Startup Blog
Planting seeds of a regenerative economy
A regenerative economy grows one small, value-driven business at a time when rooted in mutual abundance and interdependence.By Bear Belle, Young Adult Advisory Council MemberKey takeaways: A business is not just a way to make money, but a structure for living your...
Reclaiming the narrative: The Art of the Pitch
In the world of business, the "pitch" is usually seen as a high-pressure moment where you have to prove you’re perfect. But when Mazzy Eckel, Bear Belle, and I sat down to develop the Art of the Pitch unit for the Young Entrepreneur Academy, we knew we wanted to flip...
Let’s talk branding
By Mazzy Eckel, Young Adult Advisory Council Member Key takeaways: Your brand is just as important as your idea. It is the way you communicate your business to potential clients and make your idea seen, understood, and remembered. The Young Entrepreneur Academy...
Creating your own path
By Mazzy Eckel, Young Adult Advisory Council MemberKey takeaways: Real-world experience matters more than titles and entrepreneurship builds both. Waiting for permission can hold you back; creating your own opportunity can move you forward. The Young Entrepreneur...
Introducing the Young Entrepreneur Academy
Aspiring entrepreneurs have a lot to consider, and those challenges are even greater for teens and young adults. The Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) was designed to support them from generating big ideas to marketing, managing burnout, and navigating taxes and legal...
BizFair: A shortcut to business success
The journey to starting your business often feels like a long and winding road trip. There seems to be so many proverbial stops along your route before you can post your “open” sign. Whether you have a physical or virtual storefront, The Office of Economic Development...
Helping Entrepreneurs Grow
Commerce-sponsored mentorship program creates strong relationships that spur business growth “I now have a mentor and friend for life." Jason Haase is the Chief Executive Officer of Meadow Creature, a Vashon-Island based company that manufactures Meadow Creature®...
Ready for a Deep Dive?
Anyone who snorkels or scuba dives knows the value of going deeper into the water. The things you see and learn spark further curiosity and offer further insight about the world beneath the surface. The same is true for the discipline of marketing your business. It’s...
The Next Big Thing–A Tribute to Robb Zerr
Last month, the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) experienced a tremendous loss with the passing of our colleague, Robb Zerr. At his death, Robb was the managing director of OEDC’s Rural and Marketing Services at the Washington State Department...