<![CDATA[Covington Chamber of Commerce - Business Hub Blog]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:12:02 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[25 Steps to Starting a New Business]]>Tue, 12 May 2026 17:43:53 GMThttps://www.covingtonchamber.org/hub-blog/25-steps-to-starting-a-new-business
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Yes, 25 steps sounds like a lot, but you aren't just starting a car. You are building a business and creating new opportunities for yourself, your clients and customers, and boosting your local economy. According to ZenBusiness, an online business can be launched inb 30 days, service businesses in 90 days, and retail stores, restaurants and clothing lines about a year from concept to launch. 
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Sound daunting? The US Chamber has your back. They've put together a checklist for launching a new business. For the full article contributed by Emily Heaslip, visit the US Chamber CO blog online.

  1. Perform market research.
  2. Test your concept.
  3. Work on your pricing model.
  4. Build a business plan.
  5. Work on your sales pitch.
  6. Find funding.
  7. Choose a business structure.
  8. Get the right licenses and permits. Check your state and local governments for specific requirements.
  9. Open a business bank account.
  10. Organize your bookkeeping and accounting.
  11. Develop your supply chain.
  12. Protect your intellectual property.
  13. Decide where to sell.
  14. Develop a brand.
  15. Design product packaging.
  16. Negotiate a lease.
  17. Get the right insurance policies.
  18. Build a website.
  19. Register your business.
  20. Get the right tools.
  21. Prepare for order fulfillment.
  22. Set up your social media channels.
  23. Hire an employee.
  24. Advertise your grand opening.
  25. Prepare to launch.

​For more resources, visit the US Chamber's CO site online. 

]]><![CDATA[YearUp United's Banking Careers Training Program for Young Adults, Ages 18-29]]>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:23:35 GMThttps://www.covingtonchamber.org/hub-blog/yearup-uniteds-banking-careers-training-program-for-young-adults-ages-18-29Apply by April 25. Picture
Offered through YearUp United’s Puget Sound location, this 6-month program trains low-income, young adults ages 18-29 for careers in the banking industry. Job search and placement support for local banking jobs and internships is also provided.
 
When: 6-month, full-time training begins June 2026
Where: Hybrid Online/In-Person
Requirements: 18-29 years old, low-income, live in Puget Sound area
  
More Information/Apply by April 25
Register for April 14 Live Online Information Event
]]><![CDATA[MediWork$ Job Training for Non-Clinical Healthcare Careers]]>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:21:23 GMThttps://www.covingtonchamber.org/hub-blog/mediwork-job-training-for-non-clinical-healthcare-careers
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Apply now for early June start.

MediWorks$ (formerly CareerWorks$ Medical) is a job training course for adults of all ages to begin a career in entry-level, non-clinical healthcare positions, such as patient services specialist, healthcare call center rep, and healthcare billing specialist. It includes wraparound services, job search support, guaranteed interviews with partner employers, and networking connections to support participants making a career change.
 
When: 8-week full-time course June-July
Where: In-person classes in Renton
Requirements: include 18+ years old; High school diploma/GED; Able to pass background check; English proficient bilingual encouraged; 6 months customer service experience
 
More Information/Apply or email Susan Goodwin
]]><![CDATA[ANEW's Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Trades Rotation Program (TRP) Training Program Specifically for Women]]>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:17:59 GMThttps://www.covingtonchamber.org/hub-blog/anews-pre-apprenticeship-construction-trades-rotation-program-trp-training-program-specifically-for-womenApply now for a May 4, 2026 start.
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TRP is a no-cost, construction trades pre-apprenticeship training program for women and those who identify as. Graduates receive preferred entry into a construction apprenticeship program, and receive placement assistance and retention services for two years.
 
When: 9-week course May 4-July 7, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: TBD
Requirements: 18+ years old; GED/high school diploma; WA State driver’s license; able to pass physical assessment; able to pass drug test; No construction experience required.
 
Attend Mandatory Virtual or In-Person Information Session/Apply or contact info@anewcareer.org, 206-381-1384 ​
]]><![CDATA[Per Scholas Training for Cybersecurity Careers]]>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:14:55 GMThttps://www.covingtonchamber.org/hub-blog/per-scholas-training-for-cybersecurity-careersDeadline to Apply: April 13 Picture
This 15-week, remote online course will prepare you for IT Security Administrator and Cybersecurity Analyst roles. You will apply essential security concepts and develop critical technical skills to protect systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. This course is designed for individuals seeking entry to mid-level IT security roles.

​Per Scholas is building a more diverse technical workforce by creating on-ramps for women and people of color, groups that are underrepresented in IT employment.
 
When: 15-week course begins April 27, M-F 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Remote online
Requirements: 18+ years old; High school diploma/GED; Technical experience is recommended
 
More Information/Apply by April 13; contact seattletraining@perscholas.org
]]><![CDATA[Port of Seattle Accepting Applications from Community-Based Organizations for Economic Opportunities Program RFP]]>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:10:59 GMThttps://www.covingtonchamber.org/hub-blog/port-of-seattle-accepting-applications-from-community-based-organizations-for-economic-opportunities-program-rfpDeadline to Apply:  April 20 Picture
The goal of the Port’s Economic Opportunities for Communities Program (EOC) is to increase access and visibility of living wage jobs and careers in port-related industries for underrepresented communities near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and surrounding Port communities. To do this, the Port of Seattle contracts with community-based organizations that implement career-prep programs focused on awareness, exploration, preparation, and training opportunities. 

Learn more on the Port of Seattle's website. 
]]><![CDATA[City of Covington and Covington Chamber Unite to Launch One-Stop Business Hub]]>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:48:55 GMThttps://www.covingtonchamber.org/hub-blog/city-of-covington-chamber-launch-one-stop-business-hubThe City of Covington (Washington) and the Covington Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce a new partnership to launch the Covington Business Hub—a centralized, one-stop destination designed to support local businesses at every stage. This collaborative initiative brings together trusted resources, expert referrals, and practical tools to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses.

More than just a resource library, the Covington Business Hub reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our local economy and fostering a thriving business community. Through this partnership, businesses will have access to personalized support, strategic connections, and opportunities to engage with partners across the region. Together, the City and the Chamber are making it easier than ever for businesses to find guidance, build relationships, and succeed in Covington and beyond.

​Whether you’re launching a new venture, navigating challenges, or planning your next phase of growth, the Business Hub is built to connect you with the right information and the right people.
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