Food Permits 101: What You Need to Know Before Selling Food

Thinking about starting a food business in Clark County?

Whether you’re planning to launch a food cart, catering business, pop-up, packaged food product, or restaurant, understanding the permit process is an important first step.

Join Fourth Plain Forward and Clark County Public Health for Food Permits 101, an informational workshop designed to help entrepreneurs learn about food business permits, licensing requirements, health department expectations, and the steps needed to become permit-ready. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with local resources.

Spanish interpretation will be available. We welcome both aspiring and existing food business owners who want to better understand the permitting process and start planning their next steps with confidence.

Food Permits 101 is offered in partnership with Clark County Public Health to help entrepreneurs better understand the food permitting process in Clark County.

This program is made possible through funding support from Clark County.

Spanish interpretation will be available.

Habrá interpretación en español.

Small Business Credit

Understanding Credit to Support Your Business Goals

Whether you’re just starting a business, planning for future growth, or simply looking to strengthen your financial knowledge, understanding credit can help you make more informed business decisions.

Join us for this free educational workshop presented by Fourth Plain Forward in partnership with KeyBank Small Business. During this session, participants will explore the fundamentals of personal and business credit, factors that influence creditworthiness, strategies for building and maintaining strong credit, and an overview of financing options available to small businesses. The workshop will also cover business credit reports, common reasons credit scores change, and resources that may help entrepreneurs prepare for future financing opportunities.

This workshop is designed to provide practical information in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you are actively seeking financing or simply want to be better prepared for future business opportunities, this session can help you strengthen your financial readiness and better understand how credit may support your long-term business goals.

Spanish interpretation will be available.

Presented by Fourth Plain Forward. Financial education presented in partnership with KeyBank Small Business

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.

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

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 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.

Small Business Marketing Workshop

Interpretación en español disponible

Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated, or expensive—to work.

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help small business owners in our community attract more customers, show up with confidence, and grow with purpose.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen your current strategy, you’ll walk away with simple, practical tools you can start using right away.

What you’ll learn:

- Identify your ideal customer

- Turn your website into a 24/7 tool

- Show up where your customers are

- Get results with a small budget

Spots are limited—register today and take the next step in growing your business.

Grow your business, your way—right here in our community.

At Fourth Plain Forward, we believe every small business deserves access to tools, knowledge, and support to succeed.

Join us for a practical workshop where you’ll learn how to market your business with clarity, confidence, and intention—without needing a big budget.

Running a small business means constantly making decisions about pricing, costs, and sales. Setting the right price can make the difference between simply covering expenses and building a profitable, sustainable business.

In this interactive workshop, small business owners will learn practical strategies for pricing products and services while staying competitive in the market. We’ll talk about how your unique value connects with what customers are willing to pay, how rising costs impact your pricing decisions, and how to think about profit as an essential part of running a healthy business.

During this workshop, you will learn how to:

* Adjust your pricing when business costs increase

* Think about pricing in a way that supports long-term profitability

* Explore sales strategies that can help grow your revenue

* Understand how to calculate and use your break-even point

Starting a food cart can feel overwhelming, permits, health regulations, startup costs, pricing… where do you even begin?

Join us for an in-person workshop designed to help you turn your food cart idea into a clear, realistic, and ready-to-launch business. We’ll walk through the licenses and health requirements you need, what it really costs to get started, and how to price your products for profitability from day one.

Whether you’re just exploring the idea or already taking steps toward launching, this session will give you practical guidance, clarity, and the confidence to move forward.

Interpretation in Spanish will be available.

Spots are limited, register today.

Designed for operating business owners who are doing everything themselves and feeling stuck despite working hard. This is not a lecture or motivational talk. It’s a structured space to step back, assess what’s actually holding your business back, and build practical solutions in real time.

In this practical workshop, we’ll walk through what a bookkeeper needs from you in order to do their job well. You’ll learn how to set up easy, manageable accounting systems, understand who the qualified owner is for tax filing, and identify which tax forms you should be filing based on your business designation.

You Are the CEO: Take Control of Your Finances

Wednesday, October 29 | 6:00–7:30 PM (PT)

Virtual - Hosted by: Business Connect

It’s time to take control of your business finances, even if numbers aren’t your thing.

In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn 5 powerful strategies that have helped hundreds of small business owners build clarity, confidence, and healthier money habits.

