City of Kent Small Business Services
Committed to training and supporting entrepreneurs in Kent
Business Impact NW has partnered with the City of Kent to bring small business support services focused on practical assistance and adapted programs for Kent entrepreneurs. Built with the intention to quicken the recovery and promotion of economic vibrancy, the following services are in place for businesses who have been disproportionately impacted by the economic conditions over the last several years.
Implemented with all business types in mind, and focused on accessibility, it is our goal to bring programing to a wide variety of business owners. Don’t see something that fits your needs? Keep checking back or let us know and we may be able to help!
For questions or support in getting connected with a business coach, email [email protected]
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Business Coaching
The City of Kent Small Business Accelerator provides free one-on-one coaching to Kent businesses looking to start, grow, or fund their ventures. Sign up here and meet with one of our accredited small business coaches to learn more about our services or receive assistance in the following areas:
Business Planning
- Guidance, training and templates to develop your Lean Model Canvas, Business Model Canvas, or traditional Business Plan
- Areas of focus include legal formation of business, equipment requirements and costs, market analysis, strategic planning, and financial projections.
Resource Navigation
- Learn about free resources and educational tools at Business Impact NW that align with your farm business goals.
- Connect with our network of service providers and regional resources, events and trainings.
- Find answers to the questions that are important to you such as licensing, permitting, taxes, and becoming an employer.
Loan Readiness
- If you are looking to apply for funding through Business Impact NW or another institution, we offer training and coaching on what you need
- (in addition to a good business plan and financial projections)
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2024 Opportunities
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Market & Vending Opportunities Scholarship
Offering a limited number of NO COST vending opportunities to new and emerging craft businesses, valuing up to $500. Scholarship opportunities will be available and are well-suited for Kent crafters who may be interested in vending at large craft shows but with a smaller commitment. Opportunities will range from larger shows to farmers markets to smaller events. Please note that each opportunity may have a unique application deadline. One application can be used to submit to multiple shows.this is a grey bar
Upcoming Classes & Drop Ins
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Free in-person classes & available drop-in business coaching hours to Kent Businesses
Money Matters Series - Energize Your Business
The Money Matters series is for small business owners who have owned and operated their business for at least one year and are looking to grow or expand. The three-part in-person series will cover tips, tools, and strategies to help small business owners manage their money, time, and customers to provide a path for sustainable growth. At the end of each session you will be given actionable next steps to take and local referrals to experts to help guide you. Attend all three or just one. Each class will include both learning from an instructor and opportunities to learn and network with other businesses!
Kent Drop-In Business Coaching
Do you have a business puzzle you need help solving? Drop in to one our coaching sessions at the Kent Chamber of Commerce, the Kent Downtown Library, or Kent Panther Lake Library. Click the link for available dates and times.this is a grey bar
Series Courses
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Courses are Free or Scholarships are Available to Kent Businesses
Kent Food Business Grow and Thrive Accelerator
City of Kent 2024 Grow & Thrive Food Business Accelerator is a structured mentor program with expert guidance & advice, perfect for any food business owner who wants to take their enterprise to the next level. Participants create a strategy for growth by charting a path to future success with 3–5-year objectives working with their current financial statements, operating manuals, marketing materials, etc. You will also identify issues and improve and diversify your business model and evaluate current operations to determine your path for growth. The course will conclude with pitch presentations, presented before a panel of business professionals, followed by a networking reception.
Market Ready Program
The Market Ready Program supports established small businesses and entrepreneurs across Washington state who currently sell or are interested in selling at markets or tabling at pop-ups. Throughout the 4-week program will teach you how to maximize your time, energy, and efficiency to be able to take advantage of and participate in market and tabling opportunities. The program will be delivered in a hybrid of on-demand and live sessions. The next program starts Wednesday, September 3rd.
Launch & Grow: Start & Grow Your Own Business
Launch & Grow is for aspiring and early-phase small businesses owners. Through seven 3-hour sessions plus eight weeks of 1-on-1 business coaching, you will learn how to manage, market, and finance your business while creating a solid business plan. This series class has a Market Value of over $1,500 and a regular class fee of $249. Please reach out directly to learn more or request one of the scholarship seats. Limited number of Partial and Full scholarship available to businesses in Kent with a City of Kent Business License.Grow and Thrive: Strategic Planning & Mentorship Program
Grow & Thrive is a structured mentor program with expert guidance & advice, perfect for any business owner who wants to take their business to the next level. Participants will develop a strategic plan with 3-5 year objectives, working with their current financial statements, operating manuals, marketing materials, etc. The course will conclude with a networking reception and an opportunity to hone your pitch. This opportunity is designed to be an immersive program and is a paid course.
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Cost Share Services
Services Offered at a Reduced Fee
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Virtual Tax and Bookkeeping Coaching
1 50-minute virtual individualized bookkeeping and tax coaching session with Lily Tran of TaxUSign. Valued at $300 with cost share bringing it to $40
Content Marketing and Strategy Coaching
Are you ready to implement a practical marketing strategy tailored to your business? Valued at $450 with cost share bringing it to $40.
Upcoming Opportunities: 2024
Food Business Grow and Thrive! Same great Grow and Thrive class, but revised to serve Kent Valley Businesses!
Contact us to learn more about our specialized programming.
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Business Impact NW is also available to partner and deliver in-person or virtual business basic classes to Kent Valley partners. Reach out to us to learn more! [email protected]
