Business Pod
Thank you for visiting the Business POD page. As we begin 2026, the program is temporarily paused while we retool to ensure it delivers the strongest, most complete support for launching and growing a business. Please complete this form to join the waiting list, and we will contact you as soon as the program re-launches.
Pathways to Opportunity and Development
The Chamber is investing in the community and is excited to offer assistance to business owners and entrepreneurs who live in the Southwest Washington region and want to start a business.
We help our local small business owners succeed!
The GVC Business POD is designed to empower and educate small business owners through workshops and individual and peer cohort coaching sessions.
We want to get to know you
Tell Us About You!
Business POD offers a variety of valuable resources to existing business owners, brand new start-ups, and even those who have an idea and want to start a business! Please take a few moments to complete this form to join our waiting list, and we’ll be in touch as soon as the program relaunches.
Built to Assist Local Businesses Like Yours!
Start Up Checklist
Not sure where or how to start your business in Southwest Washington? Do you get a business license or an EIN first? (What even is an EIN?) Find these answers and more in Washington's Road Map for Opening a Business.
Join the Chamber
Being part of your local chamber provides you and your business a group of like minded peers to learn from, to support one another, and advocate for business-friendly policies as a unified voice.
Hear Directly from Business POD Past Participants…
Over 380 small businesses have trusted us to help them start their new venture.
Will Noce-Sheldon
BE GREAT, Founder & Owner
“The GVC Business POD has been instrumental to assisting me with the continued success of my business. The attention to detail, focus, and determination to help me solve all of the problems I have faced has been a game changer for me.”
Daphne Anderson
Vancuterie, Floral Preservation Art, Founder & Owner
“I highly recommend the Business POD! Being a part of the current cohort group has provided a space for me to express concerns, share victories, and feel collectively supported by my peers. This program has provided me a level of confidence that was missing.”
Tom Harvey
Tom Harvey Real Estate
“I literally have not had anyone (including coaches) up until now, push back and challenge my process. I respect and appreciate the Business POD experts speaking to me directly! It helps isolate the holes in my business and honestly feel relieved.”
Tara Kaur
Design Stake Branding & Website, Founder & Owner
“The GVC Business POD has been very beneficial for me to move my idea from an idea phase to a reality. Ongoing support from the Business POD experts in the form of coaching has been very beneficial. This has encouraged me to start working on my second business idea.”
External Resources
Discover essential guides, resources, and tools to help answer all your startup questions.
State of Washington
Association of Washington Businesses
Washington Small Business Guide
- Guía de pequeñas empresas de Washington
- Вашингтонский гид по малому бизнесу
- 워싱턴 중소기업 가이드
- Hướng dẫn Doanh nghiệp Nhỏ của Washington
- 華盛頓小型企業指南
Mercy Corps Southwest Washington
WA Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises
WA Procurement Technical Assistance Center
WA Department of Labor and Industries
SWCA Construction Business Resources
Washington Department of Revenue
Commute Trip Reduction Resources
Washington Women’s Business Center
Washington State Small Business Liaison Helplines
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Email: help@business.wa.gov
Call: 1-800-917-0043 (toll-free)
Text/SMS: 1-833-674-2492
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