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WWU Small Business Development Center and Port of Bellingham brief council on local economic efforts
Summary
Presentations by Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center and the Port of Bellingham updated council on small-business assistance and regional economic development activity; both were for information and discussion only.
Council Member Chase Cotton reported that the Community and Economic Development Committee received two informational presentations April 28. Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center presented a review of its 2024 activities and assistance to local businesses, while Port of Bellingham staff outlined their regional economic partnership work program for 2025.
Executive Director CJ Seitz, joined by team members Lilliana Deck and Eric Grimstead, told council the Small Business Development Center assisted 572 local small businesses in 2024 and highlighted current challenges including tariffs and reduced Canadian visitors; the committee report recommended the packet presentation for further review.
Tyler Schroeder, representing the Port of Bellingham's regional economic partnership staff, described outcomes from the interlocal partnership between the city, county and port and presented the port's 2025 work plan. Both presentations were noted in committee minutes as informational and did not require council action.
Ending
Committee members encouraged interested residents and prospective entrepreneurs to review the presentation materials in the meeting packet and the recorded committee session for additional detail.
