Local organizations host Biz Fair on Sept. 29

New seminars on food trucks, 3-D printing and online reputation management added to schedule

Local organizations host Biz Fair on Sept. 29

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District Office – together with local partners – will participate in the 22nd annual Washington Small Business Fair, or “Biz Fair,” Saturday, Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th St.

After 21 years with attendance averaging between 200 and 500 visitors each year, Biz Fair is the longest-running free small business event in Washington run completely by local government and volunteers.

Biz Fair consists of two parts – a resource center and business seminars. All levels of government agencies, trade organizations and nonprofits that support small business come together to exhibit their services at the resource center. In addition to the resource center, more than 20 90-minute business seminars are offered throughout the day on business topics ranging from business planning to crowdfunding.

“It’s no longer enough for a small business owner to excel in providing their product or service – today’s small businesses must keep up with changing regulations, new marketing techniques and a fast-paced global marketplace,” SBA Seattle District Director Kerrie Hurd said. “The Biz Fair Planning Committee does a great job of bringing together all the resources and technical content that today’s business owners need on one day in one place.”

New to Biz Fair this year is a keynote speech by Co-CEO of Mud Bay Lars Wulff, who will be discussing his “Blue Ocean Strategy.” Also new are seminars on starting a successful food truck business, 3-D printing for small business and managing your online reputation.

The Washington Small Business Fair began in 1997 as a collaborative effort of local, state, and federal government agencies and local trade organizations to establish a free one-day one-place event for aspiring and current small businesses to gain access to the knowledge and resources they need to start, grow and thrive.

After a successful first Biz Fair in 1997 and continued demand from the small business community, the agencies, including the SBA Seattle District Office, formed the Biz Fair Planning Committee with the aim to host the free event every year.

For more information, visit bizfair.org or follow @BizFair and #WABizFair.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Business

Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent will give away more than 1,000 meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Christmas Day. COURTESY PHOTO, Nana’s Southern Kitchen
Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent to give away 1,000 meals Christmas Day

Fifth year of event to give back to community and provide meals to those in need

Kent School of Rock’s new owners Phil Gustavson, Joshila Wilson and Chris Wilson. COURTESY PHOTO, School of Rock
School of Rock Kent new owners plan relaunch party Dec. 14

Group looks to bring ‘fresh perspective and energy to iconic music education brand’

The crew that completed Kent-based Blue Origin’s ninth human flight into space on Friday, Nov. 22. COURTESY PHOTO, Blue Origin
Kent-based Blue Origin completes ninth human spaceflight

Six-member crew soars into space from West Texas for 10-minute flight

Advance Auto Parts plans to close its locations in Kent, Federal Way and Auburn. COURTESY PHOTO, Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts to close stores in Kent, Federal Way and Auburn

Part of nine closures in state and more than 500 across the nation

t
Kent-based Blue Origin reveals crew for ninth human flight to space

Flight scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22 from West Texas launch site

Kent-based Blue Origin recently mated New Glenn’s first and second stages. COURTESY PHOTO, Blue Origin
Kent-based Blue Origin signs rocket launch contract to deliver satellites

Reaches agreement with AST SpaceMobile to use New Glenn to send satellites to space

Joshua Harris is a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran who runs a security company out of Kent. Courtesy photo
King County veteran selected to national business-growth program

In October, South King County-based company Cascadia Global Security was chosen to… Continue reading

The Hardys also were able to visit Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland while escorting a client’s European trip, summer 2024. Courtesy photo.
From Alaska to the Rhine, Jennifer Hardy has your travel needs in mind

When it comes to planning a cruise trip with the family, fewer… Continue reading

Darren, Ryan and Launice Malmassari and Becca Pimentel all work at Kent East Hill Nursery as a family. Courtesy photo
Kent East Hill Nursery continues to grow

When the Malmassari family took over the Kent East Hill Nursery in… Continue reading

Paul Raftis (right) of Paolo’s Italian learned how to cook from his mother, Darlene Risse Raftis (left). Courtesy photo.
Vittoria! Paolo’s Italian wins big

It’s been a good month for Paolo’s Italian Restaurant in Kent —… Continue reading

Best of Kent 2024 winners announced!
Best of Kent 2024 winners: See the list here

Check out the Kent Reporter’s special section.