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State group offers free, expert advice

To navigate uncertain and challenging times for small businesses, the Washington Small Business Development Center has more than 30 expert business advisors working in communities across Washington state to assist in a path forward. Information is available at https://bit.ly/3r284SH.

SBDC advisors provide one-on-one, confidential, no-cost advising services. They can help with strategy and business planning as well as advice on nuts-and-bolts operations.

Examples of issues they can advise on include:

* Identifying sources of capital or other financial help;

* Effectively handling difficult employment issues;

* Implementing tools that strengthen your virtual or e-commerce operations;

*Options for pausing or closing a business.

The agency is hosted by Washington State University and the US Small Business Administration. Visit wsbdc.org for more information or call 833-492-7232 to set up an appointment.

Connecting job seekers, businesses

The SupportSnoCo program includes a website to assist businesses, helping them connect to their customers: https://www.supportsnoco.com. The online hub gives people a chance to discover small businesses and build a personalized itinerary with more than 250 local businesses.

Businesses who want to be added to the site can email [email protected] with the following information by Monday, Dec. 21:

* Name of your business;

* Your favorite photo that captures what your business does;

* A short description of your business (100 words or less);

* Your website, Facebook page, or other ways the public can find your business online.

Eligible businesses must be for-profit business as defined by the State of Washington and licensed to do business in the state, and physically located in Snohomish County, have 20 or fewer employees and be in operation for one or more years.