Classes + Training
When you feel like being in back-to-school mode, Tacoma is a great place for sharpening your skills. There’s a wide range of workshops and trainings for the small business owner. Here are just a few.
Business Workshops
Merchant University Training
Merchant University Training Solutions’ provides careers and training in the electronic processing industry for the needs of Washington State
companies. We are a collaboration of four Pierce County Community and Technical Colleges. Our services help companies gain a competitive advantage in the global economy and financial technology industries with workforce through education, in-person and web-based training, and consulting support for organizational change and growth.
Contact: Brad Johnson, Executive Director
Website: www.merchantservicereviews.com
Address: 4100 Washing Blvd. , Seattle, WA 98499
Invista Performance Solutions
Invista Performance Solutions’ mission is to provide customized solutions to meet the training and development needs of Washington State
organizations. We are a collaboration of four Pierce County Community and Technical Colleges. Our services help companies gain a competitive advantage in the global economy by increasing the skills of their workforce through education, in-person and web-based training, and consulting support for organizational change and growth.
Contact: Don Sosnowski, Executive Director
Phone: 253.583.8860
Email: dsosnowski@invistaperforms.org
Address: 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Bldg. 19-205, Lakewood, WA 98499
Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Briefing Workshops
The SBA Loan Briefing provides detailed information directly from representatives of the SBA and about how the SBA loan program works, eligibility and credit requirements, what lenders are looking for when approving loans, resources to help you with a business plan or loan proposal, and other available financing options.
The SBA also offers online small business training opportunities.
Contact: Sherry Mina at 206.553.7316 or sherry.mina@sba.gov.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Located at Bates Technical College, the Tacoma SBDC offers no fee business advising on an appointment basis for existing businesses (one year or more). For a list of services, visit www.wsbdc.org. For a current schedule of business orientation sessions check the Green River CC class schedule.
Contact: John Rodenberg, SBDC Business Advisor
Phone: 253.680.7768
E-mail: jrodenberg@bates.ctc.edu
Address: Bates Technical College, 1101 South Yakima Ave, M-123, Tacoma, WA 98405
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is to create an environment of economic opportunity in the community.
The Chamber brings small and large businesses together to advocate for economic development and a more livable community. The Chamber also provides monthly business classes and other training opportunities to members and non-members.
Contact: Lynnette Buffington at 253.627.2175 ext.126
Email: lynnetteb@tacomachamber.org
The William Factory Small Business Incubator
The William Factory Incubator provides support and physical office space to help launch technology start-ups. The incubator hosts regular entreprenuerial events–visit their events page for more information.
Contact: Tim Strege
Phone: 253.722.5800
E-mail: info@williamfactory.com
Address: 1423 East 29th St, Tacoma, WA 98404
Business Training
Community College Courses
Many of local community colleges offer classes to brush up on your business skills. Check out the course offerings at Bates Technical College, Clover Park Technical College, Pierce College, and Tacoma Community College (TCC).
