Washington Center for Women in Business Grow. Strengthen. Thrive.
Free one-on-one business advising, practical training and a community of women who understand what you’re building. Whether you’re testing an idea, opening your doors or ready to grow, our women’s business center helps you take the next step with confidence.
A Women’s Business Center from the Thurston EDC, working with STEDI to reach every corner of Thurston County.
Thurston EDC programWorking alongside STEDI across Thurston County
Free advisingOne-on-one sessions with no cost and no up-front commitment
StatewideWe meet by phone and video, wherever you are in Washington
Open to everyoneFor anyone starting or growing a small to medium-sized business
Where are you in your business?
Pick the stage that sounds most like you and we’ll show you the programs, classes and resources that fit.
Stage 1
I have an idea
You’re curious about starting a business and want to know what it takes and whether your idea can work.
Stage 2
I’m getting started
You’ve decided to go for it and need a business plan, the right structure and your licenses in order.
Stage 3
I’m ready to grow
You’re in business and want more customers, stronger systems, online sales or new markets.
Practical programs for every stage
Start with free advising, learn the fundamentals, write your plan or take your business online. Not sure which fits? Compare them side by side.
Free · One-on-one
Business Advising
Meet one-on-one with an advisor to set goals, solve problems and build an action plan. Come once or as often as you need.
Free · Self-paced
Intro to Business
A self-paced online course in five languages, with eight steps from your first idea to launch.
Self-paced
BEST startup training
Five self-paced online courses that take you from choosing a business structure to finishing a complete business plan.
E-commerce
Quick Startup: E-Commerce Accelerator
E-commerce training, mentorship and a $2,500 scholarship for women-owned businesses in Tumwater, Lacey and Olympia.
Our impact since 2014
Thousands of women have started and grown with WCWB
8,480+
business advising sessions
360+
business training events
4,030+
training participants
300+
new businesses started
400+
new jobs created
50+
businesses accessing capital
$3.2 million+
reported increase in business profits
A women’s business center for all of Washington
Every business owner we have worked with remains part of the WCWB community. Hover over or tap a county to see how many clients we serve there.
FewerMore clients
3,186business owners in our client community
36 of 39Washington counties served
51clients based outside Washington, with businesses connected to our state
A National Women’s Business Center of Excellence
In 2026 the Association of Women’s Business Centers named WCWB one of its National Women’s Business Centers of Excellence. Thank you to every client, advisor, volunteer and partner who made it possible.
You don’t have to build it alone
Running a business can feel lonely. Our events, conference and podcast connect you with women who have been where you are.
INSPIRE Women’s Business Conference
Once a year, women business owners from across Washington gather for keynotes, expert sessions, a marketplace of local vendors and the INSPIRE Small Business Awards.
The INSPIRE Podcast
Real stories from women who started and grew businesses in Washington, plus practical advice from advisors and community partners. Hosted by Ashley Whitley.
What’s coming up
Workshops, classes and community events for women in business, online and around the South Sound.
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Mon, Nov 9 · 4:00 pm
Women Presidents Organization: Thurston County Chapter Launch
South Puget Sound Community College, 4220 6th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503
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Success stories
“Looking back on our first year in business, I don’t know if we would have been able to make it through if it wasn’t for all of the amazing support we received from the WCWB. And almost unbelievably, we’ve never paid a single cent for all of the help they’ve given us.”
Elise Landry & Adam Wagner
Owners, Chicory restaurant and the Gold Standard in Olympia
New from the podcast and blog
Fresh ideas and practical how-tos you can use this week.
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Understanding modern housing options
Housing used to sit quietly in the background of local planning. It mattered, but it rarely drove decisions.…
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Learn vendor hacks: sell more at your next pop-up event
Pop-up events aren’t just about showing up with your products—they’re about making an impression and turning curious shoppers…
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Washington’s 2025 tax changes: what business owners must know
In addition to all the excitement of growing a business, we must always prepare ourselves for anything that…
WCWB is an inclusive organization
We serve everyone who is interested in starting a business, as well as owners who want to grow or strengthen an existing small to medium-sized business. Our focus is on women-identified entrepreneurs, because women in business still face unique obstacles, and we work to level the playing field.
WCWB is a program of the Center for Business & Innovation (CB&I) at the Thurston Economic Development Council, whose mission is to empower entrepreneurs to succeed in business by providing coaching, training and technical assistance on a wide variety of topics.
Frequently asked questions
Who can work with WCWB?
Anyone who is starting a business or growing a small to medium-sized one. We focus on women-identified business owners in Washington State, and our services are open to everyone.
What does it cost?
One-on-one advising, Business Q&A and the Intro to Business course are free. BEST is a paid course package, and scholarships are available. Quick Startup: E-Commerce Accelerator is covered by a $2,500 scholarship for the businesses selected.
Do I have to live near Lacey?
No. We meet by phone and video, so we can work with you anywhere in Washington State. Our office is at 4220 6th Ave SE in Lacey.
I only have an idea. Is that too early?
Not at all. Many people come to us with an idea and nothing more. Start with Intro to Business or book an advising session to talk it through.
How do I get started?
Pick your stage on the Get started page, or request an advising session and an advisor will help you choose your next step.
Help more women build their businesses
Your gift funds free advising, scholarships and training for women entrepreneurs across Washington.