Business Development Training

Phase 1 | Orientation: Get Ready for Business Workshop

This 1-session workshop is an introduction to Washington CASH's programs, trainings and services. At the end of the workshop you will have the option of applying to the Business Development Training course. Please keep in mind that space in our Business Development Training is limited and not everyone who applies will be accepted into the program.

The Get Ready for Business workshop is offered in the following locations and languages:

  • Seattle (English only)
  • Tukwila (Spanish only)
  • Kent (Spanish only, fall & spring only)

To sign up, please contact us at (206) 352-1945 or programs@washingtoncash.org.

Phase 2 | Learn & Plan: Business Development Training

This training is our core offering to help people examine the feasibility of their new business idea or look at the profitability of an improvement in their existing business. We offer a new series of classes each quarter. Classes are held in English in Seattle, Kent (fall & spring only), Everett (winter only) and Bremerton and in Spanish in Burien. The class meets one evening per week for 8 weeks.The following are basic descriptions of each class session in the 8-week course:

  • Class 1 -  Define Your Business
  • Class 2 -  Marketing Plan
  • Class 3 -  Creating a Sales Plan
  • Class 4 -  Make Money From Your Business
  • Class 5 -  Determining Your Break-Even Point
  • Class 6 -  Cash Flow Projections
  • Class 7 -  Legal, Taxes and Licensing
  • Class 8 -  Organizing Your Business

To apply for the BDT, you must attend a Get Ready for Business Workshop.

One of the benefits of attending our Business Development Training is the help and support offered by our volunteer business coaches. Coaches are present at each class and help apply the teachings to each student’s business plan.

(To apply for a volunteer coach position, visit our volunteer page.)

Phase 3 | Launch & Support: Advanced Training Track & In-Depth Resources

Graduates of the Business Development Training course have acccess to additional training. For more information about the third phase of our program, please see the Advanced Track page.

Testimonials from training attendees:

“Everything was very practical and I appreciated hearing your examples. It taught me how much more I need to learn and also to keep the goal in mind.”

“The Legal Issues class was most useful for learning types of business entities to establish. How to protect my personal assets and confidential information.”

“The product packaging class offered a creative and cheaper way to move product.”