Vancouver celebrates Small Business Month in May
April 30, 2025
On Monday, May 5, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will proclaim the month of May “Small Business Month” in Vancouver. The designation coincides with National Small Business Month.
“Small businesses make up over 95 percent of Vancouver’s business community. They are the heart and soul of our local economy,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “Small Business Month is a chance to recognize and support the entrepreneurs who fuel our city with their talent, dedication and drive, and who add to what makes our city unique and full of charm.”
On Thursday, May 15 the City, in partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries and Fourth Plain Community Commons, will host Connect and Navigate, a free small business fair to connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with local funding and assistance to start and grow as a business in Vancouver. This event will feature 15 vendors and will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Fourth Plain Community Commons, 3101 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Suite 101.
Throughout May, the City will share ways for the community to support Vancouver’s small businesses, preview plans to bolster the City’s support of a diverse and thriving small business community through its 5-Year Economic Development Strategy and more.
“As part of our Economic Development Strategy, we’re creating new pathways for small business success by investing in neighborhood business districts, leveraging public assets for affordable commercial space, expanding access to capital and connecting historically underserved entrepreneurs to City contracts and targeted support,” said Chris Harder, deputy economic development director for the city.
The City is committed to supporting the growth of its small business community by removing barriers to success and bolstering a thriving local economy through programs such as:
- Free small business advising: The City has partnered with the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center to support business owners through free and confidential, one-hour business advising sessions with a certified business advisor once a month from May – December
- Community Development Block Grants: This program has allowed the City to award funding to support 971 small businesses through culturally specific workshops, one-on-one specialized business consulting and more since 2019. The City will provide an estimated $300,000 for additional business assistance this year
- Procurement: An interactive website invites businesses to submit bids, quotes and proposals to fulfill the City’s needs for goods, services, construction/public improvement projects, and professional/technical assistance
- Restaurant Start-Up Guide: A simple eight-step guide detailing what permits, licensing, plans and inspections are needed before opening a restaurant within City limits
- Pre-lease program: The City offers free advisory meetings to support business owners who want to buy or lease commercial space and for food truck vendors seeking to open in Vancouver City limits
- Economic development: The City prioritizes the success and retention of small, local businesses as part of all major development and redevelopment projects, including Waterfront Gateway, the Heights District, Main Street Promise and the Fourth Plain for All investment strategy
Follow the hashtag #CouveSmallBiz and visit the City on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to watch, learn and stay informed. Explore more services, business education and grants, low-cost loans and other business funding options through the City’s Business Resources page.
Media contact: Tim Becker, strategic communications manager, tim.becker@cityofvancouver.us
Chris Harder, deputy economic development director, chris.harder@cityofvancouver.us