FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EDC Launches First Business Advisor Training Cohort as Part of Recompete Pilot Program to Get Jefferson County Back to Work
The Economic Development Council (EDC) Team Jefferson has launched its first Business Advisor Training cohort, a milestone in the five-year, federally funded Recompete Pilot Program aimed at expanding small business support throughout Jefferson and Clallam Counties. The grant focuses on reducing the Prime Age Employment Gap—those ages 25 to 54 who are not currently in the workforce—by connecting people to meaningful employment, training, and business ownership opportunities.
EDC Team Jefferson’s new advisor training initiative is designed to grow the region’s capacity to provide high-quality, place-based advising services, supporting both small business success and broader workforce development goals. By helping business owners strengthen operations, increase margins, and access resources, these advisors contribute directly to job creation and local hiring. The program also expands pathways for individuals seeking living-wage employment—whether by launching their own business, accessing training, or connecting to entrepreneurial support.
Developed and led by veteran advisor and business educator Douglas Hammel, and co-facilitated by current EDC Business Advisor Patty Schmucker, the 40-week certification program includes both seminar instruction and hands-on co-advising experience. Over the next 4.5 years, the EDC will train 25 business advisors across the North Olympic Peninsula—each equipped to support businesses at every stage, from startup to succession.
“This initiative is about more than training—it’s about building a network of advisors rooted in the local community, prepared to support businesses from startup through succession,” said Cindy Brooks, EDC Team Jefferson’s departing Executive Director, who was instrumental in securing funding for this initiative. “Through this exceptional effort, we seek to ensure that all businesses seeking resources have access to excellent advising and support that builds our local resilience.”
The program plays a central role in EDC Team Jefferson’s broader workforce coordination strategy under Recompete. Graduates of the advisor program will support not only business owners looking to grow and hire—but also individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce through entrepreneurship. Whether someone needs training to pursue a living-wage job, or has a business idea and wants help turning it into a source of income, this initiative helps connect them to the right tools, guidance, and funding opportunities. It aligns seamlessly with the work of the EDC’s new Community Workforce Coordinator, hired in June to lead related efforts countywide.
Meet the First Cohort
The inaugural class of seven advisors includes professionals with deep experience across industries:
Charlotte Richardson – A longtime salon owner and co-owner of a local automotive shop, Charlotte brings 20+ years in the beauty industry and a passion for empowering local entrepreneurs.
Justine Wagner – With a background in operations, sales, and marketing in the security industry, Justine currently serves as an APEX Business Advisor supporting businesses in accessing government contract opportunities.
Kit Malone – With decades of experience in construction management and nonprofit operations, Kit manages projects and serves as Operations Manager at ECHHO.
Sean deVries – A business strategist with roots in food systems and real estate, Sean has led million-dollar sales teams and supported small producers across the Pacific Northwest.
Devin González – A bilingual advisor with deep expertise in entrepreneurship training, Devin has worked in business coaching, food systems, and nonprofit leadership across Washington and California. He is currently a business advisor with the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship.
George Sawyer – A global business developer with a background in IP strategy, software sales, and technical education, George brings decades of executive experience to his new role.
Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear – An entrepreneur and community leader, Chauncey has led multiple businesses and nonprofits with a focus on youth workforce development and equity.
About the Program
Trainees meet weekly for structured seminar sessions and participate in supervised co-advising with real clients. The curriculum covers financial analysis, marketing strategy, systems thinking, and leadership development, all framed around sustainable practices. Upon completion, participants receive an Advisor Certificate and join a growing network of regional business support professionals.
The program is a cornerstone of the Recompete Pilot Program, a federal initiative through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) focused on addressing persistent economic distress by improving access to quality jobs and technical assistance. In Jefferson and Clallam Counties, this means building local advising capacity to reach entrepreneurs in isolated, underserved, or historically excluded communities.
Get Involved
Do you have a business and want to grow? Or are you just getting started and need help with a business idea? Thanks to this program, our capacity to serve the Jefferson County area has expanded—and we currently have openings for new clients. To book an appointment, visit: https://www.edcteamjefferson.org/view/coaching_session/business-advising.
Interested in joining the 2026 Business Advisor Training Program? Please send your resume to services@edcteamjefferson.org with “2026 Business Advisor Training Program” in the subject line.