The purposeful mix of programs and projects at the EDC is designed to provide entrepreneurs, small businesses, large firms and our partner organizations with comprehensive and innovative services that support their growth and the strength and diversity of our local economy.
Government Contracting
Washington Procurement Technical Center (PTAC)
Thurston EDC is the statewide lead for the Washington State Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). PTAC helps companies achieve contracts for work with local, state, and federal governments.
In fiscal year 2014, PTAC has helped Washington-based businesses to secure over $300 million in prime and subcontract awards.
ScaleUp Thurston
ScaleUp Thurston is a comprehensive training program, which includes in-person classroom training and one-on-one business mentoring and technical assistance to help small business owners plan and achieve their business growth goals. ScaleUp is part of the ScaleUp America initiative developed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Thurston EDC and the Center for Business & Innovation were selected to deliver one of the 15 ScaleUp Programs offered nationwide. It’s the only one of its kind on the West Coast.
Small Business Counseling (SBDC)
The Washington Small Business Development Center Network is your resource for expert business advising, management training and market research. SBDC advisors offer one-on-one technical assistance at no charge to make sure you have the information you need to make the decisions that are right for you and your company.
TuneUp your Business
If you’ve been in business a while, you know how challenging and overwhelming it can be to run and grow your business. There are so many things that need to be done and require your attention, yet you only have so many hours in a day!
TuneUp is an 8-week training program that teaches you the tools you need to increase operational efficiency, improve profitability, and create a long-term sustainable business that can continue to operate when you’re not there.
If you’re ready to get more done while working less hours, enroll in TuneUp today!
Veterans Programs
Services for Transitioning Military
The Thurston EDC has a strong commitment to support service members as they transition out of the military and into the local civilian workforce. We have several programs that provide entrepreneurial support and skills training to soldiers while they are in the process of transitioning.
Women-Owned Businesses (WCWB)
The Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) supports the mission of all Women’s Business Centers: to “level the playing field” for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the business world.
This mission of this program is to empower entrepreneurs to succeed in business by providing coaching, training, and technical assistance on a wide variety of topics. The WCWB differs from other programs of the CB&I because our Business Coaches are dedicated to helping the Womanpreneur see her business goals realized.