Startup Blog
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...
Strengthening Communities with Business Capital
At the Washington State Department of Commerce, we believe entrepreneurs and small business owners drive our economy. The Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) is just one of the divisions within Commerce that is hard at work helping fuel the...
Is it time to Scale Up?
ScaleUp: Helping you create a path to seven figures for your business On the first day of the New Year, a lot of people make resolutions, often with a greater goal in mind. Let’s say you might want to visit the historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca...
Bright. Shiny. Things.
What they are and why they are important to your brand. A common myth holds that crows, magpies, and other jaybirds collect bright, shiny things. Cue the way-back fantasy movie from 1982 (released before many of you were born), the Secret of NIMH. The crow character,...
Ready — Set — Action
Helping real entrepreneurs succeed because entrepreneurship is for everyone. Hollywood often casts entrepreneurs as high rollers. Frequently portrayed as men, they have big wads of cash in their pockets, wear bowler-style hats, smoke cigars, and when they emerge from...
You Look Good in Hats
The Wardrobe of Hats Worn by Entrepreneurs It’s no surprise that entrepreneurs wear a lot of hats. It’s an analogy, not a literal expression. Though, if you think of it literally, it’s equally true. Think of the owner of a hot dog stand who sets up shop outside a...