Doing Business

Business Academy

GSBA Courses and Workshops

Our newest programs are a mix of in person and virtual course and class offerings, where business owners can enroll in free education programs designed to provide necessary skills and needs to run a business. Call our office at (206) 363-9188 or write to biztech@thegsba.org if you have any questions about these offerings.

Business Accelerator 9 Week Course

This structured 9-week course is designed for existing small businesses or entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business. Business Accelerator is offered as one class per week with the same cohort plus one introduction/orientation session

Business Accelerator – 9 Week Modules – All held in the Spring

Wednesdays

Session: 1:30PM – 3PM

Thursdays

Session 1: 10:30AM – 12PM

Session 2: 1:30PM – 3PM

 

Orientation + 8 Modules – 

Session 1: 8AM – 9:30AM

Session 2: 10:30AM – 12PM

Session 3: 1:30PM – 3PM

Orientation 

Module 1: Is Owning a Business A Good Fit For You

Module 2: Feed the Animal That’s Feeding You – The 50/30/20 Rule

Module 3: How to Prepare for Grants – Do’s and Don’t of Grant Applications

Module 4: Five Key Areas of Risk You Should Know About Your Business

Module 5: What to Know and Say When Approaching Your Banker About an Account or Loan

Module 6: How to Effectively Identify Your Market – Know Your Most Profitable Customer

Module 7: How to Make More Money in Your Business – Managing Cash Flow

Module 8: The Seven Components of a Business Plan

 

Masterclasses and Workshops

These quarterly classes are presented by trained specialists with topics that are directly related to business success.

Check out our events calendar for upcoming classes HERE

Throughout the year, GSBA also offers one-off educational workshops on topics of interest to our members. You can access a library of past workshops for on-demand viewing.

GSBA Business Consulting

GSBA's membership team is ready and willing to help with any business questions you have. We have several specific programs available to our members, but are happy to field any questions about your business. Just call our office at (206) 363-9188 or write to biztech@thegsba.org.

Technical & Regulatory Training

Seattle Labor Standards Education & Outreach

If you own or operate a business with one or more employee within the city of Seattle, there are special regulations just for you! Seattle’s labor laws are complex, but compliance is important and GSBA is here to help. In partnership with the Ethnic Chambers of Commerce Coalition, GSBA offers comprehensive one-on-one training on Seattle’s labor standards ordinances, including wage theft, minimum wage, paid sick and safe time, secure scheduling, fair chance employment, domestic workers ordinance, and commuter benefits ordinance. In addition to personal trainings, we provide a reference packet as well as sample policies and templates.

General Business Consulting

For all other questions about running your business, GSBA can help. Areas where we have assisted members include financial planning assistance (access to credit, loan preparation, cash flow analysis), social media marketing, and how to start a new business in Washington State. Write to biztech@thegsba.org to set up a time to chat about your specific business needs.

Sponsors

Supporters

"This program was well worth the investment of my time. There were basic and sound principles discussed that I could immediately apply. I especially appreciated the information presented about cash flow management – I now use Toraya’s template and am in better control of my three-year cash flow. Toraya is patient, helpful and a great communicator."

Cheri Johnson, Strategic Wealth Advisors