Where do I begin?

The last month has been a little rough. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Bothell-Kenmore Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Bothell Business Forum and a small business owner I'm becoming very concerned that funding for all kinds of programs will decrease or disappear completely in the near future. Funds for grants and programs that support women, disabled folks and minority groups in business seem to be particulary vulnerable as well as small business incubater programs. Small businesses are the backbone of our country and maybe we can collectively offset any loss of program funding we may see.

Here's my plan:

I'm going to redirect some of my personal and business spending from Corporate America to Small Businesses in my neighborhood.

Instead of buying chocolate kisses for our front desk at Safeway I plan to visit Bon Chocolates at The Pop Shops and Sugar Rush on Main Street to find some goodies.

Instead of buying treats at Fred Meyer for that family event that's coming up I'll visit Hillcrest Bakery or Countryside Donuts.

For a unique, one of a kind gift I'll visit MTPO Designs at The Pop Shops for a beautiful charcuterie board instead of shopping at World Market or Macy's.

It will take a little bit more effort on my part but if each of us does this just once a month we can make a big difference. And I love a challenge!

So I'm challenging you to redirect some of your funds in the next month or 2 to a local small business. You might find some true gems!

<3 Andrya