City of Washougal launches Gateway to Success Series to support local small businesses

The series begins April 17, 2025, and will provide valuable skills, resources, and networking opportunities to local entrepreneurs

The city of Washougal, in partnership with the Washougal Business Association (WBA) and other sponsors, is launching the Gateway to Success Series, a free business education initiative aimed at supporting small businesses in the community. The series begins April 17, 2025, and will provide valuable skills, resources, and networking opportunities to local entrepreneurs.

The program is a direct outcome of the City’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes economic development and community prosperity. The City hired Joe Walsh as its Strategic Initiatives Manager in 2024 to help advance these goals. Joe’s role was focused on engaging local stakeholders, including the WBA, to better understand the needs of Washougal’s business community.

“I’m proud to see the Gateway to Success Series come to life,” said Joe Walsh, Director of the City’s Community Services and Strategy Department. “This program was developed through direct input from business leaders and is designed to provide tangible, actionable strategies that help local businesses grow and thrive. It’s a key step in fulfilling our plan’s commitment to building a resilient and prosperous economy.”

The Gateway to Success Series will cover practical topics such as managing finances in uncertain times, utilizing AI and automation, and smarter marketing strategies. Each session will include a presentation, Q&A, and networking opportunities, with follow-up Zoom calls to dive deeper into each topic.

Spencer Crandall, a small business owner, educator, and consultant, will be the key presenter for each session. Spencer brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and small business management. He is the founder of The Biz Pod program in Oregon City and has been a valuable resource for developing this series. With his firsthand experience as a business owner, Spencer is uniquely positioned to provide practical insights and strategies for success.

Program Schedule:

• Session 1: Essential Financial Habits in a Time of Economic Uncertainty
  April 17, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Best Western Plus Camas-Washougal Convention Center
  Follow-up Zoom Call: May 1, 2025 | 10:30 – 11:45 AM
• Session 2: A.I. and Automation: Your Small Business Accelerators
  May 15, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Best Western Plus Camas-Washougal Convention Center
  Follow-up Zoom Call: May 29, 2025 | 10:30 – 11:45 AM
• Session 3: Smarter Marketing for Your Small Business: The Best ROI for Your Efforts
  June 12, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 54°40′ BEER, Washougal
  Follow-up Zoom Call: June 26, 2025 | 10:30 – 11:45 AM

Each session is free to attend, thanks to support from the City of Washougal, WBA, and local sponsors. For more information and to register, visit https://cityofwashougal.us/GatewaySeries.

The Gateway to Success Series is part of a broader strategy to support small businesses in Washougal, as outlined in the City’s Economic Development Plan, completed in early 2025. As part of the strategy, future initiatives will include additional resources for small business owners and continued efforts to foster collaboration among local businesses.

“The success of our local businesses directly contributes to the vibrancy and quality of life in Washougal,” said Washougal Mayor David Stuebe on the impact of the program for the entire community. “By empowering our entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to thrive, we are investing in the future of our community.”

Information provided by the city of Washougal.