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By Debra Yergen, Yakima Valley Business Times, Contributing Writer, Yakima Valley Business Times, April 2025
The Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) is partnering with local agencies and businesses to launch the 2025 Business Accelerator Program.
The program targets businesses that are at least two years old, have fewer than 30 employees and have active growth plans but need additional assistance to achieve them.
“It can be hard for businesses to grow in an environment of market unpredictability,” said YCDA Executive Director Jonathan Smith. “The events in this program include interactive workshops, expert panels and networking sessions designed to support entrepreneurs and owners in their second stage of growth.”
In March, 42 businesses participated in the program’s kick-off event at Legends Casino in Toppenish. Earlier this month, on April 18, attendees had the opportunity to select from multiple breakout sessions, including Financial Education, HR Management, Marketing, Innovation and other key topics to growing a business.
At the end of May, the program will offer an event with topics specific to the construction industry. Topics will include bonding, insurance and challenges specific to construction-based businesses.
“The Business Accelerator Program conferences provide the practical tools to help growing business navigate an uncertain economic climate and accomplish their goals,” Smith said.
YCDA also facilities a unique opportunity to give students the forum to show local businesses how their skills can work for them. Hiring companies will see firsthand the skills these future leaders can offer to support their organization’s needs.
Most job fairs consist of booths where employers share information about their organizations and open positions. The Reverse Job Fairs allow allow students to share examples of their skills and work and tell hiring managers what they offer.
The first on is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, from 3:30 – 5 p.m. at Toppenish High School, 141 Ward Road in Toppenish. The second includes a morning session, 9:15 to 10:45 a.m., and a mid-day session, 12:30 to 2 p.m., on Thursday, May 15, at YV Tech, 1120 South 18th Street in Yakima.
If you are a business owner, you may not want to pass up this opportunity to connect with eager future employees exploring career paths. For more information about the Business Accelerator program and the reverse job fairs, visit ChooseYakimaValley.com.