Explore the 2023 topics for the Puyallup location
| Time | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30am - 09:00am |
Resource Fair / Exhibitor Hall Open 8:30 am - 1:00 pm |
|||||||||
| 09:00am - 10:00am |
Welcome Address: Matthew Campbell, Ed.D - President, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom Welcome Address: Mike Fong - Director, WA State Dept. of Commerce Keynote Address Building business together: Stories behind the success Click here for info |
|||||||||
| 10:00am - 10:30am | Break - Networking, visiting information tables | |||||||||
| 10:30am - 11:30am |
"Fire Side Chat" with Keynote Speakers Click here for info |
Meet the Agencies: Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) Click here for more info |
Market Research for Small Business Success Click here for more info |
How to Use the Business Model Canvas Click for more info |
E-Commerce 101 Click for more info |
How to Access, Prepare, and Apply for Funding Click here for more info |
Cyber Security for Business Click here for more info |
Selling to the Government Click here for more info |
||
| 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Break - Networking, visiting information tables | |||||||||
| 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm |
Washington State Department of Commerce presents Small Business Support Resources Click here for more info |
Is your Business Ready to Do Business with the State? Click here for more info |
Small Business Insurance Options Click here for more info |
State Tax Basics for Small Businesses Click here for more info |
What Employers Need to Know Click here for more info |
Roadway to Starting a Business Click here for more info |
Cash Flow Projections for Better Decision Making Click here for more info |
Accounting Basics for Small Business Click here for more info |
||
Meet the 2023 Keynote Speakers
Kennon Maurer, Ebony and Ivory Coffee
Kennon Maurer is a dynamic entrepreneur who seamlessly bridges the worlds of real estate and the coffee industry. As a real estate team leader, Kennon's prowess was acknowledged when he was awarded the "Rookie of the Year" by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in 2021.
Within just 2.5 years, he and his wife, Kenzie, founded and grew Ebony and Ivory Coffee, which swiftly gained recognition from the Thurston County EDC as Small Business of the Year. Beyond any accolades, Kennon's true talent lies in creating work environments where camaraderie thrives alongside ambition.
Makieda Hart, Sgt. Hart's BBQ
Makieda Hart is the inspiring entrepreneur behind Sgt. Hart’s BBQ Sauce. With her background as a military spouse and her passion for flavor, Makieda’s small business journey combines exceptional taste with community empowerment. Her story showcases resilience, determination, and a commitment to making a difference through both her culinary creations and community initiatives.
Makieda launched Sgt Hart’s BBQ sauce in 2018 after leaving a corporate career to pursue her goal of being more independent, choosing small business ownership to discover more creative freedom. Following an initial launch in local farmer’s markets, Sgt. Hart’s BBQ Sauce has developed into a full line of flavors and can be found in local grocery stores, online, and at weekly farmers markets across four counties.
In 2020 Makieda founded South Sound BIPOC, a free business directory and support group for BIPOC-owned businesses, specializing in mentoring, resource navigation, workshops and brand awareness.
Jennifer Weddermann, Weddermann Architecture
Jennifer Weddermann is the owner of Weddermann Architecture, a Tacoma-based firm specializing in architectural design for residential, commercial, and community-based projects. Jennifer started her own company in 2010 and has grown it from the ground up. The company now supports a team of seven full-time employees, owns their own 3,000 square foot building, and boasts a diverse portfolio of public and private projects that can be found throughout the South Puget Sound region, including projects at the Tacoma Light Rail Line, Tacoma Children’s Museum, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
Jennifer is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional and member of the U.S Green Building Council, and is committed to sustainable design principles and projects that contribute to the beauty and growth of her community. In addition to leading her team on a growing list of projects, Jennifer volunteers time in her local community through pro-bono work, assisting local food banks, church groups, and as a mentor to aspiring welders and artisans.
In May of 2023 Jennifer was named Washington Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District and was a finalist for the SBA National Small Business Person of the Year.