Greater Seattle Export Accelerator Launches 3rd Cohort

What initially started with SBA Growth Accelerator Funding to Greater Seattle Partners to create a comprehensive export accelerator for small businesses in the Puget Sound region has grown into an annual cohort of firms who want to take their business international. SBA Seattle District Director Melanie Norton gave opening remarks at the launch of the 2025 cohort March 3 at the Port of Seattle to approximately 40 businesses and resource partner organizations. SBA Export Finance Manager John Brislin is one of the primary partner presenters of the educational program, which also features resources from the Port of Seattle , U.S. Commercial Service , Washington State Department of Commerce , Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) , Export-Import Bank of the United States , and others in the local export ecosystem. Businesses in the 2025 cohort range represent aerospace manufacturing, food and beverage products, innovative technology solutions, among other industries.

Pictured left: SBA Export Finance Manager John Brislin speaks with one of the 2025 cohort businesses seeking to expand their beverage business sales internationally. ?

Pictured right: SBA Seattle District Director Melanie Norton provides opening remarks at the Greater Seattle Export Accelerator Launch at the Port of Seattle (right).