The Washington Small Business Development Center has leased 5,300 square feet of office space in the Partnership Building on the Spokane Conservation District’s Quarry Campus, says Sheryl McGrath, Washington SBDC state director.

Washington SBDC will move its administrative offices, two SBDC certified business advisers, and its market intelligence research team from a second-floor office at 901 E. Second, in Spokane, to the Conservation site, located at 4422 E. Eighth, in Spokane Valley. In all, about 13 employees will occupy SBDC’s offices after tenant improvements for the organization wrap up by late summer, says McGrath.

Colbert-based Kilgore Construction Inc., which constructed the building in 2021, also is the contractor for the improvements to the SBDC’s space. Permit information on file with the city of Spokane Valley shows an estimated construction value of $450,000. 

The building and site were designed by Spokane-based Integrus Architecture PS and the Spokane office of AHBL Inc.

SBDC is a cooperative program between Washington State University and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its network includes over 40 business advisers throughout Washington state, and about 15 support employees located in the Spokane area.

McGrath says the organization’s mission is to help small businesses grow and succeed through advising, education, and research. It provides free, individualized, and confidential advice and support to business owners who want to start, grow, or purchase or sell a business.

McGrath says, “Finding this location on the campus with the Spokane Conservation District, whose mission is complementary to ours, is a wonderful opportunity.”

Spokane Conservation District director Vicki Carter says of the lease, “This is a perfect fit for the campus and future plans we have for offering services to our community.”

Carter says the Partnership Building on the conservation district’s 50-acre campus has about 7,000 square feet of remaining space available for lease.

The 15,000-square-foot building offers common spaces, a conference area, and room for up to three additional tenants.

As previously reported in the Journal, the conservation district purchased the former quarry for $1.3 million in 2017, from Spokane-based CPM Development Corp.

Also at the former quarry property, the conservation district is planning a year-round farmers market and kitchen that will offer resources and infrastructure to support farmers, local food producers, and other entrepreneurs.

McGrath says, “When that happens, the SBDC will be here ready to assist those entrepreneurs with whatever challenges they face.”