SEATTLE, WA — (Marketwire) — 07/20/11 — When it comes to starting and growing a business, Stephen Coles figures every entrepreneur deserves a boost.
That-s why he has launched StartUp Northwest (), a new social network and online resource that encourages greater interaction and information sharing among Washington state entrepreneurs.
“The Seattle startup scene is vibrant,” says Coles. “But, if your business is outside of Seattle or the Eastside, is not technology-related, or you are unable to regularly attend any of the numerous local events for entrepreneurs, you probably will end up feeling disconnected from the community.”
With the introduction of StartUp Northwest, Coles, a lifelong resident of Federal Way, hopes to bring all local entrepreneurs together, regardless of industry or location within the state. Though just launched, the site has attracted numerous startup founders and executives.
“What instantly grabbed our attention to StartUp Northwest was the ability to find one place to connect with other like-minded founders in the startup community,” said ZippyCart co-founder Nick Grant.
In a recent tweet, T. A. McCann, founder of Gist.com, noted there is “good stuff going on” at StartUp Northwest.
The site also has gained attention from service providers. 25 companies have pledged their support by offering discounts to local startups. Many more companies are listed in the local service provider directory on the StartUp Northwest website, enabling service providers to reach young, growing companies in need of products and services.
“By working with early stage companies, service providers have the potential of gaining long term clients,” says Coles.
Much of the content on StartUp Northwest is user generated. Users can submit articles they have written, post events, and participate in groups and forums. “It-s much more valuable to learn from your peers rather than from information provided by a single source,” says Coles. “Through crowdsourcing, one can tap the collective knowledge and experience of the community.”
“Improving interaction and knowledge sharing amongst people starting and growing their businesses is a very valuable service that StartUp Northwest provides to the local community,” says Joe Wallin, prominent Seattle attorney and partner with law firm Davis Wright Tremaine.
Entrepreneurs can employ free features on StartUp Northwest-s site for which other sites typically charge fees, such as posting job openings. “To a startup, every dollar counts,” Coles notes. Currently building his own startup called BaronBuilder.com, he is acutely aware of the budgetary constraints most startups must operate within.
“Most startups can-t afford to hire a full staff,” explains Coles. “Many founders must take on several different roles within the business, often learning as they go. By working together, sharing ideas and experiences, we can all benefit and, hopefully, all experience some measure of success.”
Print and internet-ready StartUp Northwest logo files are available at
For more information contact:
Phone: 425-224-FUND (3863)
Email:
P.O. Box 24117
Federal Way, WA 98093
Phone: 425-224-FUND (3863)
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