SEATTLE – A newly launched online resource powered by Qwally will break down barriers for local business owners and entrepreneurs in King County.
Communitybusinessconnector.com, a one-stop shop for anyone looking to open or grow a business, was officially launched on Nov. 13 by the Community Business Connector program under its umbrella organization, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. The website is intended to help start and grow businesses through online resource matching and in-person coordinated support with a connector.
“The new website triages service needs for new entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Vaughn Taylor, vice president of economic development at the Seattle Metro Chamber. “After answering a few questions online, the platform matches businesses to resources immediately and connectors will follow up with businesses to help.”
Adding this tool to the Chamber’s portfolio enhances the overall goal of the Community Business Connector program, which is to make the small business support ecosystem more supportive and inclusive by building relationships with businesses facing challenges due to linguistic, cultural, and geographic barriers, including economic impacts because of COVID-19. The program won this year’s Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
“Businesses are still facing continued challenges from the pandemic – hospitality and the arts specifically, as well as historically marginalized communities and those who could not access federal relief,” Taylor said. “To get a business up off the ground, you need access to capital, the ability to expand e-commerce and use of technology, a dependable supply chain, and the ability to attract and retain employees. The Community Business Connector’s new website pinpoints resources addressing these complex needs.”
“Community Business Connector has really simplified the business setup process for me,” said James Kim, president of Views Consulting. “My parents are Korean immigrants and small business owners. I was born in the U.S. and some business processes were still challenging for me to figure out on my own. I cannot imagine how hard it was for my parents to set up their businesses on their own and they barely spoke English! This program takes away the anxiety of not knowing what you are doing by connecting you to professionals who know how to guide you to the best resources for your unique situation. This service is critical in helping me feel confident in the steps I’m taking and ensuring I’m set up for success.”
The Community Business Connector program is supported by the Seattle Metro Chamber, Port of Seattle, King County, and multiple connector organizations.
To test-drive the new tool, visit communitybusinessconnector.com.
About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Metropolitan (Seattle Metro) Chamber of Commerce is the regional business advocacy organization that engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of its 2,500 members to promote inclusive economic prosperity. Founded in 1882 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is an independent organization representing a regional workforce of approximately 750,000. For more information, visit www.seattlechamber.com.
Media contact: Jillian Henze, APR
Cell: (425) 785-6731
jillianh@www.seattlechamber.com
