About Us
Testimonials
"Through its efforts in economic gardening, research and business assistance, the Center for Economic Vitality at Western Washington University has become a vital resource for second-stage entrepreneurs. The foundation is proud to count them as one of our key strategic partners, and we are currently collaborating with them in a number of efforts that affect entrepreneur support organizations nationwide.”
-Penny Lewandowski
Director, Entrepreneurship Development
Edward Lowe Foundation
"The Center for Economic Vitality has helped businesses stabilize and grow in the City of Bellingham for many years. Their efforts have helped support our economy and the success of our small businesses. The Center provides an essential service to our community helping all sizes of businesses."
-Mayor Pike
City of Bellingham
Testimonials as the Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center at WWU has been a cornerstone of the small and medium-sized business community in Whatcom County for over 20 years. When I review a financing request for a new or growing business that has worked with an associate at the SBDC, I can know with confidence the business owner is well equipped to move forward in a thoughtful and well researched manner.
Likewise, we have referred several established clients to the SBDC over the years for professional hands-on assistance in managing the challenges of growth that impact all businesses. Whidbey Island Bank is pleased to support the SBDC in its on-going mission to serve the business community of Whatcom County.
-Peter Cutbill
Vice President
Regional Commercial Banking Manager
Whidbey Island Bank
Whatcom County
"The SBDC offers business consulting services to local physicians to ensure that physicians maintain a viable practice model in these challenging health care times, and they have worked with the Alliance to recruit critical-needs physicians to this community. The SBDC is an important resource in supporting the health of our community.”
-Sue Sharpe
Past Co-Director
Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access
Whatcom County
"The City of Sumas enlisted and partnered with the SBDC and Tom Dorr in 1996 during a major transition time in this town’s history. For the last eleven years that partnership has grown and created an attraction, expansion and retention of new and old businesses resulting in jobs being saved and created for our community. This has been our most successful resource that we have tapped into for local economic development."
-Bob Bromley
Mayor
City of Sumas
“There are many challenges facing businesses in Whatcom County and if left to their own devices, many of these businesses will fail due to poor planning, management and/or lack of resources. The Small Business Development Center provides counseling and resources for these businesses. They have been a welcome resource in our community for many years. We appreciate their participation in our Chamber meetings as well as their commitment to our business community.”
-Gail Kruk
Past President
Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce
Counseling testimonials
Economic Gardening testimonials