e are now entering the second week of our 1st Co-Hort in the Comadres Program, a Latina Entrepreneurship Program designed by the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship. Our goal throughout Comadres is to build community, teach business acumen, and connect Latinas in Skagit and Whatcom Counties with the tools and resources they need to launch a…
La Cocina
La Cocina Port Townsend opened its doors in downtown Port Townsend in 2021 serving authentic Mexican American food. Michelin-trained Chef, Lissette Garay, and Luxury Event Planner, Cassandra Garay, opened La Cocina Port Townsend to bring authentic Mexican cuisine with freshly made tortillas and traditional cooking techniques to the Pacific Northwest representing Lissette’s heritage and recipes…
Paca Pride Guest Ranch
We started a Permaculture Homestead Campground to re-invent both camping and the family farm allowing the public to stay in fully furnished yurts while learning about sustainability, low-impact farm practices, and be base camp for their Mountain Loop experience. Surviving the adversity presented by county permitting processes taking 2 years to complete meant that our…
Social Media Resource for Startups
In our OPEN Social Media Tips and Tricks Workshop, Kayley Lofstrom, CIE’s Communication Coordinator discussed how she coordinates CIE’s social media. Kayley is someone who does not enjoy social media in her personal life, so as she has incorporated social media into her career, she has learned some ways that make social media posting and…
TKC Community Consignment
TKC was started in late 2019 when Terry found herself between jobs. Then she got the idea to start a consignment shop. Within days, she had rented a space, pillaged her own closet and began stocking the small storefront with an eclectic range of clothing and collectibles. Right as her business was picking up, the…
Cake to Dye For
I remember, as a child, lying in my bed at night praying that I would wake up the next day and be a boy, to be my authentic self, and to just have my family be proud of me. I remember looking into the mirror struggling to say just two words, ‘I’m transgender.’ There is…
How to Become a FUNdraiser for CIE
CIE is participating in a state-wide giving event called GiveBIG, happening May 4-5, with early giving starting on April 20. As a nonprofit, we rely on grants and donations to provide partnerships, training and guidance to individuals with big ideas in rural communities. How can the community support CIE? By donating to GiveBIG and/or by…
Heart & Place
I started Heart & Place after helping my family complete two large home downsizing projects. Afterwards I wanted to help others sort and clear years of paperwork, outdated clothing, photos, and more. Each home and person is unique and so I tailor my work to help accomplish a client’s specific goals. My biggest joy comes…
Business Grant & Funding Updates
If you have not been able to qualify for funding previously, please get in touch with Micah Jonet (https://calendly.com/micah-jonet/ciepeninsula) – some rules have changed and you may now qualify. Many of the following opportunities require your business to obtain a DUNS number, let us know if you need help. New Openings and Extensions for Funding…
Let Us Show You Learning
After working 25 years as a network administrator, Brian Williams wanted to show people the power of software they already had. As an African American man, he knew it was going to be harder to start his business, but knew it would be worth it. “I decided to let this fuel my fire,” said Brian….
Changes in PPP Aimed at Small Businesses
As of March 1st, many businesses that had previously been ineligible can now receive PPP funds. The Paycheck Protection Program is a forgivable loan program. This means that unlike traditional loans, PPP loans can be forgiven if certain requirements are met. Schedule an appointment with Micah to see if you qualify: https://calendly.com/micah-jonet/ciepeninsula
Larsen Marine Pre-trip
“Guys like us don’t often get the chance to participate in this sort of thing,” said Pat Larsen of participating in the Startup Skagit Valley initiative. For most of his adult life, Pat has worked the boatyards in Skagit County. To have more flexible hours and more time for his young family, he came…
