 Applications are now open for WomensNet's Amber Grants for women-owned businesses. In 1998, the grant was set up to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams.
Past recipients include Mobile Tailor LA, Sterling Hygiene, FiXA, Rozanna's Violins and Ayuda Health, Brown Girl Surft, Flour Sack Studio LLC and more. Apply for your chance at 1 of 3 $10,000 Amber Grants by Oct. 31, 2026. Learn more here: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/  Do you know the difference between bookkeeping and accounting? Are you having trouble understanding what financial statements are? Then you have come to the right place. Sign up for our Accounting Basics class and learn the important information that you need to know about your small business accounting.
The instructor, Ann Zimmerman, is a Washington SBDC Certified Business Advisor. She earned her BA in Accounting from Western Washington University and received her Master’s degree in Accounting and Tax from Washington State University. Ann has over thirty years of experience in business and has worked in various industries including retail, construction services, manufacturing, healthcare, and not-for-profit. Online Meeting 10/8/26 @ 1 p.m. Pacific Washington SBDC Training 833-492-7232 Washington Trust Bank is hosting a no-cost, educational workshop designed for small business owners. Experts will provide guidance on the following:
Event details: Wed., Oct. 21, 2026 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Emerald Downs Emerald Room 2300 Ron Crockett Dr. Auburn, WA 98001 Register here: https://pages.watrust.com/2026-small-business-workshop-registration.html   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.
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.
For more resources, visit the US Chamber's CO site online. Apply by April 25. 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  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 Apply now for a May 4, 2026 start. 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 [email protected], 206-381-1384 Deadline to Apply: April 13 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 [email protected] Deadline to Apply: April 20 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. The 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.  |