Submitted by the Economic Development Council.

The Economic Development Council invites startup entrepreneurs and business owners to a free online EDC Business Lab event, “Utilizing SBA Programs to Benefit your Small Business,” on Thursday, March 13, from 1-2 p.m. via Zoom.

Attendees will learn about how the U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan support programs, contracting programs and technical assistance providers may help them start their dream businesses, help them expand existing operations or control facility costs by owning commercial real estate for a business. Attendees will learn how to reach out to financial institutions supporting small business needs and the roles of each type of lender, as well as what lenders evaluate as part of funding requests.

Guest speaker Janie Sacco joined the U.S. Small Business Administration in May 2020 to assist small-business owners throughout Washington and the 10 northern counties in Idaho. Prior to working for the SBA, Sacco worked at financial institutions in the greater Puget Sound region, providing small-business funding utilizing federal, state and local loan programs. She served as a small-business lender for more than 32 years and has worked in the financial industry since 1975.

Registration is required. Contact the EDC to register at https://sanjuansedc.org/bizlabs/.

For questions, please call (360) 378-2906 or email info@sanjuansedc.org.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council strives to support small rural enterprises and conduct projects to stimulate new job creation, strengthen the economic base for working families and support overall quality of life for islanders.