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Small Business Marketing, Sales Tools & Technologies
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.

Learning from the Competition
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.

Starting a Home-Based Business
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!

Why Choose an LLC for Your Small Business?
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.

Networking para Emprendedores
Networking para Emprendedores – ¡Conecta, Crece y Comparte tu Visión!
¿Eres dueño de un negocio, emprendedor o estás pensando en empezar tu propio proyecto? No importa en qué etapa te encuentres, queremos invitarte a nuestro Networking para Emprendedores.
Únete a otros líderes y visionarios para conectar, intercambiar ideas y fortalecer tu red de contactos en un ambiente positivo y colaborativo. Este evento es una excelente oportunidad para compartir tu historia, aprender de otros y crear conexiones significativas para hacer crecer tu negocio.
¿Qué puedes esperar?
• Conexiones con dueños de negocios locales, aliados y líderes comunitarios.
• Un espacio acogedor para compartir la historia de tu negocio.
• Refrigerios ligeros y conversaciones inspiradoras.
Detalles del evento:
📅 Martes, 3 de junio de 2025
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 3101 Fourth Plain Blvd. Ste 101, Vancouver, WA 98661
¡No te lo pierdas!
Escanea el código QR para registrarte hoy. Las inscripciones cierran el 2 de junio de 2025.
Para más información, contáctanos a: businessassist@fourthplainforward.org
Este evento se realiza en colaboración con Workforce Southwest Washington.

Estrategias para Conectar con Más Clientes y Aumentar tus Ventas
¡Bienvenidos a nuestro taller exclusivo en español!
Estrategias para Conectar con Más Clientes y Aumentar tus Ventas
¿Quieres aprender a comunicar el valor de tu negocio de forma clara y efectiva? ¿Te gustaría descubrir cómo destacar tu negocio sin grandes inversiones y evitar errores comunes que pueden estar limitando tu crecimiento?
Acompáñanos en este taller dinámico y práctico, diseñado para emprendedores y pequeños negocios que buscan fortalecer su presencia en el mercado y mejorar sus resultados.
📅 Fecha: Martes, 20 de mayo de 2025
🕔 Hora: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Ubicación: 3101 E Fourth Plain Blvd, Ste. 101, Vancouver, WA 98661
En este taller, aprenderás:
• Cómo comunicar el valor de tu negocio de manera efectiva.
• Estrategias para destacar sin grandes inversiones.
• Cómo evitar los errores más comunes que limitan tus ventas.
¡No te pierdas esta oportunidad de llevar tu negocio al siguiente nivel!
📩 Para más información:
Escríbenos a: businessassist@fourthplainforward.org
Este evento se realiza en colaboración con Workforce Southwest Washington.

Inverte en tu mente transforma tu negocio
Invierte en tu mente. Transforma tu negocio.
Taller en español – Lunes 12 de mayo | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Si estás al frente de un negocio, sabes lo que implica tomar decisiones constantes, adaptarte a los cambios y mantener tu visión clara. Este taller no es solo un espacio para aprender… es una pausa valiosa para reconectar contigo mismo y fortalecer la mente que lidera tu emprendimiento.
Te invitamos a un encuentro totalmente en español, pensado para emprendedores, dueños de pequeños negocios y personas que están liderando desde el corazón. Aquí vas a descubrir herramientas simples pero poderosas para:
• Recuperar tu enfoque en medio de las exigencias del día a día.
• Tomar decisiones con más claridad y confianza.
• Renovar la energía que tu negocio necesita para seguir creciendo.
Porque cuando tú estás bien, tu negocio también lo nota.
Abierto a la comunidad.
No importa si estás empezando o si llevas años emprendiendo — este espacio es para ti.
Nos vemos el lunes 12 de mayo a las 5:30 PM en Fourth Plain Community Commos.

