Did you ever wonder what we can do for your business?

Starting and running a business? It’s a challenge! But the good news is that you’re not alone. 

With National Economic Development Week kicking off in May (12-16), we thought it would be a great time to outline the resources the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) has for new, established and growing businesses. In recognizing the key role you play in the vitality of our region, we remain dedicated to equipping you with valuable tools and programs while also addressing the needs of your workforce. 

“EDASC has been at the forefront of the current trend in economic development to take a more holistic approach, addressing critical issues such as workforce development, housing and child care, all with equitable, inclusive and sustainable values,” said EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. “It’s all about removing barriers for businesses and entrepreneurs; barriers that impede success and creation of generational wealth.” 

Your Partner for Success

EDASC is equipped to support businesses of all sizes by offering everything from tailored research data to a statewide network of financial partnerships and resources. And this applies whether you’re already in operation in Skagit County or if you’re looking to relocate your operations here.

• Small Business Programs: We love our small business owners! And with them in mind we designed our 12-week Startup School, an entrepreneurship program held twice a year in both English and Spanish. We also provide no-cost business advice through our relationships with experts from the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Impact Washington, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE and the NW Innovation Resource Center.  
• Market Research: Did you ever wonder if you make more or less money than your competitors? Or, whether you pay your employees more or less than the average? Our powerful, no-cost market research tool empowers you with key metrics needed to compare your business performance to similar companies, as well as the best locations to target advertising and the demographic characteristics of your ideal customer. 
• Business Retention and Expansion (BRE): One of our highest priorities is workforce development. And at its core, our BRE program is a planning-to-action initiative that continually reaches out to existing businesses to understand their needs, directly engage in problem solving, and increase their awareness of resources. Combined, it’s designed to help resolve issues and take advantage of opportunities to thrive and expand. 
• Business Attraction: EDASC is the first point of contact for any business or site selector looking to invest and establish operations in Skagit County. We work closely with various agencies to help with everything from facilitating the right connections related to capital and incentives to navigating the permitting and regulatory processes. 
• Leadership Skagit: Our longest-running program, developed in collaboration with Skagit Valley College, is an intensive initiative designed to inspire people to take on leadership roles in business and community. To date, we’ve graduated over 600 alumni including elected officials, business owners at all levels, executives and more. Check out our recent news release that highlights how our graduates are broadening their understanding of our community’s needs by clicking here! 

Our Top 10 of 2024

Thanks to our continued partnerships with businesses, residents, and numerous organizations, we had a lot to celebrate in 2024!

Here are just some of the EDASC staff's picks of the top 10 notable accomplishments from the past year.

• Receiving the Accredited Economic Development Organization designation
• Supporting 460 businesses
• The 20th Anniversary of Leadership Skagit
• Receiving $175,000 in grants
• Facilitation of the Skagit Housing Consortium

“We at EDASC are proud of our approach and the work we do in the community. We couldn’t do it without the partnerships and hard work of countless organizations, municipalities and businesses that support this effort. What we hope is that it will continue for many years to come. What we know is that the work, and the needs it addresses, will change continually over those years,” said Sternlicht. 

Are you ready to explore what EDASC can do for your business? Contact us today at 360.336.6114 or by email: office@skagit.org.