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.

"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