Our Entrepreneurs
How a Microloan Transformed Sister Sage Herbs
In 2016, Jayne Simmons was turning away customers. She was producing thousands of bottles of tinctures in a cramped, shared kitchen that had no storage or room to expand. It was not enough.
Celebrating Success: Miri’s Golden Gardens
For entrepreneurs who come through our many programs – including training, coaching, incubation, and access to capital – a successful business is often the culmination of years of hard work. Miri Plowman’s recent success is a testament to this perseverance. It also...
Business Spotlight: Doolie’s African Hot Sauce
Doolie’s African salsa contains a unique signature blend of fresh, local ingredients including coconut, jalapeños, and lemon. Doolie’s salsa is based on his grandmother’s recipe he brought with him from Somalia. He began making his salsa-style hot sauce to serve at...
La Panadería Found the Sweet Spot at SAM’s Olympic Sculpture Park
When the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) asked us to bring an emerging entrepreneur to their café in the Olympic Sculpture Park, La Panadería was a clear choice.
VENTURES ENTREPRENEURS
Boosting Local Economy: Snohomish County Distributes $350,000 in Grants to Small Businesses
County Executive Dave Somers announced the SBIA program's $7,300 grants to 50 small businesses, targeting pandemic recovery and innovation. Ventures, a nonprofit with a 30-year history of supporting small businesses, will administer the program. Highlighting the...
COURSES & WORKSHOPS
Historic Support for Local Businesses: Snohomish County and Ventures Distribute $7,000 Grants
At Hotel Indigo in Everett, 50 small businesses received vital funds from the SBIA Program to mitigate pandemic impacts. Administered by Ventures and funded by the County’s federal ARPA allocation, this groundbreaking initiative highlights a decade-long partnership...
ADVOCACY
Monique Valenzuela: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Ventures
As the Executive Director of Ventures, a Seattle-based nonprofit, she leverages her extensive experience as a business owner, podcast and radio operator, and Tacoma Public Utilities board member to uplift the community. Ventures provides loans, grants, business...