For the third year in a row, the Kirkland Workshops and Pitch Competition is now accepting applications! With $15,000 in funding on the line, now is your chance to launch your dream business!

Build the knowledge and confidence you need to start or grow your business. This challenge offers an ideal setting for hands-on application of practical business tools and the ability to clearly communicate the value of your product or service and the benefits your business offers.

• Basics of Business | February 10, 2026 | 11 AM to 1 PM
• Lean Canvas Business Plan | February 17, 2026 | 11 AM to 1 PM
• Finances for Small Businesses | February 24, 2026 | 11 AM to 1 PM
• Marketing and More | March 3, 2026 | 11 AM to 1 PM
• Preparing to Pitch | March 10, 2026 | 11 AM to 1 PM
• Pitch Competition | March 24, 2026 | Door Open at 5:30 PM |Open to the Public

These workshops provide potential, micro, and small businesses with the groundwork needed to be successful as they launch their businesses. Each workshop will stress the need for tangible achievements and intentional networking that will build the support needed to be successful as a small business owner.

Participants who qualify will have the chance to showcase their businesses during the Pitch Competition at the Kirkland Performance Center.

Key features include:

• Three-Minute Pitches: Presenting concise, compelling pitches to judges and a live audience.
• Categories: Businesses will compete against others in their category (Start-Up or Expansion) for award by the judges and all participating businesses will eligible for the People’s Choice award selected by the live audience.
• Prizes: A $5,000 prize will be awarded to the winner of each category: Start-Up, Expansion, People’s Choice

Apply To Participate

RSVP To Attend The Pitch

Learn more here. 

Whether it is $500 or $5 million, the SBA has programs to help your business secure the funding it needs to start, grow, and expand. The SBA helps small businesses get funding through a number of loan programs, setting guidelines for lenders and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need.

Learn how these programs work, how to find an SBA lender, and the technical assistance available to help you prepare for a funding request. 

Tuesday, January 20 | More information

Attention Kirkland Businesses!  We may soon be visiting you to provide information on how you can help prevent pollution in Kirkland creeks, lakes, and swimming beaches.

Did you know that all storm drains in Kirkland take rainwater runoff to the nearest creek, lake, or swimming beaches? That is why it is important to prevent pollution, such as food oil and waste, vehicle fluids, wash water, and soap (including bio-degradable soaps) out of storm drains.  This polluted water is toxic to fish and wildlife. The City of Kirkland offers free hands-on technical assistance for qualifying businesses*.  Our PPA specialists provide small businesses with:

• FREE (until supplies last):
• Secondary containment for 55-gallon and 5-gallon containers
• 55-gallon container lids
• Spill Plans and Kits
• Vouchers to help pay expenses for services, equipment, and safer products to prevent pollution from impacting our environment
• Help to stay in compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. 

*Businesses that qualify as small quantity generators (SQGs) are eligible for free help. Contact us to learn more.

Do you work with any international companies that might consider making Kirkland or the Eastside their home?

Registration is now open for the SelectUSA Seattle Spinoff, Greater Seattle Partners’ signature business attraction event for global companies ready to expand into the U.S.

Held alongside the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA Investment Summit, this three-day familiarization tour offers international businesses an inside look at why Greater Seattle is a premier destination for foreign direct investment.

Learn more here. 

Applications are now open for the next Startup425 Accelerator program. Weekly sessions meet virtually via Zoom on Tuesdays, 6-8pm PST. The orientation session for admitted founders in Cohort 4 will be at 6pm on Monday, January 26th, with the first accelerator session on Tuesday, the 27th, and the last program session will be on Tuesday, May 5th. Graduation is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th.

The S425 Accelerator is a 15-week educational program designed to help new entrepreneurs rapidly develop their business idea and launch a company while learning essential business skills.

With multiple tracks to meet the needs of different founders, the S425 Accelerator is designed for:
-First time small business entrepreneurs looking for guidance and support
-Potential founders considering a startup idea
-Early-stage founders looking to raise capital for the first time

Admissions preference is given to founders living or building in one of the six Startup425 partner cities (Bothell, Bellevue, Renton, Redmond, Kirkland, and Issaquah), but any founder located in western Washington is eligible for consideration. 

More information here.