Tools for Success

Running a small business is an adventure—full of challenges, opportunities, and the occasional plot twist. At Tri County Economic Development District, we’re here to help you navigate the journey with workshops designed to strengthen your skills, grow your business, and keep you ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, our workshops offer practical, real-world advice on topics that matter to small business owners in rural Northeast Washington. Led by experienced professionals, these sessions provide useful tools, actionable strategies, and a chance to connect with others who understand the ups and downs of doing business in a small community.

Check out our upcoming workshops below—we’d love to see you there!

Upcoming 2026 Workshops

How To Find & Retain Good Employees - Tuesday, April 21 & Thursday, April 23

If you're a business owner who has had difficulty finding and keeping quality employees, or if you're a business owner who is planning to hire in the future, this workshop is perfect for you. Join us for a conversation on how to find the best talent and how to build a great culture so quality employees want to stay. This workshop is ideal for business owners, recruiters, HR professionals, company culture directors, or anyone interested in building and maintaining a quality work team.

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Four workshop sessions available:

Colville session (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm) - Tuesday, April 21

Colville session (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - Tuesday, April 21

Republic session (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm) - Thursday, April 23

Republic session (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - Thursday, April 23

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These workshops are free, no charge! And open to the public. Registration is not required, but encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone is invited. You do not have to live in Stevens or Ferry counties to attend. Residents of all counties are welcome to join!

Register for this workshop
Government Contracting 101 -- Tuesday, April 28

Growing your business through government contracts can be a bit daunting at first. Discover tools and information that can help you determine who buys what you sell, how they buy it, and how you can prepare your firm to succeed in the public marketplace. You’ll also be introduced to certifications and resources that may help you gain an edge on the competition.

This workshop is brought to you in partnership with TEDD and Washington APEX Accelerator, who provides no-cost government contracting assistance.

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Two workshop sessions available:

Colville session (11:00 am - 12:30 pm) - Tuesday, April 28

Loon Lake session (3:00 pm - 4:30 pm) - Tuesday, April 28

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These workshops are free, no charge! And open to the public. Registration is not required, but encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone is invited. You do not have to live in Stevens County to attend. Residents of Ferry, Spokane, and Pend Oreille and all other counties are welcome to join!

*The Loon Lake session will be held at Stevens County Fire District 1 Station 2. If attending, please do not park in a restricted area. In case of an emergency, it is very important that fire trucks and the garage doors not be blocked by parked vehicles.

Register for this workshop
Navigating a Changing Tax Climate - Monday, May 4 & Thursday, May 7

In October 2025, new state taxes went into effect that impact Washington's businesses. Learn about these new taxes and how to best position your business for tax success.

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Four workshop sessions available:

Colville session (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm) - Monday, May 4

Colville session (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - Monday, May 4

Republic session (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm) - Thursday, May 7

Republic session (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - Thursday, May 7

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These workshops are free, no charge! And open to the public. Registration is not required, but encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone is invited. You do not have to live in Stevens or Ferry counties to attend. Residents of all counties are welcome to join!

Register for this workshop
Protecting Your Business From Fraud & Scams - Monday, May 18 & Thursday, May 21

In the age of AI and instant internet connectivity, scammers are getting bolder and more brazen. Protecting your business from fraud, both digitally and otherwise, is more important than ever. Join us as we discuss ways you can safeguard your business from falling victim to common scams and schemes.

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Four workshop sessions available:

Colville session (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm) - Monday, May 18

Colville session (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - Monday, May 18

Republic session (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm) - Thursday, May 21

Republic session (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - Thursday, May 21

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These workshops are free, no charge! And open to the public. Registration is not required, but encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone is invited. You do not have to live in Stevens or Ferry counties to attend. Residents of all counties are welcome to join!

Register for this workshop
Fire Up Your Food Business - Tuesday, June 2 & Thursday, June 4

Summertime means sunshine, bbq's and great food! Join us as we discuss the basics of opening a food business, just in time for summer. Whether it's a food truck, catering business, or a prepared meals service, learn about menu development, market research, advertising and licensing and permitting.

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Four workshop sessions available:

Colville session (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm) - Tuesday, June 2

Colville session (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - Tuesday, June 2

Republic session (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm) - Thursday, June 4

Republic session (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - Thursday, June 4

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These workshops are free, no charge! And open to the public. Registration is not required, but encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone is invited. You do not have to live in Stevens or Ferry counties to attend. Residents of all counties are welcome to join!

Register for this workshop