Every good business story has an awesome team behind it. In Whatcom County, you’ll find a myriad of business support organizations that offer powerful and applicable business advice, at no cost. Get started by contacting one of these organizations today.
The Coalition, a 501 c-6 trade association, promotes the vitality and economic benefits of our working waterfronts for the people of Whatcom County. Our dynamic waterfronts, filled with hard-working skilled people, are pressured from many fronts. With 7% of our region’s jobs involved in our diverse maritime sector, we work alongside the Port of Bellingham Read More »
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Since time immemorial, the Lummi Nation has been a fishing community. We built a subsistence-based culture and economy by following the resources of the land and sea, which have sustained us for thousands of years. Our Anthem, Che Shesh Whe Wheleq, “survivors of the flood,” tells us that our ancestors survived the Great Flood and Read More »
The Port serves existing businesses countywide, on and off Port property, with retention and expansion support. Staff also manage inbound investment leads and work to attract new business to Whatcom County. We stay current on development opportunities and resources through our expansive partnerships.
Whatcom County has a long history of helping local businesses find success. Their permitting center is a 1-stop location, where staff is readily available to coordinate and assist with questions regarding structural development, county land use regulations, the permitting process, natural resource regulations, encroachment questions, and any other land use or building questions.
The City of Bellingham has a long and successful history of collaborating with professionals to help grow, start, or relocate their business. Get help with permitting, zoning, getting a business license, and more.
Sumas is a Canadian-border town nestled in the foothills of Mt. Baker in the fertile Nooksack Valley of Washington State. Today, Sumas’ growing economy has a strong industrial, agricultural and tourism base backed by a thriving international railroad and trucking center. Get involved with the Sumas business community by becoming a member today!
Since the early 1920s, the Lynden Chamber of Commerce has existed to influence, develop, and maintain a prosperous business climate for Lynden. The Chamber is the community’s primary protector of business and professional interests. It is the collective voice for over 350 firms to cohesive work with city government, network to share common concerns and provide civic information and event promotion.
Established in 1955, the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce is devoted to fostering a healthy business environment that will promote a great quality of life for our community. Ferndale offers a great many opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses. Just over an hour north of Seattle and one hour south of Vancouver, BC, our town is conveniently located off I-5, just minutes from the county seat of Bellingham, Washington.
The Everson Nooksack Chamber of Commerce accomplishes great things for our businesses and our community. We hold a general membership meeting Quarterly: 3rd Tuesday of January, April, July, and October. The Board meets the Friday before to set the agenda.
The Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce meets the first Wednesday of every month at a local restaurant. Our meetings cover general business and usually include a guest speaker. We look forward to seeing you there and to working with you for the betterment of our community.
With about 4,000 students, Bellingham Technical College is the only two-year technical college in northwest Washington. BTC has an 82% job placement rate for recent graduates.
Serving the local business community since 1911, the Chamber is a business resource for new and existing businesses looking to make Bellingham and Whatcom County their home.
The county’s official tourism agency, this non-profit organization provides maps, marketing, business education workshops, community information, and tourism research and statistics.
The Partnership is a strong voice for Downtown and an effective liaison between downtown stakeholders and local decision makers. They offer cooperative advertising campaigns and networking opportunities for businesses downtown. Programs include Downtown Sounds, Downtown Art Walks, and marketing and beautification of downtown streets and sidewalks.
Established in 2006, Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC) provides northwest Washington farmers with the skills and the resources required to profitably and efficiently supply their products to consumers, retailers, wholesalers, foodservice operators, and food manufacturers. Its main office is located in Mt Vernon in the heart of Washington’s Skagit Valley farm region.
The NWIRC works with early stage innovators–entrepreneurs and inventors–to bring their ideas to life. Through the creation of personalized strategies that fit the unique situation and goals of each innovator, the NWIRC process prepares them with the right tools and resources to navigate the pitfalls incurred while developing and launching their new idea.
Get expert advice from retired professionals who’ve lived and breathed small business. Sponsored by the Small Business Administration, SCORE offers free business counseling and publications that cover initial capital requirements, operating capital, business and marketing plans, pricing, advertising, cash flow, profit/loss, and other business fundamentals.
Get real, practical advice on growing your business in a smart and sustainable way. Sustainable Connections is a non-profit that offers advice and workshops for entrepreneurs and business professionals. They offer a local forum where businesses come together to transform and model an economy built on sustainable practices.
TAG connects technology businesses to resources by offering education programs, networking opportunities and other business services to the technology sector and its service providers. Their mission is to promote, educate and advocate for technology businesses in the area.
The WBA leadership network provides a strong voice for the private sector of business throughout Whatcom County—small or large, private or public, in any industry or niche market; they encourage economic development and advocacy.
Whatcom Community College serves 11,000 students annually; 79 percent of graduates will earn transfer degrees to continue their educations at four-year colleges or universities. The remaining 21 percent of graduates will earn professional-technical degrees in high-demand fields.
The Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) provides a variety of services and administers programs that contribute to the outstanding quality of life which the more than 200,000 residents of Whatcom County have come to expect.
WorkSource Centers provide one-stop hiring and training assistance to businesses and job-seekers. Services for businesses include computer job matching, online job postings and resume bank, customized training, and consultation. WorkSource Centers are a joint venture of numerous workforce, education, and training agencies.
The SBDC is your go-to team for small business help. They’ll connect you with a Certified Business Advisor, who will help you create a business plan, develop financial forecasts, provide secondary market research, obtain financing, handle human resources concerns, and much more.
WWU’s Center for Economic and Business Research works in partnership with businesses, non-profits, government entities, and tribal communities to bridge the resources of Western students, faculty, and staff, and creating solutions to challenges.
Sumas is a small farming town located on the Canadian border, with a 24-hour border crossing into Abbotsford, BC. Sumas’ growing economy has a strong industrial and agricultural base, backed by a thriving international railroad and trucking center.
Blaine, known as the “Peace Arch City,” is home to Whatcom County’s busiest Canadian border crossing and sits in between two of the most popular Pacific Northwest Cities: Vancouver, BC to the north and Seattle, WA to the south.
The City of Everson is home to about 2,500 residents. The City is surrounded by rich agricultural soils, snow covered peaks, and is located about 30 minutes northeast of Bellingham and 10 minutes south of the Canadian border.
Ferndale is a vibrant community of about 14,000 people, located on the Interstate 5 corridor, approximately 6 miles north of Bellingham and 13 miles south of the Canadian Border. There are many nearby attractions including Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands, numerous lakes, historic parks, and the Nooksack River.
The City of Lynden is the second largest city in Whatcom County and offers a border crossing into British Columbia. Lynden’s economy has a rich history in dairy farming, and is also home to the Raspberry Festival and Northwest Washington Fair, which draws about 200,000 visitors every year.
