Business Connect offers general technical assistance and workshops to help you in your entrepreneurial journey
We alleviate the stress of starting or growing your business by providing educational resources and building your business network. We know that navigating the system can be overwhelming so we bring them to you. Check out our upcoming workshops below.
Spanish interpretation available | Interpretación en español disponible.
Marketing and sales go hand in hand when it comes to growing your business—but how do you know which tools are worth your time and effort? Join us for an engaging and practical workshop designed specifically for small business owners. You’ll learn how to identify and better understand your ideal customer, compare traditional and digital marketing strategies, and walk through the key stages of a sales funnel—from prospecting to closing the deal.
Spanish interpretation available | Interpretación en español disponible.
The Price is Right: Confident Pricing for Profitable Businesses
Pricing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset, confidence, and building a business that actually pays you.
In this workshop, we’ll break down the most common pricing mistakes that keep business owners stuck and underpaid. You’ll learn simple, powerful strategies to price with purpose, explore key mindset shifts, and walk away with the tools to charge with clarity and confidence.
Whether you're selling products or services, you’ll leave knowing how to price like the CEO you are.
Business: From the Ground Up is a 4-week interactive entrepreneurship class designed for aspiring and early-stage business owners who want to create sustainable, purpose-driven ventures, without the fluff, fear, or overwhelm.
This course is for founders who want to launch and grow with clarity, community, and confidence.
This is not your average business class. No boring lectures. No one-size-fits-all advice. Just real tools, real conversations, and real guidance from seasoned business advisors who understand your journey.
Spanish interpretation available | Interpretación en español disponible.
Every successful business starts with a clear plan, but many entrepreneurs get stuck trying to connect all the moving parts. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll walk through the Lean Business Model Canvas to help you organize your ideas into a clear, strategic business model.
You’ll learn how to map out the core areas of your business—from your customers and products to your pricing, marketing, and revenue streams—in one simple, powerful framework. Whether you're just starting out or pivoting your current business, this tool will help you see the full picture and take action with confidence.
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Past Business Connect Events
Spanish interpretation available | Interpretación en español disponible.
Learning from the Competition
Ever wondered what your competitors can teach you about your own business? Join us for this eye-opening workshop that explores how analyzing your competitors, ethically and legally, can help you grow stronger, refine your strategies, and sharpen your unique value in the market.
This in-person event is perfect for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to learn how to turn competitive insight into business advantage. You’ll walk away with actionable tools to better position your business for success.
What We’ll Cover:
What you can ethically learn from your competitors
Common myths about “business espionage”
How to identify and strengthen your unique selling proposition
Strategies to deal with external business challenges
About the Presenter:
Bill Ruttledge is a longtime SCORE Business Mentor and former Chairman of the Vancouver, WA SCORE Chapter. With over 40 years of experience in insurance, education, and business development, Bill brings practical insight and guidance tailored to small business needs. His workshops are known for being clear, engaging, and full of useful tips for new and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.
Spanish interpretation available | Interpretación en español disponible.
Have a business idea but not sure how to run it from home? This workshop is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand what it really takes to launch and grow a home-based business.
We’ll cover the essential steps to get started plus how to assess whether your business idea is financially viable. You'll walk away with practical tools to evaluate your business’s potential and what it will take to make it profitable—all from the comfort of your own home.
✅ Understand the key steps and legal requirements
✅ Learn how to navigate local regulations and avoid common roadblocks
✅ Discover how to calculate costs, set pricing, and plan for profitability
Turn your idea into a sustainable home-based business—join us and get started the right way!
Spanish interpretation available | Interpretación en español disponible.
Thinking about starting a business and not sure which legal structure to choose? This workshop breaks down the pros and cons of forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and how it compares to other common business structures like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
We’ll walk you through what an LLC is, how it works, and why it’s often the best choice for small business owners looking for flexibility, protection, and ease of management. Whether you're just getting started or considering a change to your current structure, this session will help you make a confident, informed decision.
✅ Learn the key features of an LLC
✅ Understand how it stacks up against other business types
✅ Discover why an LLC may be the right fit for your small business
Join us and take the first step toward building a strong legal foundation for your business.