Business Mixer: Build Community, Share Your Vision, Grow Together
You’re invited! Build Community, Share Your Vision, Grow Together
Join us for a dynamic Business Mixer designed especially for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to make meaningful connections. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your network, this is a chance to meet other business owners, share your story, and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
This in-person event builds on the energy of our recent networking workshops — like Networking Strategies for Introverted Business Owners and Boost Your Confidence: Master the Final Step to Networking Success — and offers a relaxed, welcoming space to practice what you’ve learned, connect authentically, and grow your visibility in the local business community.
What you can expect:
• Light refreshments and great conversation
• A welcoming space to share your business story
• Opportunities to connect with local entrepreneurs, partners, and community leaders
Top 3 Takeaways:
1. Connect with Purpose – Build authentic relationships that support your business goals
2. Get Seen & Heard – Share your vision, your services, and your journey
3. Expand Your Circle – Meet potential collaborators, customers, or mentors
Who should attend?
• New and established small business owners
• Entrepreneurs in the early stages
• Community members looking to support or learn from local businesses
This event is brought to you by Fourth Plain Forward in partnership with Workforce Southwest Washington.
We can’t wait to see you there!

tecnología Esencial para Pequeños Negocios (4 semanas)
Tecnología Esencial para Pequeños Negocios es un curso práctico de 4 semanas diseñado para ayudar a los dueños de pequeñas empresas a sentirse seguros con las herramientas tecnológicas necesarias para agilizar su trabajo, mantenerse seguros en línea y aumentar su productividad. Ya sea que estés comenzando con la tecnología o quieras mejorar tus habilidades actuales, este curso te enseñará a usar herramientas esenciales como el correo electrónico, almacenamiento en la nube, hojas de cálculo y videoconferencias.

Business Connect | Complete your BOI Report
Our hands-on workshop is designed specifically for entrepreneurs like you, offering clear guidance through each section of the BOI report. You’ll learn what information is required, why it’s important, and how to submit it correctly.
This is more than just a workshop—it’s an opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance, ensuring you fill out the form accurately and efficiently. Our facilitators will be available to address your unique questions and challenges.
Grab your spot today and take the guesswork out of your BOI reporting!

Business Connect | Business Finance 101
This session will help you choose the right business structure, master essential bookkeeping practices, and discover key tax deductions to save money.
You’ll also explore user-friendly accounting software options to streamline your finances. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned entrepreneur, this workshop will give you practical tools to manage your business finances with ease. Sign up today!

Business Connect | Intro to Business Grants
Grants are basically free money for your business so in this session, we will teach you some of the best strategies to score some grant funds.
Grant writing and applications can be scary and complex, but with the right strategy, you will be able to increase your chances of winning!

Business Connect | How to Get money for your business
Join us for 'How to Get Money for Your Business,' where you will discover strategies to make your credit profile irresistible to lenders, whether it's enhancing your personal credit or establishing solid business credit. We'll delve into practical steps to build a strong personal credit profile and establish business credit effectively.

Business Connect: Applying for a food Safety Permit
Join our special event where Clark County Public Health will guide you through the process of obtaining permits, reviewing your food plan, and provide information on necessary permits, fees, and available types. Get answers to your questions and leave with the knowledge needed to ensure the success and legality of your business. Don't miss the opportunity to strengthen your culinary venture!

Business Connect | Employer Hiring Guide
Attention small business owners! Ready to grow your team and increase your success? Dive into our workshop 'Employer Hiring Guide' specially designed for you!
Learn the ABCs of hiring: Understand payment requirements, discover how to hire youth, and protect your business with advice from the Department of Labor and Industries.

Business Connect | Be Memorable: Defining Your Brand
Join our free workshop designed for small business owners eager to boost their brand presence. Discover the secrets to standing out visually, making your brand unforgettable, and highlighting the unique experience your business offers.
Register now and make your business unforgettable.

Business Connect: Legal Fundamentals for New Businesses
Unlock the secrets to protecting your business! Join our free seminar where expert business attorneys break down must-know legal topics every business owner should understand.
Disclaimer: This is an educational event and it will not provide legal advice.

Business Connect: Navigating the Food Permit Process
Join our special event where Clark County Public Health will guide you through the process of obtaining permits, reviewing your food plan, and provide information on necessary permits, fees, and available types. Get answers to your questions and leave with the knowledge needed to ensure the success and legality of your business. Don't miss the opportunity to strengthen your culinary venture!

Business Connect: Tax and Licensing for New Businesses
Join us as we demystify tax obligations and understanding the impact that choosing the right licensing has on your business. We will be sharing the tools you need to navigate business entities, what tax forms to file for your business, and key deductions you should be tracking and taking.
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