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Business Academy

A multi-week training program for for entrepreneurs who want to build a real, functioning business.

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Questions? Call (360) 258-0817

What to expect

This four-week series helps you build and grow a successful business through interactive, step-by-step guidance. The program includes online classes and in-person sessions hosted locally. Classes are available in English and Spanish and taught by experienced business owners.

What You Will Learn:

  • Business Basics: Licensing, registration, pricing, and managing cash flow.

  • Growth Strategy: Pitching, market research, sales, and planning your vision.

  • Funding & Networks: Access to grants, matched savings, loans, and local resources.

You will gain simple systems, clear financial tools, and a strong network of local entrepreneurs to help you move forward with confidence.

This program is made possible through funding support from Clark County and reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to business education, resources, and opportunities that help strengthen local small businesses and contribute to a thriving local economy.

upcoming events

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Events
ABCs of a Food Business
Sep 29
ABCs of a Food Business

ABCs of a Food Business

A five-week foundational series for food entrepreneurs

Have a food business idea, or already started one and want to build a stronger foundation?

ABCs of a Food Business is a five-week series designed to help food entrepreneurs turn their ideas into more intentional business decisions. Throughout the series, participants will work through their food concept, menu and operations, start-up costs, pricing, and business pitch, with practical information they can apply to their own business.

What You’ll Work On

Your food business concept

Define what you sell, who you serve, how your business works, and what makes it different.

A focused and practical menu

Explore how to build a menu that aligns with your concept, capacity, and day-to-day operations.

Start-up costs and pricing strategy

Better understand the costs involved in starting or growing a food business and how pricing connects to costs, labor, and profitability.

A clear business pitch

Bring the pieces together and practice communicating your concept, business model, numbers, and next steps.

Interpretación en español disponible durante toda la serie.

Session Schedule

Session 1 — Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM

In Person — Fourth Plain Community Commons

3101 E 4th Plain Blvd, Suite 101 Vancouver, WA 98661

Session 2 — Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM

In Person — Cascade Park Community Library

600 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684

Session 3 — Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM

In Person — Vancouver Community Library (Downtown)

901 C Street, Vancouver, WA 98660

Session 4 — Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM

Virtual — Online via Zoom

Registered participants will receive the Zoom information before the session.

Session 5 — Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM

In Person — Vancouver Community Library (Downtown)

901 C Street, Vancouver, WA 98660

One registration includes the full five-week series.

Please note that meeting locations vary by session. Registered participants will receive reminders with session details before each class.

Ready to join us?

Whether you’re exploring a food business idea or already working to grow one, this series offers a space to learn, ask questions, and build practical tools for your next steps.

This workshop is open to the community. We welcome small business owners and entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journey.

Questions?

BusinessAssist@FourthPlainForward.org

www.FourthPlainForward.org

Small businesses. Stronger communities.

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