Meet Esmeralda Sanchez, the founder of Lopez Family Farm based in Mt. Vernon, where they grow strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Sweet Beginnings: Anissa’s Path to Pastry Success
Before her encounter with CIE and her advisor, Juan, Anissa envisioned a grand launch for her pastry business. However, Juan’s advice encouraged her to start small, gradually building her brand and reputatio
Everclean State
In an engaging interview led by Isabel, Marketing Coordinator for the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE), Amy Reed shares her story about starting Everclean State. Launched in September 2023, Everclean State is a janitorial cleaning business based on the Olympic Peninsula. Amy shares her experience working with CIE’s business advisors, Rick and Micah, and how…
Horus Horizon Marine
Lou’s Business Journey Lou Geraghty (he/them), is the proud Owner and Operator of Horus Horizon Marine, a wooden boat and yacht fine finishing and carpentry business based in the Port of Port Townsend. Lou’s business journey began in June 2021 when he took the courageous step to venture into entrepreneurship, marking what would become the…
Pacific Rainshadow Farm
It took a move to the woods for Jacqueline Buresh to realize how she could make the world a better place. Dealing with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles without trash service shined a light on her family’s plastic usage. So she began looking for a way to eliminate plastic packaging and find a gentle…
Green Equity Accelerator Graduation
Thank you to everybody who came out and supported our Green Equity Accelerator Graduation! It was a blast learning about the new green businesses launching around the Olympic Peninsula. Here is a recap of the eventful June evening!
Don and Mai’s Journey to Opening their Thai Restaurant
Introduction Embarking on a new business venture requires determination, strategic planning, and the right guidance. Don and Mai, a dedicated couple putting their passions together to open their own Thai restaurant, are on the verge of realizing their dream. In this inspiring client story, we explore their journey so far, highlighting the support provided by…
PNW Halal Meats
PNW Halal Meats is a small store located in Pullman, Washington, that offers a variety of halal goods and food from all over the world, including the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central Asia. The store is owned by Shamsa Wanjuki and her husband, who started the business almost 10 years ago when they…
The Skagit Table
Courtney’s journey began eight years ago after she graduated from culinary school. With a passion for cooking and a desire to positively impact her community, she started The Skagit Table. Her motivations for growing her business were having the opportunity to provide healthy and convenient meals for her community and creating her own schedule to…
Silvopasture
You’re walking through the dark woods when you hear a branch snap behind you. You look back, fearing what you’ll see, but instead of flashing teeth and sharp claws, you see a sheep peacefully grazing the undergrowth. As the shepherd raises a cheerful greeting, more sheep appear through the ferns, salal, and vine maple. Despite…
Social Enterprise Example: Alaskan Brewing | Beer Powered Beer
“This Juneau-based brewery has been forced to innovate cutting-edge brewery technology to keep costs down and brew in an environmentally conscious way. Beer-powered beer is at the forefront of brewery technology recycling spent grains (traditionally provided to local farms by breweries in the lower 48) to power the brewing process.” What do we mean when…
Coffee with Colleen: Information about Green Equity Accelerator
Callam EDC Executive Director Colleen McAleer talks with CIE’s Program Director, Rick Dickinson, about our new program, The Green Equity Accelerator, launching this spring. Our program helps socially conscious entrepreneurs grow their businesses by providing them with 14 training modules, feedback from experienced local businesses, access to local volunteer mentors, and ongoing counseling from our…
