Goosefoot Community Fund continues to assist local businesses through a new program: Whidbey Young Professionals Week.
The week take place April 11-16 and will feature both educational and social events geared towards professionals under the age of 45 who live or work on Whidbey Island. Young professionals come from every level of business and every industry. Whether someone owns or manages the business, works the front counter or out in the fields, or picks up all the jobs that need doing, a young professional is a do-er ready to improve their skills, their business, and their community.
The week features six free activities including branding and financing workshops, networking and social opportunities, and a farm to restaurant networking potluck. A full list of events can be found at https://swypw.com.
“We are the next generation of leaders,” said Sami Postma, lead organizer of Whidbey Young Professionals Week and events and education coordinator for Goosefoot Community Fund. “We can bridge the divide that each of us is feeling as we emerge from the pandemic and share knowledge and resources, promote each other’s businesses, products, and services into success, and work together to build the future we want here on Whidbey.”
Whidbey Young Professionals Week will complement already-existing business programs like Whidbey Entrepreneurs and the local Chambers of Commerce by bringing the younger generation of leaders together to meet the unique needs that come early in one’s career. An Oak Harbor group, the Whidbey Young Professionals, is another opportunity for monthly meetings and gatherings for those on the north end or young professionals willing to travel to Oak Harbor.
A planning committee is led by four young professionals: Sami Postma from Goosefoot, Alanah Lawrason from Foggy Hill Farm, Francesca Coenen-Winer from the Taproom at Bayview Corner and Joe Menth from Feather & Fox Print Co.
Goosefoot is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works together with the South Whidbey community to create essential solutions. We preserve great places, address community needs, grow local businesses, and connect neighbors. www.goosefoot.org
