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June 4, 2026 New partnership launches training network for entrepreneurs and businesses

Posted at 16:39h in Continued Education Courses, frontpage, WSUTC News by

Washington State University Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce have partnered to launch the Resilient Business Builders Network, a new initiativethat will provide training, networking opportunities and professional development for entrepreneurs, small business owners and nonprofit leaders across the Tri-Cities.

The initiative is designed to help organizations adapt to changing workforce and economic conditions while strengthening the region’s long-term economic vitality.

“Cougar Tracks exists to be the workforce training partner for this region — not just for one industry, one career stage or one kind of organization, but for all of us,”saidCougar Tracks Director MichelleHrycauk‑Nassif. “Thisjointundertakingwith the Tri-Cities Regional Chamberis how we bring that commitment to life in a way that is collaborative and directly connected to the Tri-Cities community.”

Under the partnership, Cougar Tracks will develop and deliver seasonal programming, while the Tri-City Regional Chamber will provide workforce and economic data and promote opportunities through its network of more than 900 member organizations.

“Partnerships like the Resilient Business Builders Network are essential to the long-term economic vitality of the Tri-Cities,” said Austin Regimbal, vice president of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. “By joining forces with سԹ Cougar Tracks, the Chamber is advancing our mission to support small business growth and ensuring that high-quality workforce training is accessible to organizations of all sizes across our region.”

Workshops are expected to begin this fall and will center on planned topics such as practical AI adoption strategies for business and teams,leadershipdevelopmentandother workforce-relatedskills. Cougar Tracks will also host networking events tofacilitateconnections between Tri-Cities professionals and the next generation of regional leaders.

Communityfeedback will shape programming

To helpidentifyemerging workforce needs, the network will gather input through a regional survey and a team ofvolunteer“Business Catalysts.”

  • Workforce needs survey: Tri-Cities business leaders, professionals and community members are invited to share their training needs and priorities. Survey responses will directly shape upcoming workshops. Participants who complete the workforce needs survey will be entered to win a $200 Cougar gear gift bag.
  • Business Catalyst application: Business Catalysts are local professionals committed to supporting small business success. They help identify timely workshop topics and may serve as instructors, facilitators or panelists.

“Business Catalysts are the force behind the Resilient Business Builders Network experience,” Hrycauk‑Nassifsaid. “They spark ideas, accelerate connections and help ensure our programming reflects the real needs of the Tri-Cities business community.”

Community members interested in learning more aboutCougar Tracks andthe Resilient Business Builders Network can visit the Tri-City Regional Chamber’s Small Business Fair from 3 to 6 p.m.onJune 9 at the Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center, 7130 W.GrandridgeBlvd., Kennewick.