Whether you’re just starting or growing fast, this session will help you shift your mindset and feel more like the CEO you truly are.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

• A monthly financial calendar to help you stay consistent

• A goal-setting and budget tracker

• Recommended tools and resources to support your next steps

You’ll Learn How To:

• Reduce fear and build confidence around financial decisions

• Track your income, expenses, and goals (without overwhelm)

• Set up simple systems to manage money like a pro

• Pay yourself and plan for long-term wealth

• Finally stop winging it, and start leading with intention

If you’ve ever said “I’m not good with numbers” or “I’ll deal with finances later,” this workshop was made for you.

English with Spanish interpretation

English with Spanish interpretation

Let’s be real, most business owners don’t love talking about credit. But here’s the truth: better credit means more opportunities, easier approvals, and lower rates when you need funding.

That’s why we’re keeping it simple. No boring lectures, just clear, practical steps you can use right away to:

• Protect yourself by separating business and personal credit

• Quickly improve your score without guesswork

• Get the “yes” on loans with better rates

This isn’t about numbers on a paper, it’s about giving your business the freedom to grow. Come learn the easy wins that can make a big difference for your future!

Branding Workshop: From Identity to Impact

Two-Part Series

Branding is more than just a logo, it’s the way your business is recognized, remembered, and trusted. Join us for this interactive two-part workshop designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners define their brand and strengthen their connection with customers.

Session 1 (In-Person):

Fourth Plain Community Commons

Thursday, October 16 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Session 2 (Virtual):

Zoom

Thursday, October 23 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM

What you’ll gain:

• A clear understanding of what a brand is and why it matters.

• Tools to visually and emotionally connect with your audience.

• Practical strategies to increase recognition and loyalty for your business.

Don’t miss this opportunity to build a brand that reflects your values, attracts the right audience, and creates lasting relationships.

From Canvas to Business Plan

Ready to turn your ideas into a real plan you can act on?

Join us for two interactive sessions designed to help entrepreneurs from every background move from “someday” to a clear, workable business plan.

Session 1 – Wednesday, October 1 • 6:00–7:30 PM

Session 2 – Wednesday, October 8 • 6:00–7:30 PM

(Virtual via Zoom)

In this two-part workshop you’ll sketch out a simple 2–3 page business plan, discover your start-up costs and monthly expenses, and map out how you’ll reach customers, without getting lost in a long, formal document.

Your guide is Viridiana Ponce, a Business Consultant & Finance Expert who has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs build profitable, sustainable businesses since 2014. She’s known for making numbers feel approachable and for helping founders see the bigger picture while taking the next practical step.

Whether you’re just starting to sell, looking for a clear plan to grow, or feeling stuck about “where to even start,” this workshop will help you leave with clarity, confidence, and a plan you can share or refine right away.

Spanish interpretation available | Interpretación en español disponible.

Financial Statements for Non-Numbers Owners

Do financial statements feel overwhelming? You’re not alone. This workshop will break things down in a simple, practical way, no accounting background needed! We’ll walk through the key financial documents every small business owner should know: the Income Statement, the Balance Sheet, and the Statement of Cash Flows. You’ll learn how to actually use this information to make smarter business decisions and grow with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why understanding your numbers matters, even if you’re not a “numbers person”

• How to read your Income Statement and Balance Sheet

• How financial statements help you improve your business, spot trends, and plan ahead

Understanding your business financials doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this interactive FPF - SCORE workshop, we’ll demystify the three most important financial documents for small business owners:

• The Income Statement

• The Balance Sheet

• The Statement of Cash Flows

You’ll gain practical tools to help you:

• Plan for the future

• Identify business trends early

• Improve your chances of getting loans or funding

• Set realistic budgets and pricing strategies

This session will be led by an experienced business mentor and educator who understands how to make numbers approachable. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, this workshop will give you the confidence to make informed financial decisions.

Presenter: Harshini Siriwardane, Ph.D. – SCORE Business Mentor

Presented in English and Spanish | En colaboración con SCORE y Fourth Plain Forward

Spanish interpretation available | Interpretación en español disponible.

Small Business Insurance Issues

Small Business Insurance Issues: What You Need to Know

Running a business comes with risk—but you don’t have to face it alone.

Join us for an in-person workshop designed to help you better understand how to protect your business with the right insurance coverage.

Whether you’re just starting out or already managing your operations, this session will give you clear, practical tools to make confident decisions about your insurance needs.

Together, we’ll explore:

• How business insurance premiums are calculated

• The difference between an insurance agent and a broker

• The most important coverages to consider for small business owners

• How to build strong relationships with your insurance providers

You’ll walk away with real strategies you can use to strengthen your business and prepare for the unexpected.

This workshop is offered in partnership with SCORE and will be presented in both English and Spanish.

Proudly sponsored by Fourth Plain Forward to support our local small business community.

No cost to attend — registration required!

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.

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.

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.

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!