WESO: Growing Pains to Growing Gains

"It was just a biscuit!"

That was the first thought that led Ellen Holub, this month's speaker, to start her successful business, Buttercloud Bakery.

Entrepreneurs have many different reasons and motivations driving them to go into business for themselves. Do you seek flexibility and the ability to set your own schedule? Maybe you are extremely passionate about an idea, a service or a product and are eager to share it with the world. And at the early stages of business development, entrepreneurs may find it difficult to foresee the whole big picture and where it will lead.

But if you could ensure that all of the hard work that you are putting into your business today would pay off in the future, wouldn't you keep going? But, how can you confidently know that you are creating a business that has value, not just to you personally but to others as well?

Join us as we hear the first-hand experience of a business owner who has taken a business through the whole cycle, from creation to “graduating” into the hands of others.

• Ensuring that your business is truly supporting your personal goals
• Creating and fostering positive business relationships
• Developing and implementing systems in your business
• Navigating the many changes and transitions involved with being a business owner
• Turning your business into an asset, not just a job

About Ellen Holub

As an instructor at the SOU Small Business Development Center, Ellen Holub brings a diverse background in both business and education. She leads the Small Business Management program and serves as a trusted business advisor and mentor.

Ellen's business journey began in 2011, when she and her husband started Buttercloud Bakery & Cafe in Medford, which they sold in late 2023. Prior to going into business, Ellen worked as an elementary school teacher in the Seattle area. Now she combines a lifetime of experience when teaching her SBCD Small Business Management course. Ellen holds a Masters in Teaching from City University in Bellevue, Washington and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Washington in Seattle.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

5:30 - Registration, Networking, Hearty Appetizers, Cash Wine Bar, and Dessert
6:00 (approx.) - Announcements
6:30 - Business Spotlight - Leslie Ajari, NY Life Insurance
6:40 - Sweet Spot Sponsor - AVAILABLE
6:45 - Start Program - Ellen Holub
7:45 - End Program and Announce Door PRIZES