FAQs
Frequently asked questions about WWU SBDC services, eligibility, and business advising.
About the WWU SBDC
Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center (WWU SBDC), provides no-cost, one-on-one, confidential advising to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Whatcom and Kitsap Counties.
We provide personalized guidance on:
- Business planning and start-up assistance
- Buying or selling a business
- Financing, loans, and grants
- Business strategy
- Marketing and sales strategies
- Operations and management
- Financial analysis and cash flow management
- Importing/Exporting
- Risk management
- HR/Managing employees
- ...and more!
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that provides aid, counseling, capital, and disaster assistance to small businesses.
To deliver on this mission, the SBA supports a nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).
America's SBDC: America's SBDC is a nonprofit association that represents all SBDCs across the country. It works alongside the SBA and federal government to support centers, advocate on behalf of small businesses, and ensure consistent quality nationwide.
WSBDC: The Washington SBDC is our statewide network, made up of over 40 advisors located across Washington. WSBDC is hosted by Washington State University and receives funding in part through a cooperative agreement with the SBA.
WWU SBDC: Western Washington University's SBDC is a subrecipient center within the WSBDC network. We serve entrepreneurs and small business owners in Whatcom and Kitsap Counties.
While the SBDC and SCORE are both resource partners of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and are designed to offer assistance and training to small businesses, they are separate organizations.
Working With Us
Getting started is easy!
Step 1: Complete and submit our Client Registration:
Step 2: Once complete, our office will follow up within 1–2 business days to connect you with a Certified Business Advisor.
Step 3: Schedule your first meeting – Most clients are able to meet with their advisor within 5 business days. You will schedule follow-up sessions directly with your advisor.
Please note: Most advising sessions are held remotely via Zoom, but many of our advisors are also available for in-person meetings upon request.
Whatcom
Our Whatcom County office is located at 2219 Rimland Drive, Suite 319. It is staffed by appointment only so make sure that you have scheduled a meeting with an advisor at our office prior to arriving.
Kitsap
We do not have a physical office in Kitsap County. However, your advisor can meet with you in person by appointment only at Vibe Coworks in Poulsbo. Please note: Vibe Coworks does not schedule appointments for the SBDC. Please coordinate your meeting location with your advisor.
You can always reach us by phone or email at SBDC@wwu.edu (Whatcom) or KitsapSBDC@wwu.edu (Kitsap).
You do not need to have a business license to become an SBDC client. We work with entrepreneurs at all stages.
WWU SBDC Certified Business Advisors work with you one-on-one and provide detailed, specific advice for your business. Advising sessions usually take 60 minutes, and most are held remotely via Zoom, but many of our advisors are also available for in-person meetings upon request.
Advisors provide custom assistance on a broad range of topics, including but not limited to: starting a business, financial analysis and/or projections, operations, marketing, reviewing business plans, buying or selling a business, strategy, supply chain management, and more. They may also provide referrals to additional service providers like a CPA, bookkeeper, or attorney.
The heart of the SBDC’s business advising is based on the relationship that you develop with your advisor. Some clients only need a few sessions while other advising is done on a project basis. Generally, clients work with the same business advisor for the duration of their time with the SBDC.
Quite often, your advisor becomes a trusted partner that you can contact to discuss business operations, opportunities, and challenges for as long as you own your business.
The initial meeting is where you and your advisor get acquainted and talk through anything that’s top of mind for you. Your advisor may provide feedback, guidance, offer to do additional research or analysis, and/or refer you to a resource that will best serve your needs.
Who We Serve
We serve entrepreneurs and small businesses operating or registered in Whatcom or Kitsap County.
- People starting a new business.
- People buying or selling their business.
- Existing businesses with up to 500 employees.
Advising is provided in English and Spanish, with translation services for other languages available upon request. Many WSBDC trainings are also available in both English and Spanish. Washington SBDC services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
While we can offer advice and assistance to most industries, due to the scope of our funding structure and areas of expertise, we are not able to offer services to:
- Nonprofits
- Marijuana-Based Businesses
No. While the WWU SBDC is hosted by Western Washington University, our services are open to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Whatcom or Kitsap County.
Yes! Many of our clients are established business owners looking for support in various areas including growth, operations, financing, or succession planning.
Please note: To protect your privacy and maintain our high standard of confidentiality, if you are an existing business seeking SBDC services, your name must be listed as an owner, officer, or agent in the official business registration records. If desired, a business owner may also provide written authorization for an employee to receive advising on behalf of the business.
No. Due to the scope of our funding structure and areas of expertise, we are unable to provide advising to nonprofits.
State and Local Nonprofit Resources:
No. Our cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is governed by and constituted under federal law. Since marijuana remains illegal under federal law, we are unable to assist clients who engage in its sale or possession.
The WWU SBDC serves small businesses registered or operating in Whatcom or Kitsap County.
If you’re located elsewhere in Washington State, you can register with the Washington SBDC to find an advisor that serves your area.
Business Resources and Ways to Support
Your Certified Business Advisor can help you evaluate your financing options and get loan-ready. While the SBDC does not administer SBA loans, our advisors can guide you in preparing for and navigating the application process.
Yes, the WWU SBDC can help you navigate government contracting! We also work closely with APEX Accelerator, a partner agency that provides no cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance in all aspects of selling to federal, state, and local governments.
Many clients find it beneficial to work with both an SBDC advisor and an APEX Accelerator advisor when their business involves government contracts.
In Whatcom, we host monthly office hours with a local APEX Accelerator advisor to make it easy for you to connect with their services.
If you have benefited from the assistance of an SBDC advisor, let them know! Your stories and successes allow us to demonstrate our economic impact to stakeholders and are critical to maintaining our funding. This is how our services remain available at no cost to you.
Other ways to show your support: