Elevate NW Conference 2020 Spotlight: U.S. Small Business Administration

From solopreneurs to companies that employ tens of thousands of people, we all play a role in building relationships that create an environment where small businesses can continue to flourish and innovate. Join us for the third annual Elevate NW, a conference dedicated to the growth and success of small businesses in the Seattle metro region.

Below is an introduction to U.S. Small Business Administration’s Lender Relations Specialist Cathy Griffith who is featured in our first Elevate NW webinar, Access to Capital.

Learn how you can benefit from the rest of our Elevate NW Conference, Aug. 10-13, here.

Tell us a little about your company and yourself.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency dedicated to America’s small businesses, helping them to start, grow, expand and recover.  Cathy serves as the Seattle District Lender Relations Specialist.  Seattle is one of 68 district offices, bringing SBA to Main Street.

How should a business owner go about planning their “Next Steps” and/or what do you recommend for “Next Steps”?  
Business owners need to focus on being creative and really zero in on the customer’s changing needs and wants. How can the business adapt in order to continue providing that good or service in this new environment?

How has your business helped or supported Seattle’s small and medium business community during the pandemic?
As a result of the CARES Act, our resource partners (SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, etc.) have received funding to increase their support of the small business owner (both existing and potential) to help better ensure survival and even success during these challenging times.  These services are either free or at very low cost.

What’s one piece of advice you have for someone looking to start or grow their business, especially considering the current climate?
Business owners need to seek support and guidance from the many sources of assistance that are out there.  It can be overwhelming, but just taking the time to research what resources are available can be time well spent.

To hear more from Cathy Griffith and many more, join us for our annual Elevate NW conference:

Elevate NW Conference 2020
Monday-Thursday, August 10-13

This year, the conference will be held virtually. There will be a one-hour session each day, Monday and Thursday. The sessions Monday-Wednesday will feature panels on specific topics and we’ll wrap up the conference with our featured keynote speaker on Thursday. We’ll also have a structured happy hour on Wednesday afternoon to help you connect with fellow attendees.

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