William M. Factory
SMALL BUSINESS
INCUBATOR
EdTech Cluster
“We can grow our ‘knowledge economy’ from this local Educational Technology Cluster – creative entrepreneurs who have invented methods of re-imagining learning. These pioneer founders deliver growth through the spread of new ideas and deliver valuable products & services meaningful to ‘leveling the playing field’ for everyone” says Tim Strege, Incubator Executive Director.
Joseph Casebeer
Garrett Whitmyre
Kimberly Cushing
Ponce Durr
Eddie Mazariegos
Syed Jamal
David Rebicheaux & Taylor Tate
Neetal Parekh
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
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.
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
WFSBI Ideas Nest
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
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
Director of Outreach & Engagement
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.
Alani Nguyen
Financial Specialist
BA in Business Administration with a finance concentration (PLU) serves as financial specialist for Incubator clients. Alani assists with business loans, capital grants and analysis of financial statements, overhead costs, inventory control and profit margins. Alani also presents workshops on topics related to business finance such as taxes, pricing strategies and scaling growth through a "stair step approach to success".
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 M. 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”
Let’s Start Something new
Say Hello!
(253) 722-5800