Business Basics Course

Gain the knowledge and skills to grow your business.

Ready to launch or grow your microbusiness?

Ready to launch or grow your microbusiness? In this eight-week course, you will meet once per week for three hours with peers and business coaches to learn how to take steps towards making your business dreams a reality. We will cover the basics of business marketing, sales, financial management, and operations. You will work with a community of entrepreneurs to refine your business plan and answer tough questions like “will this idea really make money?” and “how will my product or service make customers’ lives better?”

The course will culminate in a community graduation event to celebrate all that you have accomplished. After graduation, you will have access to all Specialized Services at Ventures, including microloans, business courses, incubators, coaching, and more.

2025 Spring Virtual Business Basics Course –

Applications Now Open!

Applications are now being accepted for the English Speaking Business Basics Course, Ventures’
cornerstone training program! This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom, finalizing with an in-person Graduation at Ventures Seattle Office (2100 24th Ave S). Course is on Wednesdays, from 6-9 pm, starting on April 16th. Learn more about the Business Basics Course in the recorded information session below. This session provides an overview of Ventures’ robust program for small businesses and is the first step to apply for our cornerstone training program, the Business Basics Course.

Click here to watch the information session recording from March 18th. Please see the Spring 2025 Information Session Packet below for current course dates and deadlines.

Click here for the Information Session Packet, which outlines details about the course, program eligibility, and steps to apply.

Business Basics Course Application: Click here to apply to the Business Basics Course.

Please submit your application by Monday, March 31 at 11:59 am.

Spring 2025 Business Basics Course Details:
• Dates: Wednesdays, April 16th – June 11th
• Time: 6:00-9:00 pm
• Format: The 8-week course will be held online virtually via Zoom and will culminate in-person at Graduation on June 11th at the Ventures office building in South Seattle.

There are eligibility requirements to qualify and an application process to participate. Review the eligibility requirements in the Information Session Packet above and submit your digital application by the deadline on Monday, March 31 to participate in the course.

Curso Básico de Negocios de Primavera

El próximo curso básico de negocios en español se llevará a cabo en primavera 2025.

¡Nuestra Sesión Informativa en español se aproxima! Inscríbete en nuestra Lista de Interés a continuación y sé de los primeros en recibir actualizaciones cuando se abra el registro para la Sesión Informativa GRATUITA en español.

Topics Include

  • Defining your business
  • Creating a Marketing Plan
  • Creating a Sales Plan
  • Determining your break-even point
  • Creating cash flow projections
  • Determining legal, taxes, and licensing
  • Making money from your business
  • Organizing your business

Courses & Workshops

Nuestro 25 Aniversario

Nuestro 25 Aniversario

Esta época del año en Ventures es usualmente acogedora, festiva y de conexion. Nuestra oficina está decorada con oropel y adornos, y con golosinas caseras para compartir. Nuestro equipo se reúne con clientes, donadores, voluntarias/os y socias/os de negocios locales...

Nuestro 25 Aniversario

25 Year Anniversary

This time of year at Ventures is cozy, festive and connected. Our office is decorated with tinsel and bows, and fully stocked with homemade goodies to share. Our team is meeting with clients, donors, volunteers and partners at local businesses to let them know how...