Connections that Count: Small Business Support in Longview

Local Engagement in Action

Supporting small businesses in Southwest Washington means showing up in the spaces where entrepreneurs are already building community. That’s exactly what Claudia Cardenas, Business Opportunity Specialist from Business Impact NW, did when she visited the Mi Familia Swap Meet, a lively bilingual street market in downtown Longview that regularly draws dozens of local food and craft vendors.

This visit built on the outreach we shared in May and marked another step forward in building trust across the region. Funded by a Community Reinvestment grant and supported through our partnership with Workforce Southwest Washington, it showed how ongoing, face-to-face connection continues to open doors.

Why Local Presence Matters

At the event, Claudia met the organizer, Omar. He shared that he currently works with 17 food businesses and 25 other vendors, all looking for support to grow. “Omar was excited to have us there,” Claudia said. “He sees the bigger picture and understands the value we bring.”

Omar is a trusted resource in the vendor community. He knows the challenges small business owners face and actively helps others navigate them. “He wants to help vendors grow beyond the swap meet—graduating into brick-and-mortar businesses like restaurants, bakeries, or storefronts,” Claudia explained.

He’s also focused on connecting vendors with local resources—like business coaching, access to capital, and educational opportunities.

“It’s all about trust,” Claudia added. “When someone you know tells you there’s an organization that can help you grow, take a loan, or look at your numbers—that matters.”

What Support Looks Like

Claudia shared flyers in English and Spanish and talked with vendors about the support available. “What I noticed—not just from Omar but from the vendors themselves—is that the lack of resources in the area is huge,” she said. “When they heard about Business Impact NW, they were really engaged and wanted to learn more.”

Many vendors run food stands or home-based businesses, selling everything from baked goods to handmade products. Their questions echoed what Business Impact NW hears across the region:

• “I have a home bakery—how do I scale up without taking on too much risk?”
• “Can I apply for a license if I’m just doing pop-up events?”
• “Where can I get help with signage or business insurance?”

Whether through coaching or quick conversations, the goal is the same: helping small businesses grow, one connection at a time.

Looking Ahead

Thanks to Workforce Southwest Washington’s support, this kind of local engagement is helping lay the groundwork for future coaching, capital access, and business education. Some vendors have already followed up for coaching or loan information, while others are still exploring their options.

We also let vendors know about Workforce Southwest Washington’s hiring support, like help writing job postings, connecting with pre-screened candidates through WorkSource, and understanding available tax credits. Together, these resources offer practical support for businesses looking to grow their teams.

“We definitely had people interested in learning more,” said Darren Guyaz, Senior Business Consultant & Special Projects Lead. “Some have signed up for coaching, and others may take more time—but we’re ready when they are.”

Darren sees this as a strong model for future outreach. In his words, “It’s not always about a workshop. It’s about showing up and being consistent.”

Claudia agrees. “That’s why having someone like Omar—someone they know—point them to us matters so much,” she said. “We can show them what’s possible, but it starts with connection.”

Get Connected

If you’re a small business owner or event organizer in Southwest Washington, free business support is available. Whether you’re trying to navigate next steps or just need a sounding board, we’re here to help, learn more.

This program is made possible through a WA State Department of Commerce Community Reinvestment grant, in partnership with Workforce Southwest Washington.