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Business Connect Events

Business Connect offers workshops, technical assistance, and educational opportunities designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners at different stages of business growth.

Events include one-time workshops, resource sessions, and Business Academy series focused on practical business skills, financial readiness, operations, marketing, and long-term sustainability.

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.

Upcoming Events

Featured
Small Business Accounting & Taxes
Jun 2
Small Business Accounting & Taxes

Small Business Accounting & Taxes

Interpretación en español disponible

Starting and growing a small business also means building strong financial habits from the beginning. This Business Connect workshop is designed to help entrepreneurs better understand business accounting, recordkeeping, and basic tax concepts in a practical and approachable way. Whether you are just getting started or already operating your business, this session will help you feel more confident organizing your finances and understanding key financial responsibilities.

During this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to organize business records and documents, understand the difference between operational analysis and financial reporting, and explore basic IRS-related topics that support long-term business stability. Spanish interpretation will be available. We warmly invite small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to join us, connect with other business owners, and continue building their businesses with confidence.

This Business Connect workshop is supported by the City of Vancouver.

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Featured
Business Plan Basics
May 12
Business Plan Basics

Business Plan Basics

Interpretación en español disponible

Starting a business can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. This workshop is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs move from ideas to action with greater clarity and confidence. In partnership with SCORE and funded by the City of Vancouver, this session will walk participants through the foundational steps of building a strong business plan in a practical, approachable way.

During this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to organize their ideas, better understand their customers, and begin shaping a business model that is both realistic and growth-oriented. Whether you are just getting started or looking to strengthen an early-stage business idea, this session will help you think more strategically about how your business creates value, serves customers, and grows over time.

With guidance, real-world examples, and a supportive learning environment, this workshop is meant to make business planning feel more manageable and more useful. Spanish interpretation will be available.

Steps to Starting a Small Business
Apr 21
Steps to Starting a Small Business

Steps to Starting a Small Business

Interpretación en español disponible

Starting a business is an exciting step, and having the right guidance can make the journey feel clear and empowering from day one. This workshop, offered in partnership with SCORE and supported by the City of Vancouver, is designed to walk you through the key steps to start your business with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re growing an idea or ready to take the next step, this session will help you move forward with a solid foundation.

During this interactive session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how to register your business, navigate licensing requirements, and set up the essentials that support long-term success. You’ll also learn how to build a strong financial foundation from the beginning and understand how Washington’s tax structure works in a simple, approachable way. The workshop will be offered in both English and Spanish.

We warmly invite you to join us, connect with other entrepreneurs in the community, and take the next step toward building your business with confidence.

Register today to reserve your spot, we’d love to have you with us!

AI for Small Business OwnersThe Builder’s Room
Apr 20
AI for Small Business OwnersThe Builder’s Room

AI for Small Business Owners

The Builder’s Room

Interpretación en español disponible

Running a small business today means wearing many hats—and finding time for everything can feel overwhelming. You’ve probably heard a lot about Artificial Intelligence (AI), but maybe you’re still wondering: Where does this actually help my business? Is it complicated? Where do I even start?

This hands-on workshop was designed with you in mind. In a welcoming, community-centered space, we’ll break down AI in a simple, practical way—focusing on real tools you can use to save time, strengthen your marketing, and support your day-to-day operations. No technical background needed—just bring your ideas and your willingness to learn.

Our goal is to make AI feel useful, not overwhelming. You’ll leave with greater clarity on your business needs, practical prompts you can start using right away, and real examples of how AI can support your growth. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to work smarter, this workshop is here to support you—step by step.

Past Business Connect Events

Questions?

Email Us at businessassist@fourthplainforward.org

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