Whatcom SBDC
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 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 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 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 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.
Liliana Deck, MBA, EdD
Community Business Development Director, Certified Business Advisor
Dr. Liliana Deck brings her transnational leadership working with local and global public and private sectors in the United States, Colombia and beyond. Her passion is reflected in her research and professional experience which focuses on migration, and families in vulnerable situations. Dr. Deck is also a lecturer at Western Washington University’s College of Business and Economics where she shares her passion with future generations teaching Nonprofit and Social Marketing in the Finance and Marketing Department. She earned her doctorate at the University of San Francisco in International and Multicultural Education and her MBA at Western Washington University.
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.
Contact the WWU SBDC
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 reach out to schedule an appointment.