William M. Factory

SMALL BUSINESS
INCUBATOR

Tacoma Entrepreneurs Recognized as Innovators

Educational technology startups shone at the 5th Annual Idea & Pitch Collaborative sponsored by the William Factory Incubator with GapFundr, FutureGen, Collegey and Inclusive Imagination winning awards following ten weeks of preparation.

 “These entrepreneurs excel at merging technology with educational and recreational opportunities” declared Giang Nguyen, Incubator Director of Outreach & Engagement.  $2,500 was awarded to Ponce Durr of GapFundr, enhancing its technology to facilitate recurring transactions for donor contributions to attending and college bound students.   $1,000 was awarded to Eddie Mazariegos of Future Gen, which helps students with early career exploration.  $1,000 was also awarded to Syed Jamal with Collegey, which provides life experience learning for high school and college students.  Inclusive Imagination founder Garrett Whitmyre was recognized for developing gaming products for individuals with sensory, physical and neuro diversity.

All firms will receive six-months of additional support to launch their emerging enterprises including a co-working location at Traction Space and professional services from Arceda Business Services. Award funds were contributed from Koz Development, Tacoma Venture Fund and Commencement Bank.

“This impressive cluster of entrepreneurs create smart solutions for learning and recreational opportunities,” said Tim Strege, Incubator Executive Director.  “We encourage the community to rally around these promising enterprises which put Tacoma on the map of innovation.”

Judges for the event included Dennis Joyce, Director of Investments for Tacoma Venture Fund, Vicky Tamaru with the nonprofit Build Justly, and Joseph Abboud, J.D. and social entrepreneur.

What we do…
We TURN InTeREST INto action

Financial Capital

We promote access to financial capital through banks, venture funds and connections with angel investors. To prepare yourself for these services please enroll in this free Financial Statements course: Financial Statements 101 (acumen academy.org)

Startup Resources

Training, Workshops and 1:1 Technical Assistance are available for idea phase and early-stage enterprises.  Access resources from a variety of organizations from our Startup Resource Guide.

Connections

Network with global gateways that allow Incubator clients to gain entry to the world marketplace with free membership in our Pacific Northwest Gateway community and our “From Local to Global” Facebook group.  Contact:
info@williamfactory.com for a link to join.

 

Social Media Resources

Social media is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to reach potential customers, promote their brand, and engage with their audience. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn provide a cost-effective way for businesses to reach a large audience. 

Mentors & Coaches

We facilitate mentor connections with Founders and Mentors by 12Ronnies  to offer advice for early stage entrepreneurs from seasoned professionals who volunteer their expertise.
Request an invitation to join this group at no cost after you complete the intake

WFSBI Ideas Nest

Idea Nest help shaping your business idea and model to the best version.
Feedbacks from experts all over the world provide insights to your business industry.
Here you can also find feedbacks and other resources from the William Factory’s mentors as well.

Generating New Ideas, Solving Big Problems.

If you are interested in receiving assistance for your business please complete the survey linked below. Space is limited to receive one on one assistance but our workshops are free and open to the public. Filling out this survey will put you on our email list to receive updates about events, workshops, and resources. It will also put you in line to receive more direct help through our mentorship program and one on one services. We operate on a first come first serve basis so please complete the survey immediately to be eligible for our direct services.

Companies started

YEARS OF BUILDING

Jobs created

AMAZING COMMUNITY

leadership team

Mentors, Managers, Coaches, Brainstormers, Mind Mappers, Entrepreneurs, Cheerleaders, Networkers, Incubators, Friends.

Tim Strege

Tim Strege

Executive Director

Tim has been a pioneering presence in the development of business incubators. He and his team at the William Factory small business incubator have aided and supported the formation of countless small enterprises, and served as a valuable model that others have followed.

Giang Nguyen

Giang Nguyen

Director of Outreach & Engagement

A Bachelor of Applied Management graduate with Honors from Tacoma
Community College and previously Associated Students Secretary, Giang has professional experience in team management, leadership building, and helping historically marginalized people. Through her work, Giang has helped many entrepreneurs find their path. Serving the community has become Giang’s life mission.

 

William Factory

William Factory

Founder

Bill Factory made enormous contributions to the community for over 40 years. He was instrumental in correcting past injustices that restricted African American Families from purchasing homes in local neighborhoods. Bill Factory was chair of the Building Committee for the Eastside Baptist Church, a faithful deacon and trustee. With his wife, Fumiko Sumi, he raised his sons Michael and Darnell, and daughter Doris in East Tacoma.

Taylor Rae

Taylor Rae

Success Club Owner

Taylor is founder of Success Club, a business group focused on propelling each other forward and strategizing businesses collectively. We meet to share resources, elevate ideas and build new connections. Join Success Club to be part of a vibrant community that's passionate about your success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, our gatherings provide the support, knowledge and connections to thrive.

THE FUTURE

THE HISTORY

The William Factory Small Business Incubator in Tacoma, Washington, plays a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurial growth in the South Puget Sound region. Established in 1986, the incubator’s mission is to support new businesses, particularly in disadvantaged communities, by providing resources and mentorship to help startups succeed.

Named after William H. Factory, a respected civil rights leader and advocate for minority business development, the incubator offers affordable office space, business coaching, and networking opportunities. Its services are particularly geared toward underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women, minorities, and low-income individuals. The incubator has a track record of helping these entrepreneurs scale their businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to Tacoma’s economic development.

In addition to its business support services, the William Factory Incubator emphasizes the importance of sustainable and tech-driven industries. By promoting businesses in sectors such as green construction, information technology, and manufacturing, the incubator aligns with Tacoma’s vision for an innovative and diverse economy. Many successful businesses have graduated from the program, demonstrating its impact on the local economy.

The William Factory Incubator stands as a beacon of opportunity, championing entrepreneurship and community development while helping to drive Tacoma’s economic revitalization.

BUSINESS FINANCE VIDEOS

Learn the business skills and startup mindset needed to embark on your entrepreneurial path from the premier program for aspiring entrepreneurs, MIT Launch.

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration maintains a robust website that covers many of the various aspects of starting and operating a business. From funding and mentoring to step-by-step guides that can walk you through the complex decision making need to start & grow your business.

 


Want to learn from the some of the best and brightest in the world of business? Have a look at the Harvard Alumni business stories website. There you will learn via interactive presentations, articles, and videos what thought leaders in nearly every industry have to say.

Are you considering joining supportive communities on social media to support the growth of your business? Then you should consider joining the nearly 200K business owners and experts in the Linkedin group “Linkedin for Small Business owners”

Here you’ll find videos about all things entrepreneurship — from an exploration of the startup landscape. Whether you’re starting your first venture or selling your hundredth, this site contains insights and inspiration just for you.

From Our Clients

Over the last 33 years we’ve hosted over 200 startup businesses. While we can’t pick favorites some of our successful graduates have contributed a bit about their experience at the Factory. Check them out won’t you?

“The team at the Incubator provided critical insights on how to run a small business. They are focused on the real world challenges that every startup entrepreneur faces, but may not know how to deal with. The folks at the incubator really know this startup game.”

Justin Gingerella

UX Lead, Dunn & Bradstreet

“The William Factory Incubator is a great place to start & grow your enterprise. Incubator staff provides excellent programs and one-on-one assistance valuable to emerging entrepreneurs.
Their help gave me support to launching a successful accounting business.”
Sandra Cooper

Owner, By the Book Accounting

William Factory Small Business Incubator

Let’s Start Something new
Say Hello!

6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466 Building 19 Office Rooms 52 & 54

(253) 722-5800