Washington Small Business Development Center's new Export Readiness Centers available to Whatcom County businesses

The Washington Small Business Development Center’s two export readiness centers are now open and ready to assist Washington businesses ­– including those in Whatcom County – to expand their export capabilities; the centers are located in South Seattle and on the Riverpoint campus in Spokane.

Through the Western Washington University SBDC located in downtown Bellingham, Whatcom County businesses can take advantage of a number of services to assist with export planning from these centers. There are four export business advisors available to meet with local businesses who are interested in reaching international markets. All bring decades of international experience, unique skill sets, connections, and many years of living and working abroad to assist businesses in exporting their products and services.

Joseph Vogel, an SBDC trade specialist focused on Whatcom County, has 40 years of international business experience with emphasis on international market entry, export channel management, customer service, and project management with a focus on South America. He is currently working with a number of businesses in Whatcom County.

In addition, there are also no-fee research services available to Whatcom County businesses through WSBDC at Washington State University. Eight WSU interns are available to provide targeted research to be used in developing business plans to help insure successful and long term exporting activities.

Through Western Washington University’s International Studies Program, student consulting teams are available to provide an export feasibility study to local business under the direction of Professor of Management Tom Roehl.

The SBDC export program is concentrating on working with new-to-export and new-to-market companies that have little or no expertise in exporting their products and services internationally. The program has set a lofty goal of establishing a “Culture of Exporting” across the state over the next two years. For more information, visit http://wsbdc.org/exporting.

The SBDC serving Whatcom County is a cooperative effort of Western Washington University, Washington State University, and the Small Business Administration. For more information on the mission and services of the SBDC visit the network website at http://wsbdc.org/.