Washougal ramps up efforts to support small businesses

Washougal launches Gateway to Success Series with free workshops starting April 15 at Best Western Plus Convention Center. File photo

The series offers actionable insights that attendees can implement immediately to strengthen their businesses

This spring, local business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to participate in the Gateway to Success Series – a free business education initiative launched last year to equip small businesses with essential skills, resources, and networking opportunities.

Hosted by the City of Washougal in collaboration with the Washougal Business Association and other local partners, this series offers actionable insights that attendees can implement immediately to strengthen their businesses. Each session offers a presentation, group discussion, and in-class activities. Attendees of each session can also receive a 1:1 advisory session with a business coach. There is no cost to participate in Gateway to Success, but registration is required.

“We all benefit when our small businesses are successful,” said Washougal Mayor David Stuebe. “They are the engine that drives our community forward, so as a city we want to help keep that engine running strong.”

The Gateway to Success Series is one of several economic development initiatives underway in the City of Washougal. Other efforts include the launch of the Washougal Community Market last summer, expanded business resources on the City’s website, and a new program, Let’s Talk Business, launching this spring.

Through the Let’s Talk Business program, Washougal-based business owners can now connect directly with City of Washougal leaders by submitting an interest form on the City’s website. The program offers informal site visits where City staff learn about each business, its future plans, and any challenges it may be facing. These conversations help the City better understand local business needs, connect owners with resources, and build stronger relationships with the business community.

“There are things we can do to help our local businesses, but first we need to know who they are and what they are trying to accomplish,” said Joe Walsh, Director of Community Services and Strategy. “Let’s Talk Business gives us one more avenue for making those connections and getting folks the resources and solutions they need.”

Strategic Plan Alignment

These initiatives directly support the City’s strategic plan goal of Economic Development and Community Prosperity by fostering a resilient local economy and creating opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed. By connecting business owners with resources, providing professional development opportunities, and activating community spaces like the Washougal Community Market, the City is working to attract and retain a diverse mix of businesses and talent. Together, these efforts help strengthen the local economy, support entrepreneurship, and enhance overall quality of life in Washougal.

Program Registrations

Gateway to Success Series Schedule

How To Grow Your Business

Wednesday, April 15, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Best Western Plus Camas-Washougal Convention Center
Growing a business may seem simple at first, but it entails many decisions, challenges, and risks. This workshop will help you assess your business’s readiness for growth, identify the opportunities and challenges ahead, and begin developing an effective expansion plan.
Registration: [https://forms.gle/g7qhsyYhgiL8PWAg9]

Marketing & The Customer Journey

Wednesday, May 20, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Best Western Plus Camas-Washougal Convention Center
Whether businesses are conscious of it or not, customers undergo a journey that brings them to your door and ultimately leads to a purchase (or not). In this workshop, you will dig into that journey and the prospects and customers on that journey to better understand how to meet them “where they are”.
Registration: [https://forms.gle/g7qhsyYhgiL8PWAg9]

Business Curious?

Wednesday, June 10, 10:00 am -11:30 am
Best Western Plus Camas-Washougal Convention Center
Have you dreamed of owning a business and want to dig into understanding what it takes? In this session, designed for early entrepreneurs and people with a business idea, you will learn about the steps to start and operate a business, and hear from local business owners about their experiences.
Registration: [https://forms.gle/g7qhsyYhgiL8PWAg9]

Let’s Talk Business Program

Business owners interested in engaging with city leadership can submit a brief interest form on the City’s website. Once submitted, city staff will be in touch to schedule an in-person visit at a mutually agreeable date and time.

Registration: https://www.cityofwashougal.us/847/Lets-Talk-Business

Washougal Community Market

The market will run weekly on Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m. for nine weeks starting June 5th and ending July 31^st. Located in downtown Washougal’s Reflection Plaza, the Community Market offers a platform for small businesses, artisans, bakers, and food vendors to showcase their work and engage with the community.