✨ June Journey: Forward Steps to Progress and Growth
Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship — June 2025 Newsletter
This month, we’re spotlighting the people and partnerships driving inclusive entrepreneurship – from new funding that will expand access in Skagit County to hands-on courses helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into action.
We’re also honoring Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19 – a time to reflect on freedom, equity, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. As we commemorate this important day, we’re reminded why our shared work to build a more inclusive economy matters now more than ever.
Let’s continue the journey – together.
🌟 Exciting News: Expanding Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Skagit County
We’re excited to share that CIE has received a $12,000 grant from the Skagit Community Foundation to grow our Pathways to Financial Stability initiative. This funding will help us expand access to entrepreneurial training, personalized coaching, and business development resources for early-stage and aspiring entrepreneurs across Skagit County, with a strong focus on underserved and underrepresented communities.
With this support, more entrepreneurs in Skagit will have the opportunity to launch and grow small businesses, create sustainable income, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient local economy. We’re proud to deepen our work in the region and grateful to the Skagit Community Foundation for investing in this vision.
Click the button to read more about this important partnership and what it means for Skagit’s diverse entrepreneurs.
💡Have A Business Idea? Start Simple!
If you have an idea for a new business, our Start Simple Course is the perfect way to get started. In just four two-hour group sessions, you’ll learn key business fundamentals to assess the feasibility of your goals. The course includes free one-on-one homework assistance from a Business Advisor and a final assessment of your Start Simple Plan. Available in English and Spanish, these sessions are designed to help you quickly move from idea to action.
Visit our Calendar for event dates and to sign up!
📍Partnering with The CoLab in Port Townsend
CIE is also partnering with the Port Townsend CoLab to bring additional resources and networking to emerging entrepreneurs and micro-businesses in Jefferson County. These community-based offerings are designed to foster connection, collaboration, and support among local business owners.
Our next in-person event, Designing the Business for Profitability, is the second session of the two-session pilot taking place at The CoLab on June 24. This special workshop will guide participants through strategies to build a profitable, sustainable business model. It’s a great next step for entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their financial foundations.
🤝 Leading Change: Join CIE’s Board of Directors and Make a Lasting Impact in Rural Washington
CIE is currently seeking community-driven leaders from the Peninsula, Skagit, and Columbia Basin regions to join our Board of Directors.
As a board member, you’ll work closely with our leadership team to guide the organization’s growth, uphold our mission, and ensure financial sustainability. Your expertise and vision will directly influence the support we provide to underserved entrepreneurs in rural Washington.
Serving on CIE’s Board provides an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the future of small businesses in rural communities. By joining the board, you’ll be part of a team working to foster economic development and support entrepreneurs who are driving change.
If you’re passionate about economic justice, entrepreneurship, and rural development, this is your chance to make a difference.
Become a Donor!
By offering all our programs at no cost, we ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the dreams of those seeking to build generational wealth and fuel local development in their rural communities.
Join us in making a meaningful impact by donating today!
