VIDEO: Kent Chamber forum spotlights capital, contracting and compliance for local businesses

The Kent Chamber of Commerce gathered lenders, agencies and nonprofit partners on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 for a Resource Fair and Forum at Green River College’s Kent campus, outlining steps for entrepreneurs to find capital, win government work and navigate regulations.

“We need more messengers to ensure that businesses have the support that they need,” Chamber CEO Zenovia Harris said in closing remarks. “One of the first things I would do is make sure that I am a certified woman owned minority owned business and also sign up for WEBS.”

Panelists included:

• Hugo Nicolas, WA State Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA)
• Kim Sauer, WA State Department of Enterprise Services
• Aleyda Hernandez, Tabor100
• Janie Sacco, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Domonique Juleon, Business Impact NW
• Rowena Dacones, BECU Kent Station

Panelists walked attendees through first actions and free help available now. Kim Sauer of the Washington Department of Enterprise Services said the state’s entry point for contracting is Washington’s Electronic Business Solution, known as WEBS.

“The first thing you’ve got to do is register your business on WEBS,” Sauer said, adding that the department hosts a virtual open house the third Friday of each month for newcomers. “Do not try to do it all by yourself. You do not need to,” she said.

On financing and coaching, Dominique Julian of Business Impact Northwest said entrepreneurs can get no cost advising plus training tailored to their stage. “We do it all,” Julian said. “We have about 20 or so business advisors who are focused on supporting you.” She highlighted a free, 12 week Grow and Thrive cohort for Kent businesses that focuses on strategic planning and financial fundamentals.

Hugo Nicolas with the WA State Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance told attendees his team is a one stop resource for permits, licensing and taxes.

“Our agency supports small businesses specifically navigating the regulatory process,” Nicolas said, pointing owners to Business.Wa.gov and a monthly newsletter that compiles programs and deadlines.

Janie Sacco, an outreach and marketing specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Seattle District Office, detailed lending options delivered through banks, credit unions and community lenders.

“What the Small Business Administration does is really support our small business community by providing funding through our lending partners and doing outreach events like this,” Sco said. She noted that SBA backed loans can reach 5 million dollars, that microloans can go up to 50,000 dollars, and that manufacturers with NAICS codes beginning 31, 32 or 33 may qualify for a line of credit program. During audience questions, Sco added that for manufacturers there is no SBA guarantee fee on loans up to 950,000 dollars, depending on program terms.

From Tabor 100, Elita Hernandez described technical assistance and a character based loan program for emerging firms.

“It is a character lending program,” Hernandez said. “You do not have to go through regular banking requirements,” noting a maximum of 20,000 dollars that can help businesses build credit and manage cash flow on early contracts.

Rowena Dacones from BECU emphasized financial education alongside access to capital.

“At BECU, we feel financial literacy is just as important as having access to capital,” she said, inviting businesses to request workshops and one on one guidance.

Harris encouraged attendees to book follow up meetings with partners and to use the chamber as a hub for introductions.

“We will do a follow up to compile all of the websites and links that they talked about today so that they are easy and clickable for you,” she said.

Video

Below is video of the event, as filmed/edited by Scott Schaefer (running time 53-minutes, 52-seconds)

Links & Info

Some links mentioned at the event:

• Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA)
• Department of Enterprise Services (DES)
• Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA)
• Tabor100
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• ​Communities Rise
• Business Impact NW

For more info, reach out to the Kent Chamber here:

https://kentchamber.com