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Burien Stories of Small Business Resilience: Seeds & Sprouts
“I have the responsibility to do something different.” As an orphan, Iris Ruiz never felt like she was truly a part of a family. Growing up, Iris moved around a lot living with various family members in Oregon and California, and eventually moved back to El Salvador...
Burien Small Business Stories of Resilience: Emerald City Mattress
“We are the owners of our own time. Having your own business gives you the opportunity to do that!” Eight years ago, Celina Aguiniga and her husband decided to stop making mattresses for other companies and start their own small business in Burien. “All of our lives,...
Burien Small Business Stories of Resilience: Celeste Boutique
“There are a lot of projects going on in Burien and that feels exciting.” Vilma Aguilar spent her childhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, where she helped her parents with their import business. She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of her family’s vocation. “I grew up in...
An Idea That Began with the Environment
It’s never too late to celebrate America Recycles Day. Stephanie Lentz, owner of Scoop Marketplace, would know that it’s never too early either. Stephanie grew up in the greater Seattle area and had always shared her appreciation of the Pacific Northwest’s beauty with...
VENTURES ENTREPRENEURS
Applications Are Open for Ventures’ 2022 Spring Mini – Grants
Each spring since 2020, Ventures has deployed mini-grants to small businesses for support with start-up, growth, and recovery. The Spring Mini-Grant program started in 2020 as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial Mini-Grant fund was created with...
COURSES & WORKSHOPS
Hat’s Off!
It was yet another cloudy day in Seattle, but the Ventures' office had a bright, bustling energy all day. Staff were busy preparing certificates and getting things together while clients were busy perfecting their pitches. On May 1st, we held our Business Basics...
ADVOCACY
Message To Our Representatives: Let’s Prioritize Vulnerable Businesses
Ventures and the Small Business Administration have been close partners for many years. We are very grateful for our friends at the SBA. We also know that one really tough part of their job is reaching the most vulnerable business owners – the solopreneurs and...