Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.

Take your business to the next level through the new Business Enterprise Startup Training (BEST)! ? BEST consists of five online on demand courses that teach new entrepreneurs how to write a business plan, structure and license their business, start branding and marketing their business, protect their intellectual property and gain basic accounting knowledge for their business. ?? Questions: please email [email protected].

State of Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson visited Grays Harbor County Friday. His first stop was to our office in Aberdeen, where he participated in a roundtable discussion with business leaders, local government officials, and educators. "Thank you to Governor Ferguson," said GGHI CEO, Darrin Raines, "and all of our local partners who made this event successful. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnerships to address the needs of our public and private partners."

Final call to reserve a seat at next Tuesday's Lunch with the Mayors! Nearly every Mayor in Grays Harbor will be attendance. Registration closes at 5:00pm today. Call our office at (360) 532-7888 for assistance registering! #GraysHarborCounty #GraysHarbor #LunchwiththeMayors #AberdeenWA https://lnkd.in/gfV39pB3

Last call to submit your nominations for our 2025 Business Recognition Awards! Award categories include: ? Small Business of the Year ? Large Business of the Year ? New Business of the Year ? Non-Profit of the Year ? Government/Municipality of the Year Take the survey multiple times to ensure your favorite businesses and organizations make it on the final ballot. This survey is anonymous and open to everyone, so please share far and wide and help us celebrate business success in Grays Harbor County!

Sign up today for BEST and propel your business! Business Enterprise Startup Training (or BEST) is currently provided to new Grays Harbor County entrepreneurs. BEST consists of five online on demand courses that teach new entrepreneurs how to write a business plan, structure and license their business, start branding and marketing their business, protect their intellectual property and gain basic accounting knowledge for their business. After filling out the scholarship application you will be contacted by the Thurston EDC’s Center for Business & Innovation Training and Resource coordinator who will provide access to the courses along with no cost access to business plan writing software. For any questions, please email [email protected].

?? Local Businesses: Join Us in Supporting Aberdeen High School Students Looking to Join the Grays Harbor Workforce! ?? Why Join? Students who are awarded “Hire Me First” cards are potential employees who have been deemed work ready. They will present their cards to employers for consideration in the interviewing and hiring process. Their instructors have verified the following academic and workplace standards, which employers have said are of great importance to them: ?? Dependability ?? Satisfactory Academic Performance ?? Effective Communication Skills ?? Teamwork & Leadership Interested in signing up for free? All we ask is that you agree to give students with “Hire Me First” cards an interview when you have an open position for which the student qualifies. The rest is up to the student. "Hire Me First" is currently available to students at AHS with plans to hopefully expand the program to other school districts. Thank you for considering our students as potential employees! If you would like to participate in this program, please contact Loretta Thomas, GGHI Director of Business Development by March 14th. ?? (360) 532-7888 ?? [email protected]

At our monthly Business After Hours, we celebrate business success in Grays Harbor! This GGHI Member-exclusive opportunity brings together dozens of attendees eager to learn about our host business/organization and offer support in any way they can. It's the perfect opportunity to build new relationships, share ideas, and have a little fun after the workday! ?? If you're interested in hosting Business After Hours, contact us today at (360) 532-7888. Limited dates remain for 2025!

Let's work together to support the youth of Grays Harbor! ?????? Your business is invited to become a partner with Hire Me First alongside GGHI, Grays Harbor College, and local high schools. This exciting program was created to provide employers with pre-screened, qualified, and prepared high school job applicants. All we ask is that you agree to give students with “Hire Me First” cards an interview when you have an open position for which the student qualifies. The rest is up to the student. What a great opportunity for us as business leaders to make more informed hiring decisions for our employees. Thank you for considering our students as potential employees! Interested in participating in this FREE opportunity? Contact Loretta Thomas, GGHI Director of Business Development at (360) 532-7888 or email [email protected].

On May 22nd, 2025, the INSPIRE Women's Business conference has moved to the Great Wolf Lodge for more space due to the success and impact it had in 2024! This exciting conference has added new things to the agenda while keeping the main focus on women in business. The Washington Center for Women in Business aims to provide a platform for women owners across Washington to share their journeys and insights while creating a safe and empowering community that supports and mentors each other. Learn more in the link below!

Join us for the February Business Forum Lunch, this month featuring a special two-part program.?From 11:00am - 11:30am, please arrive early for our official 30 minutes of networking time with the presenters and fellow attendees.?At 11:30am, we will begin the program with?GGHI's Annual Meeting presentation highlighting the past year's accomplishments,?plans and goals for the coming year to continue supporting the Grays Harbor business community. The second portion of the luncheon will feature a roundtable discussion from the?new County Administrator, Sam Kim, as well as Grays Harbor's City Administrators. Attendees will also be able to submit their questions to the speakers. Registration closes TONIGHT at 5:00pm