Goosefoot is continuing to offer workshops to assist entrepreneurs in getting their businesses off the ground or to help established businesses. Classes have been scheduled through July 2017.

Workshops are free and take place at the old Bayview School Building, 5611 Bayview Road, Langley, in the upper-level classroom. You can find full details here.

Goosefoot, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission includes local economic development, is currently working with the Port of South Whidbey to further develop and expand an existing commercial kitchen currently existing at the Island County Fairgrounds. However, the majority of the workshops can apply to any small business.

Of particular interest to food entrepreneurs will be Goosefoot’s Introduction to Food Business Licensing Requirements and Costs. Participants will not only learn about licensing requirements for different products and costs incurred before even stepping into a kitchen, but also about locally available small business resources and loans.

In addition, classes are offered on business planning, marketing, pricing your product, writing business plans, and using social media. Goosefoot has partnered with the staff of both the Island County Economic Development Council (ICEDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Mt. Vernon to offer these opportunities.

There is also a commercial kitchen survey accessible on the website that Goosefoot encourages anyone interested in using a commercial kitchen to fill out.

Goosefoot encourages those needing a commercial kitchen now to contact the following facilities available for rental to food businesses: Island County Fairgrounds Kitchen, Cj & Y Desserts, and Lavender Wind Farm.

To register for the workshops (all free of charge), please email marian@goosefoot.org or call 360-321-4145.

Workshop Schedule

Each workshop is repeated at least one time.

They are listed below first chronologically and then by workshop titles and dates offered.

Chronological List

How to Start a Business: Monday, May 1, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Building a Marketing Plan: Monday, May 8, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Introduction to Food Business Licensing Requirements and Costs: Tuesday, May 16 from 10 to 11:30 p.m.

Introduction to Social Media: Wednesday, May 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Business Feasibility: Can Your Dream Become Reality?: Tuesday, May 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.

How to Start a Business: Monday, June 5, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Building a Marketing Plan: Monday, June 12, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Introduction to Food Business Licensing Requirements and Costs: Monday, June 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Facebook and Instagram: Wednesday, June 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Pricing Your Product: Tuesday, June 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.

How to Start a Business: Monday, July 3, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Building a Marketing Plan: Monday, July 10, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

YouTube, Twitter, and More: Wednesday, July 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Introduction to Food Business Licensing Requirements and Costs: Tuesday, July 25, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Listed by Topic (with Presenter and Description)

How to Start a Business

Learn why business planning is important and receive an overview of critical things to consider before you ever apply for a business license. Led by Ron Nelson, Executive Director, Island County Economic Development Council.

• Monday, May 1, from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Monday, June 5, from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Monday, July 3, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Building a Marketing Plan

Increase the effectiveness of your marketing by laying out a plan with goals, a schedule, and measures of success. Led by Sami Postma, program director of the Island County Economic Development Council.

• Monday, May 8, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 12, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Monday, July 10, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Introduction to Food Business Licensing Requirements & Costs

Learn about the licenses and permits you’ll need to get your food business going. Led by Marian Myszkowski, director of programs for Goosefoot.

• Tuesday, May 16, from 10 to 11:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 25, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Introduction to Social Media

A general introduction to social media that will help you understand the right tools for you. Led by Sami Postma, program director for the Island County Economic Development Council.

• Wednesday, May 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Business Feasibility: Can Your Dream Become Reality?

This course will cover the steps necessary to assess the market, manage risk, determine economic and technological feasibility, and ensure greater success for a startup or business expansion. Led by Tony Salas, certified business advisor for the Small Business Development Center.

• Tuesday, May 23, from 6-8pm

Facebook and Instagram

Learn how to navigate the ad system, the differences in attracting users, and some creative applications to make these tools work for your business. Led by Sami Postma, program director for the Island County Economic Development Council.

• Wednesday, June 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Pricing Your Product

In this workshop, examine pricing strategies that maximize your value and income. Led by Tony Salas, certified business advisor for the Small Business Development Center.

• Tuesday, June 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.

YouTube, Twitter, and More

Learn how a small business can put social media to the best use, how you can tell your story and connect with potential customers through a successful strategy. Led by Sami Postma, program director for the Island County Economic Development Council.

• Wednesday, July 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Social Media Series

Intro to Social Media: Wednesday, May 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Facebook and Instagram: Wednesday, June 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

YouTube, Twitter, and More: Wednesday, July 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.