Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Business Resource Center is to support a healthy business climate by providing a network of information and assistance that will increase the opportunities for success and enhancement of overall vitality of the community.

Below is a list of community network partners whose services and expertise play an essential part in helping us fulfill our mission.

Skagit Valley College
Skagit Valley College offers a wide range of classes leading to Academic and Vocational degrees and certificates. Business degree programs include Business Management, Business Administration and Office and Business Technology. Classes are offered in various locations and on-line through Distance Education.

Economic Development Association of Skagit County (EDASC)
The Economic Development Association of Skagit County is a local agency that assists businesses in a number of ways; EDASC works with companies that are relocating or expanding to Skagit County; local companies that are expanding or starting up; or companies that are working to retain jobs by holding seminars and workshops, providing one-on-one counseling, hosting networking events, and providing demographics and information. EDASC hosts several programs including the Business Retention/Expansion (BRE) program, the Business Recruitment program, and Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program, and also provides business counseling for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program.
Contact Don Wick at (360) 336-6114 or email info@skagit.org

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC is designed to help small businesses thrive and grow through professional business counseling and classes. The SBDC is part of a network of centers sponsored by the Small Business Administration and Washington State University. The Business Counselors can tap into research and information from state and national sources. The counseling is provided free of charge. Business classes are offered in the classroom and on the Internet.
Contact Traci Harstad at (360) 336-6114 or email traci@skagit.org

Skagit Council of Governments (SCOG)
Skagit Council of Governments (SCOG) is charged with countywide planning coordination, local and regional transportation planning, revolving loan fund and participation in the broader regional planning process. SCOG is responsible for coordinating the countywide municipal jurisdictions into a cohesive and communicative network.

SCOG also provides funding opportunities for businesses through Revolving Loan Funds designed to assist start-up and existing businesses in Skagit County in retaining and creating jobs. Clients receive loans in the form of Business Development, Micro-Enterprise, and Business Lending Revolving Loan Funds. When loans are repaid, funds are again available to new clients.
Contact W. Kelley Molstad at (360) 416-7875 or email kelleym@scog.net

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE is a volunteer program of retired executives from all industries and regions. Since 1964, SCORE provides free, individual counseling services and training to assist owners and managers in identifying basic business problems, determining their causes, and finding solutions. Counselors can also help successful businesses to review their distribution channels, evaluate expansion opportunities, modify their products and/or services and meet other business challenges. Seminars are also offered for startup businesses, covering planning, logistics and legal issues of importance.
Contact SCORE Chapter 591 serving Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties in:

• Bellingham - (360)647-3307
• Ferndale - (360)676-3307
• Mt. Vernon - (360)416-7873
• Coupville - (360) 678-6998 or 888-506-7999

WorkSafe Institute of Washington
The WorkSafe Institute of Washington offers high quality, technical safety training to business, industry and government. Classes are offered at the Center or customized and offered on-site. The WorkSafe Institute is offered in a partnership with Highline Community College and Central Washington University.
Contact Dave Ellsworth at (360)416-7871 or email dave.ellsworth@skagit.edu

Customized Training

The BRC has the expertise to help you determine and meet your training needs. Training can be provided at the time and location that works best for you. We welcome the opportunity to work with the organizations on a contractual basis in the development and delivery of training that meets your specific needs. We will work with you to assess your training needs, custom design effective training tailored to your company, and follow-up with an evaluation. You pay only for what you need.
Call (360) 416-7872 for a free consultation.

SBA Business Information Center (BIC)

The Business Information Center (BIC) has over 300 books, software and videos that you can use to research, write business plans, try out software, or take an on-line class. The BIC is intended for public use, and you are welcome anytime during business hours.
Contact Cynthia at (360) 416-7873 or email brcreg@skagit.edu

WSU Partnership for Rural Improvement

PRI is a consortium of community colleges under the leadership of Washington State University. The purpose of PRI is to act as a catalyst for maintaining rural communities and support community improvement. Some of the local goals are to support technology for communication and education and improve access to service.

Tech Prep
The Skagit-Island PrepWork Consortium office serves as a link between the ten high schools in Skagit, Island and San Juan Counties, Skagit Valley College, and business/labor organizations throughout the three-county area. As their vision and mission statements indicate, their goal is to assist all youth by providing opportunities for community-based educational experiences and long-range career goals.
Contact Cynthia Shelton at (360)855-3588 or email cynthia.shelton@skagit.edu