The Accounting & Business Consulting (ABC) Program is a key initiative of the Office of Economic Development (OED) designed to provide small businesses in Seattle with expert consulting services to help them thrive. This program connects entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofits with professional consultants who specialize in areas critical to business success. By offering free or subsidized services, the ABC Program aims to reduce barriers and ensure equitable access to expert advice and resources.
Participants in the ABC Program receive up to 10 free consulting hours per category (40 hours total), with services designed to address the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits. The program prioritizes businesses that are BIPOC-owned, LGBTQIA+-owned, women-owned, or serve underrepresented communities.
Consulting categories include:
Business Development & Operations
Work with consultants to refine your business strategies, improve operational efficiency, and identify new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Get support with financial management, tax preparation, bookkeeping systems, and budgeting to strengthen your organization’s financial health.
Branding & Marketing
Enhance your brand, improve your marketing strategies, and connect with your audience through expert guidance in digital marketing, social media, and community outreach.
Business Lending Assistance
Receive guidance on preparing for business loans, navigating lending options, and improving your financial documentation to secure funding for growth.
Launch Industries is proud to be an approved consultant in the City of Seattle's ABC Program, offering expert guidance to small businesses and nonprofits within the "Business Development" category of the program. Launch Industries specializes in helping organizations achieve their goals through tailored consulting services designed to drive growth and success. The specific services that we offer within the context of the program include:
Startup and Capacity-Building
We support startups and established businesses by providing tailored guidance to help them scale efficiently. Services include business plan development, operational structure design, financial forecasting, and assistance with business licensing to ensure compliance. Additionally, we help startups with loan applications and operating agreements, setting a solid foundation for long-term success.
Business Software Tools
We provide expert guidance to help businesses select, implement, and optimize software tools tailored to their specific needs. This includes assistance with accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, project management tools, and other digital platforms that enhance productivity and streamline operations. We ensure that businesses not only adopt the right tools but also understand how to effectively use them to achieve their goals and drive efficiency.
Human Resources Support
We assist businesses in creating and optimizing their HR systems across the entire employee life cycle. This includes setting up employer accounts, designing employee handbooks, developing recruiting strategies, and implementing performance review processes. Our goal is to ensure that businesses have effective and compliant HR practices that support employee satisfaction and organizational growth.
Organization Development
We enhance business operations through organizational restructuring, role clarity, and process improvement. By applying Lean management principles and best practices, we help businesses optimize workflows, improve efficiency, and create sustainable growth strategies. Our high-touch approach ensures that every solution aligns with the unique needs of each client.
RFPs, Grants, & Certifications
We provide expert assistance in identifying and applying for RFPs, grants, contracts, and certifications at local, state, and federal levels. Launch Industries also supports businesses in navigating certification processes, such as DBE, WBE, and other government certifications, to increase opportunities and expand their reach in competitive markets.
Although we would love to provide general consulting in marketing and finance, these services are not included in our contract with the ABC Program. Our participation in these subject areas is limited to the selection and implementation of related software tools and we can not assist directly with brand development, social media marketing, bookkeeping, or tax assistance. You can learn more about the kinds of services we have offered other ABC program participants within these case studies.
The ABC Program is designed for small businesses and nonprofits that meet the following criteria:
Small businesses and nonprofits are the heart of Seattle, driving innovation, creating jobs, and enriching neighborhoods. The ABC Program ensures that every organization—regardless of size or background—has access to expert guidance and resources. By focusing on equity, the program supports Seattle’s vision of a thriving, diverse, and inclusive economy.
The registration process is simple and participant-focused:
Are you part of a chamber of commerce, business association, library, Business Improvement Area (BIA), or other community-focused organization? Partner with Launch Industries to promote these free consulting services to the businesses and nonprofits in your network. Together, we can empower local entrepreneurs, strengthen communities, and build a more inclusive economy. Schedule a call us today to explore partnership opportunities and help spread the word about the ABC Program. Let’s collaborate to ensure every organization in Seattle has access to the resources they need to succeed.
Are you part of a chamber of commerce, business association, library, Business Improvement Area (BIA), or other community-focused organization? Partner with Launch Industries to promote these free consulting services to the businesses and nonprofits in your network. Together, we can empower local entrepreneurs, strengthen communities, and build a more inclusive economy. Schedule a call us today to explore partnership opportunities and help spread the word about the ABC Program. Let’s collaborate to ensure every organization in Seattle has access to the resources they need to succeed.
Our team of experienced business development expert consultants provides personalized support tailored to your business.
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Ezra Davis
Business Registrations
Kayla Zehner
Contract Manager, Project Manager, & Senior Business Consultant
Laurel Martin
Process Improvement Specialist
Liberty Tanghal
Full-Charge Bookkeeper & Controller
Megan LeMieux
Project Manager & Client Engagement Specialist
Monica Colgan
Launch CEO & Principal Consultant
Omar Alshaher
Software Engineer & Data Architect
Stacia Weller Clarke
Contract Manager, Project Manager, & Senior Business Consultant
Tara Martinez
Proposal Writer & Communications Specialist
If you have questions or need assistance, you can contact our team member, Megan Lemieux by clicking Book Now or emailing megan@launchindustries.biz. You can also visit the City of Seattle's ABC Program website for more information. The website also provides detailed consultant profiles and resources to help you get started if you want to work with some of the other consultants.
Of course! View the full Consultant Roster here.
At this time, the following Launch Team members are approved for offering ABC Program Services:
Yes! The ABC Program works with community organizations, including chambers of commerce, business associations, libraries, and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), to promote the program. If your organization is interested in partnering, schedule a call to discuss collaboration, or contact the ABC Program Manager at the City of Seattle, Robyn Duckett, at robyn.duckett@seattle.gov.
Businesses must have a Seattle business license to be eligible. However, if you’re just starting out, the program may connect you with a business development consultant to assist with obtaining your license as the first step.
There is no cost to participate in the ABC Program. All consulting services are provided free of charge to eligible businesses and nonprofits. This program is funded by the JumpStart payroll tax.
If you don’t complete your hours within six months, you may need to reapply to the program. If you need additional hours beyond the allocated 10 hours per category, this may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on program funding and availability.