDC has been an essential part of our success. From personnel challenges, to number crunching, to understanding the market & customer base, I always walk away from each meeting with set goals and a plan that will help our business thrive."
“I would encourage any business owner even if they’re new to business or have been in business for fifteen years to talk to them because they are a wonderful resource here.”
