Quick Startup: E-Commerce Accelerator
Grow your business online
An e-commerce accelerator created by TheWMarketplace with special consideration for WCWB members, for women-owned businesses ready to grow their online sales. Selected businesses receive a $2,500 scholarship that covers the full accelerator, plus mentorship to keep the momentum going. The next cohort starts January 20, 2027, with room for 15 businesses.
Starts January 20, 2027
Six live online sessions
15 businesses
$2,500
Tumwater, Lacey and Olympia
January 2027 cohort
Inside the WMarketplace Accelerator
Six weeks to boost your sales, connect with customers, grow your profits and build community with other women entrepreneurs. The accelerator is created by TheWMarketplace, and this cohort’s content is updated for AI tools and AI-powered search.
- Six Wednesdays, January 20 to February 24, 2027
- 10 AM to noon (Pacific), live online
- Facilitated by Susan Gates, co-founder of TheWMarketplace
- Only 15 spots
The essentials of selling online
Learn alongside other entrepreneurs as you dive into the areas that matter most for online success.
Email welcome flows
Personalize your communication to win and keep customers from day one.
Organic social media
Use social platforms to grow your brand’s presence and engagement.
Customer service
Learn best practices for customer experiences that build loyalty and sales.
Packaging and brand
Understand how packaging shapes your brand identity and how customers see you.
AI and search
Use AI tools like ChatGPT to write product listings that show up in search and sell.
E-commerce training for women, mentorship and a scholarship
1
A $2,500 scholarship
Covers the full cost of the WMarketplace Accelerator training.
2
Accelerator training
Six live online sessions, two hours each, with the tools and strategies to thrive online.
3
Expert mentorship
Guidance tailored to your business, plus six months of personal mentorship after the sessions.
4
The WMarketplace platform
Join the WMarketplace community to reach more customers and raise your visibility.
5
A certificate
Earn a certificate of completion for your e-commerce skills.
After the sessions, moderated open sessions help you keep building connections, peer mentorship and momentum.
Eligibility
Who can apply
- Located in Tumwater, Lacey or Olympia
- Licensed and actively operating
- Has a product ready to ship, or an online service
- Has a digital presence, such as a website or social media
- Can join a two-hour live online session each week for six weeks
- Is an active WCWB member (create a free member account)
How to apply
- Check that your business meets the requirements above.
- Create your free WCWB member account if you don’t have one.
- Complete the application on the WMarketplace site.
Applications are open for the January cohort, which starts Wednesday, January 20, 2027.
Quick Startup questions
Does it cost anything?
Selected businesses receive a $2,500 scholarship that covers the full cost of the WMarketplace Accelerator training.
What is TheWMarketplace?
TheWMarketplace is our partner for this program. Selected businesses join the WMarketplace platform and community to reach more customers.
Do I need a website already?
You need some kind of digital presence, such as a website or a social media page. The training helps you build from there.
When does the next cohort start?
Wednesday, January 20, 2027. The cohort meets on six Wednesdays through February 24, from 10 AM to noon, and has room for 15 businesses. Apply on the WMarketplace site.
Is it online or in person?
Online. All six sessions are live, two hours each, and Susan Gates of TheWMarketplace facilitates them.
My business is outside Tumwater, Lacey and Olympia. What can I do?
Quick Startup is limited to those cities, but free advising can help you plan your online store from anywhere in Washington.
Want help taking your business online?
An advisor can help you plan your website, online store and social media, wherever you are in Washington.