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Washington State Virtual Business Fair

Washington State Virtual Business Fair

by Business.WA.Gov on September 9, 2020


present 
 

    24th annual 
Washington State Virtual Small Business Fair

“Navigating the New Normal”

Tuesday, November 10, 2020 |   7am – 5pm 
     
        PARTICIPATION OPTIONS FOR
Economic Development agencies 
    Chambers of Commerce
Port Districts
Cities
Counties 
     
 
Contact: Bretta Beveridge  bbeveridge@esd.wa.gov 206-235-8249 
 

BACKGROUND 
 
The Washington Small Business Fair, or “Biz Fair,” began in 1997 as a collaborative effort of local, state, 
 
and federal government agencies and local trade organizations to put on a free, one-day one-place  event for aspiring and current small business owners to gain access to the knowledge and resources 
they need to start, grow, and thrive. After a successful first Biz Fair in 1997 and continued demand from  the small business community, the partner agencies formed an ongoing Biz Fair Planning 
Committee that has organized the event every year. 
 
The Biz Fair has been comprised of two parts: 
 
Resource Center Exhibitors:
Where attendees gain valuable access to free small business information 
 
from the Biz Fair exhibitors. Exhibitors include local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as  non-profit and community organizations that support small business.   
 
Seminars:
Where attendees sharpen their business skills by attending 60-minute seminars taught by 
 
savvy business experts who share their knowledge and real-life experiences.

Seminar topics have  included:  
  • Small Business Ownership: Tips For Success  Starting A Business 
  • Business Law Essentials  DIY Market Research 
  • Financing & Crowdfunding Panel 
  • Package & Price Your Services to Maximize Revenue  Drive Traffic to Your Website 
  • Food Truck Business Basics  Developing A Business Plan 
  • Sell to The Government 
  • Slay the Social Media Dragon  Register, License, Go! 
  • Business Filing 101 
  • Keys to Creating A Business Boosting Website  Taxes and The Small Business Owner 
  • Selling Online  DIY Website 
  • Marketing Tips & Advice  Quickbooks Basics  Buying A Business 
  • Avoiding Predatory Lending 
  •  

About the 2020 VIRTUAL Small Biz Fair

 

GOING VIRTUAL
Just as small businesses are facing unique challenges in navigating a new and evolving “normal” as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all events such as the Small Biz Fair are having to transition from a traditional in-person to an all-virtual format. Here are some of the new opportunities afforded by “going virtual.”

 

Expanded pre-event exposure and attendance
After 23 successful in-person events with attendance averaging between 250 – 500 attendees, the virtual event will allow us to invite all 300,000+ small businesses in the state of Washington as well as those unemployed workers seeking self-employment opportunities. We are anticipating that the virtual nature of the event will expand event attendance to a minimum of 1,000 attendees from across the state. The event content will also be available to attendees for 3 months after the end of the event.

Digital marketplace
In addition to Washington state government and nonprofit resource exhibitors, we are pleased to add a digital marketplace exhibitor area where for-profit companies who have critical services for small business can engage in “chats” with attendees, provide product demos and promote their products and service offerings.

Expanded networking opportunities before, during and after the event
The virtual event environment allows for highly effective ways of connecting all attendees before, during and after the event. During the event we will be able to establish topic or geographic focused networking lounges/venues and then keep people connected after the event.


PROGRAMMING FOCUS

Three programming tracks
Twenty breakout sessions will be offered in 3 program tracks:
• Starting a small business
• Growing a small business
• COVID-19 Recovery

PARTICIPATION OPTIONS

Maximize your visibility

 

Be front and center to show your support for and showcase your programs and services to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs across the state of Washington
To participate or discuss customized participation options:
contact Bretta Beveridge bbeveridge@esd.wa.gov 206-235-8249

 

Logo Recognition
For state agencies choosing either Level 1 or Level 2 option below, your agency’s logo will be recognized by size of logo commensurate with the contribution level as follows:


Supported by
Organization logo Level 1                         Organization logo Level 1
Organization logo Level 2                          Organization logo level 2



  
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