Business Pod
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.
Educational Workshops
We offer workshops to help start and grow your business! Workshops are free, online, interactive, and scheduled at a variety of times of day.
Topics include:
- Developing a Business Plan
- Business formation and other legal requirements
- How to run your business operations
- Attracting and retaining talent
- Marketing, sales, and customer engagement – online and in person
- Becoming a resilient business
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations
Sign up through this form to learn more about upcoming workshops.
Drop in Consultations
Starting a new business? Let our professional coaches help with your business journey!
We offer consultations via ZOOM meeting, as well in person at the GVC Office, located at 1111 Main Street, Suite 201, Vancouver, WA 98660. Contact us at GVCPOD@thepeakfleet.com for more information.
Individual Coaching Sessions
Could your idea or business benefit from some one-on-one coaching? Our professional business coaches have years of hands-on experience in building their own businesses and in coaching entrepreneurs.
Start your coaching partnership today! Coaching sessions are free-of-charge to qualified applicants. To schedule an individual coaching session, email us at GVCPOD@thepeakfleet.com.
Cohort Coaching Sessions
Would you benefit from learning from your business-owner peers? Join this 6-month program which offers not only the benefits of individual coaching but also networking and sharing with other business owners facing similar challenges.
Sign up through this form for the cohort series.
How do I participate?
Sign Up (It’s Free!)
Fill out a quick form to tell us about your business goals and challenges
Connect with Us
Our experts will contact you to create a personalized business plan
Tailored Resources
Gain access to workshops, tools, and guidance for your business needs
Endless Possibilities
Once you're part of Business POD, you’re in! Let's plan for success!
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! Respond to this survey and we will help guide you to the resources that will help you the most.
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 Participants…
Over 380 small businesses have trusted us to help them start their new venture. GVC’s Business POD can help you at no cost!
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
Small Business Flex Fund 2
Supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Small Business Flex Fund 2 is a great tool for small businesses and non-profits with fewer than 50 employees and an annual revenue of less than $5 million. Contact us to find out more or pre-apply for a loan of up to $250,000. Click here to see if you are eligible!
Thanks to Our Sponsor
