FLF Partner Insight: NWIRC

Why Partner with the WTIA on First Look Forum: Bellingham?

What is your organization’s name? NW Innovation Resource Center

What is your mission and who do you serve? Our mission is to help entrepreneurs bring business ideas to life. We serve early stage entrepreneurs and inventors in northwest Washington. For more information, our website is www.nwirc.com

What exciting trends are you seeing with startups in Washington right now? In the northwest part of the State, we are seeing more widespread interest both from potential entrepreneurs themselves and from the community involvement in support of them. Many individuals coming to our organization are individuals with business experience and now have product inventions or business ideas. They need assistance with how to get started developing a strategy to move forward. There is a very wide range of subject matter, which provides an opportunity for impact on many segments of our business base.

What do you hope to get out of partnering with WTIA on this first-ever First Look Forum in Bellingham? The NWIRC is pleased to serve as the local host organization with WTIA to bring FLF to the northwest. We believe that it encourages startup businesses from the northwest to take advantage of the support and exposure to a wide group of business leaders and investors. It also provides an opportunity for individuals to serve as coaches and meet startup businesses from our area and throughout the State.

Do you have any advice for the First Look Forum competitors? Step up and take advantage of the support and advice that the successful business people are willing and able to provide. When talking with them, be sure to be prepared to talk about your entire business strategy – not just your product strategy.

Still accepting applications!

#FirstLookForum @nwirc

Posted by: Diane Kamionka

Diane Kamionka has a strong background in general management of both large corporate growth and the entrepreneurial start-up arena. She is currently assisting early stage entrepreneurs at the NW Innovation Resource Center. She was instrumental in founding the Northwest Agriculture Business Center which assists growers and producers in building a profitable business model for bringing their products to consumers, retailers, wholesalers, foodservice operators and food manufacturers. Diane holds a Masters degree in business administration from Xavier University and was presented their Distinguished Alumnae Award. She also was recognized with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.