Bellevue, Wash. – On Feb. 12, the City of Bellevue will host Geekwire’s Startup Day 2016 at the Meydenbauer Center. This event is an exciting opportunity for our local business community because it brings together a unique mix of entrepreneurs, investors and builders for a day of discussion, inspiration and learning about the startup journey. Given Bellevue’s growing reputation as a global business hub and our efforts to support tech startups, hosting the conference in the heart of our booming downtown, is a perfect fit.
We understand launching a startup or small business is not for the faint of heart. Part of the struggle is finding a location to optimize your ability to succeed. The City of Bellevue has consistently made it a top priority to be that place. Our economic development team can provide you with the tools and resources you need to thrive.
Bellevue has a large and fast-growing presence of technology startup companies. Names like Apptio, OfferUp, Smartsheet, MPIRICA, and many others are charting the path for fast-growing startups on the Eastside. To assist these emerging entrepreneurs we’ve developed programs like Next Generation Bellevue, designed to strengthen the creative and entrepreneurial environment. It allows entrepreneurs, small businesses, learners, and knowledge workers to have the tools they need to create and grow the next generation of businesses.
Bellevue offers great co-working spaces through Impact Hub Bellevue, extraSlice and Village88. We’ve also teamed up with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the City of Redmond to make a Business Advisor available at City Hall (450 110th Ave NE) every Thursday and Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The advisor can help existing business refine their business plan and look for new sales opportunities, and assist startups develop their business plans for a successful launch
Washington state is home to over 330 interactive media companies that generate over $19 billion in revenue, and Bellevue is home to over 40 AAA studios as well as a thriving indie gaming community. Companies like Valve, Bungie, Unity and DropForge tap into Bellevue’s creative and technology community to develop games that are popular worldwide.
Another benefit to local businesses is the city’s innovative culture. The Eastside has carved a niche in the startup arena. Many mid-career professionals are making the move from a large enterprise into the entrepreneurship space. Further, technology companies are the largest and fastest growing employers in Bellevue. This dynamic cluster attracts the best talent from the region and throughout the world. This is why we are home to emerging startups and Fortune 500 companies like Intel, Symetra, Microsoft, Concur, Salesforce and T-Mobile as well as international technology companies such as Inspur, SAP and Aditi Technologies.
Complementing our strong and supportive business culture, Bellevue has a number of other factors that make it “The city where you want to be.” We tout a well-educated and technologically savvy workforce, high quality of life, great schools, nearby colleges and universities, a diverse international culture, beautiful open spaces, welcoming neighborhoods, and plenty of opportunities to fill up your nights and weekends.
Getting started with the Bellevue’s economic development program is simple; you talk, we listen. We believe this is the most important step. By having a conversation we can better understand your unique needs and how we can help you achieve your business goals.
Bellevue is open for businesses. We give entrepreneurs a unique, friendly place to turn their vision into reality. I strongly encourage you to learn more about what Bellevue has to offer.
If you’re interested in starting a business in Bellevue please contact me:
James Henderson, Economic Development Director
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 425-452-7910
For additional information on the resources available to startups and small businesses, please visit our website.
