About Whatcom

As one of first and among the longest-serving Small Business Development Centers in the State of Washington, the WWU SBDC stands as a testament to Western’s commitment to giving back to the business community. Funded by local stakeholders and staffed by a team of experienced and credentialed professionals, Western’s SBDC has been a trusted member of the business community for over three decades. Local businesses and entrepreneurs consult with the Western SBDC team whenever the need arises, seeking our free and confidential business advising services for a wide range of needs and opportunities.  

 

Your Whatcom Team

It's a calling.

Each team member in your SBDC is chosen for their experience, commitment to small business success and dedication to life-long learning. After being selected for the role, each advisor must complete a mandatory, rigorous, six-month peer reviewed on-boarding process where the new advisor assesses their knowledge across 12 dimensions of business operations, works with mentors and senior advisors to learn our unique craft and prepares diligently to serve you our clients.

 

CJ's Headshot: wearing a blue blouse surrounded by greenery

CJ Seitz, MBA

Director, Certified Business Advisor

CJ helps small businesses using her background in executive planning, administration, financial strategy and marketing in both the non-profit and private sectors. CJ has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from Western Washington University. CJ enjoys supping down the Nooksack in the summer and curling up on the couch with her family to watch a cheesy holiday rom-com. 

Eric's headshot: wearing purple button down in a grass field

Eric Grimstead

Senior Certified Business Advisor

Prior to joining the SBDC, some of Eric's work experience included helping to launch a new boat company and running his own successful marketing consulting and internet development company. He is a recognized business growth strategist and direct response marketing expert. In his free time, Eric enjoys hunting and kicking it back on the Florida beaches with his family and a craft beer in hand. 

Sherri's headshot, wearing a cream blazer in greenery

Sherri Daymon, MBA

Certified Business Advisor

After a ten-year hiatus working in budgetary development and control, management reporting, and financial and operational data analysis, Sherri Daymon returned to the SBDC as a Certified Business Advisor in 2017. In addition to her Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Washington SBDC Advisor Certification, Sherri is a Certified GrowthWheel Advisor. Sherri enjoys riding her bike around town, nerding out in Excel, and dressing up in costume. 

Kathy's headshot, wearing a black top with a grey background

Kathy Bastow, MA

Certified Business Advisor

Kathy’s small business experience started in her early 20’s when she became co-owner of a local bicycle sales and service store. Kathy has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Western Washington University and a Masters in Applied Behavioral Science from City University. Kathy is a lifelong “maker” and currently an avid abstract painter. She enjoys bringing her structured left-brain skills and creative right-brain skills to all engagements. 

Headshot of Asche Rider smiling

Asche Rider, MBA

Certified Business Advisor

Growing up in a family-owned business was the beginning of Asche’s business education and instilled in her a deep respect for the hard work and numerous skills needed to run a business. Over the past 20 years, she’s worked in restaurants, wealth management, value-added ag and as a Certified Business Advisor. Asche is particularly good at analysis and finding the root causes in complex issues.

Asche has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and an MBA. She believes deeply in creating strong local economies, giving businesses the tools they need for success, and has a strong personal drive to use business for good.  She likes limes, deep belly laughs, and getting lost in the woods.

Your Whatcom Funders

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. As one of Washington State’s top providers of small business assistance, the SBDC has 27 offices to serve the needs of Washington’s business community. Since 1983, our network of partners has helped construct a statewide ecosystem to foster the spirit, support, and success of thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators.

The Small Business Development Center at Western Washington is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the City of Bellingham, the Port of Bellingham, Whatcom County and the City of Blaine.

 

Connect with us

Phone: (360) 650-7232

Email: sbdc@wwu.edu

Sign-Up for our Newsletter: You will receive our monthly newsletter as well as alerts about upcoming training events.

Our Address:

2219 Rimland Drive, Suite 319

Bellingham, WA 98226


Please make an appointment to visit us in office