One-on-one advising, free for you
Our advisors help you take your business from where it is to where you want it to be. We ask the right questions, help you find the right answers and connect you with resources and solutions, with a personal approach built around your goals.
Free
Phone or video call
One-time or ongoing
Anyone starting or growing a business
Who it’s for
Free business advising for women at any stage
Whether you have an idea you want to test or a business that’s ready for its next step, advising gives you a personal, customized plan. It can be a single conversation or an ongoing partnership, and you set the pace.
We work with all kinds of businesses, from restaurants and retail shops to trades and home-based services. You don’t need to have everything figured out before your first session; that’s what the session is for.
Your advisor will
- Help you clarify and focus your mission and purpose
- Help you build your business skills and knowledge
- Introduce you to resources, contacts and organizations that can support you
- Be your sounding board when you have concerns or ideas
- Help you through change and growth
- Help you find and use more efficient ways of working
- Believe in you, celebrate your wins and hold you accountable
- Be there through every stage of your business
What we can help with
Women’s Business Centers support owners in business planning, finance, management, procurement and marketing. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
Business planning
Shape your idea, test your assumptions and write a plan you’ll actually use.
Funding and finance
Understand your numbers, get ready for a loan conversation and learn how grants really work.
Marketing and sales
Find your customers, sharpen your message and choose the channels that fit your business.
Management and operations
Set up systems, manage your time and get ready to build a team.
Government contracting
Learn how public contracts work and connect with the APEX Accelerator for contracting help.
Selling online
Plan your website, online store and social media so they work together.
Three steps to your action plan
1
Tell us about your business
Fill in the short form below or email [email protected]. Let us know where you are and what you’d like help with.
2
Meet your advisor
We’ll set up a session by phone or video call at a time that works for you.
3
Build your action plan
Together you’ll set goals and next steps. Come back as often as you need; sessions are always free.
Request an advising session
Tell us a little about yourself and your business. The form is short, and every field helps us match you with the right advisor.
Before your first session
You don’t need to prepare anything, but these help you get the most from your time:
- A short description of your idea or business
- The questions that are on your mind
- Any numbers you have, such as costs, prices or sales
- Your business plan, if you’ve started one
Already working with us? Sign in to the client portal, where you can also create a free WCWB member account.
Business Q&A
Just a quick question?
Business Q&A is a weekly chance to talk with one of our business experts and get your questions answered. If you want a quick answer so you can get on with your day, this is the resource for you.
- 30-minute sessions
- By video call or phone
- Offered every week
- Free, like all WCWB advising
Business advising questions
Does advising cost anything?
No. Advising sessions are free and need no up-front commitment. WCWB is a program of the Thurston EDC’s Center for Business & Innovation.
Who can use WCWB advising?
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.
Is it one meeting or ongoing?
Either. Advising can be a one-time session or an ongoing relationship, whatever helps you most.
I’m not near Lacey. Can we still meet?
Yes. We meet with business owners by phone and video call, so we can work with you anywhere in Washington State.
Do I need a business plan first?
No. Many people come to us with an idea and nothing more. Your advisor can help you shape a plan, and our Intro to Business and BEST programs can help you write one.
What happens after I send the form?
Someone from our team will get in touch to learn a little more about your business and set up a time for your first session.
What’s the difference between advising and Business Q&A?
Business Q&A is a 30-minute session for a quick answer. Advising is for deeper work: setting goals, building a plan and working through challenges over time.
Ready to get started?
Tell us a little about your business and we’ll match you with an advisor.