 Congratulations to the Spring 2026 cohort! On June 23, Spaceworks Tacoma proudly celebrated the graduation of its Spring 2026 Business Plan Cohort. Over twelve weeks, participating entrepreneurs developed comprehensive business plans, refined their visions, strengthened their operations, and built lasting relationships with fellow business owners and the broader entrepreneurial community. This year’s graduation was held at Lumora Art Lab. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Lumora Art Lab team for generously hosting the event and providing a beautiful and welcoming space in which to celebrate the cohort’s achievements. The evening brought together families, alumni, community partners, and local leaders to celebrate a dynamic group of entrepreneurs contributing to Tacoma’s creative economy. Congratulations to the Following Graduated Businesses:
A special thank-you goes to the community partners, alumni, family members, mentors, stakeholders, elected officials, and supporters who attended the graduation and continue to champion Spaceworks entrepreneurs. Your encouragement, expertise, connections, and belief in these businesses help create an ecosystem in which Tacoma’s entrepreneurs can thrive. Together, we are building a stronger, more creative, and more resilient local economy. About the Business Plan Cohort Spaceworks Incubator for creative entrepreneurs is a training ground to test new ideas, products, and services with a safety net of technical assistance and mentorship. We’ve helped hundreds of Tacoma businesses go from dream to reality Stay tuned: The Fall 2026 Incubator application opens up in August!
 The Business Leadership Academy is built on the belief that strong leaders create stronger communities, and alumna Diana Royalty is putting that philosophy into practice every day. Leading with People at the Center As the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for People Centric Consulting Group, Diana helps organizations bridge the gap between people and performance. Drawing on her background in education and her MBA, she develops the systems, frameworks, and operating practices that empower leaders to build healthy teams, improve communication, and create workplaces where both employees and organizations can thrive. Turning Purpose into Practice At the heart of Diana’s work is a simple but powerful belief: people’s needs and organizational success are deeply connected. By helping businesses align purpose, autonomy, community, and professional development with strategy and execution, she equips leaders with practical tools that drive lasting results. Whether she’s guiding executive teams, designing organizational systems, or sharing her insights through her writing, Diana continues to demonstrate the kind of thoughtful, community-minded leadership that defines the Business Leadership Academy. The Legacy of Leadership Diana’s journey reflects the very mission of the Business Leadership Academy: to provide individuals with a foundation for a lifelong commitment to leadership by raising awareness of the key issues affecting our organizations and community, and by leading where it matters. If you're ready to strengthen your leadership skills, expand your network, and become part of a legacy of leaders shaping the future of the South Sound, we invite you to join the next Business Leadership Academy cohort. Congratulations, Diana, on your remarkable accomplishments and the publication of your new book, Becoming People Centric: Designing Organizations Where People and Performance Rise Together. We are proud to celebrate you as a Business Leadership Academy alumna and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make for years to come.
 Welcome to the members who joined our business community in June 2026:
 Leadership isn't something you're born with. It's developed through experience, reflection, learning, and the willingness to grow. For nearly five decades, the Business Leadership Academy has helped professionals across Tacoma-Pierce County become more confident leaders, stronger collaborators, and more engaged members of our community. If you've been considering applying, here are five reasons this may be the right opportunity for you.
 5. You'll Leave Ready to Make an Impact. The Academy challenges participants to think beyond themselves. Through collaborative projects and reflection, you'll identify how your leadership can positively influence your workplace, your community, and the people around you. The result isn't simply stronger leadership skills—it's a renewed sense of purpose. Is It Time? If you're ready to invest in yourself, broaden your perspective, and join a legacy nearly five decades strong, we encourage you to apply to the 2026 Business Leadership Academy.
Applications are due Friday, August 14, 2026. Your future as a leader starts with one decision.  The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's Happy Hour Business Expo returned on June 18, bringing together the South Sound business community for an evening of high-energy networking, discovery, and celebration at Foss Waterway Seaport. Set against the beautiful waterfront backdrop, attendees explored booths from local businesses and organizations, sampled food and beverages, and connected with fellow professionals from across the region. From new introductions to long-standing business relationships, the event showcased the power of community and connection. One of this year's highlights was the Interactive Inlet, a hands-on experience featuring local businesses that added a new level of energy and engagement to the expo. Guests enjoyed professional headshots, massages, creative activities, tooth gems, and tiny tattoos, making the Interactive Inlet an unforgettable exploration of the South Sounds creative economy. The Happy Hour Business Expo continues to be a favorite Chamber tradition because it creates opportunities for businesses to connect in a fun and meaningful way. We can't wait to see you next year! Thank You to Our Sponsors & Vendors The Happy Hour Business Expo would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, vendors, and community partners. Thank you for helping create an evening filled with meaningful connections, local business discovery, and memorable experiences. Event Sponsors
The Galley Vendors
The Interactive Inlet Vendors
Exhibiting Vendors
The Chamber and Spaceworks teams have grown and evolved over the last several months, and we’re excited to celebrate these incredible team members!
Main Street Is Growing in Tacoma: How Entrepreneurs Are Strengthening Local Business Districts5/12/2026
GUEST AUTHOR: Tomi Wimbish, Comcast Business  There’s a quiet confidence building across Tacoma’s small business community. It shows up in the storefronts downtown, the independent businesses lining neighborhood corridors, and the entrepreneurs choosing to invest in one of Washington’s most resilient and creative business communities.
Tacoma doesn’t have just one Main Street; it has many. From downtown Tacoma and the Stadium District to Proctor, Sixth Avenue, Lincoln District, and South Tacoma Way, the city is defined by neighborhood business districts filled with independent restaurants, retailers, coffee shops, professional services, and creative ventures. These districts function as Tacoma’s Main Streets, each with its own identity and strong local customer base. Organizations like the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber continue to support that ecosystem through advocacy, economic development, workforce partnerships, and direct support for entrepreneurs. As Tacoma continues balancing growth, redevelopment, and strong neighborhood identity, chamber leadership plays a major role in helping small businesses succeed. Nationally, 57% of aspiring entrepreneurs say they plan to launch a business this year, even if economic conditions aren’t perfect. Tacoma reflects that same entrepreneurial momentum. As one of Washington’s largest cities and a major economic hub for the South Sound, Tacoma supports thousands of small businesses across health care, logistics, retail, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and professional services. This new generation of entrepreneurs is reshaping what business ownership looks like. They’re opening restaurants, breweries, fitness studios, family-owned retail shops, consulting firms, and digital-first ventures that still depend heavily on strong community relationships. Many are first-time owners helping shape Tacoma’s next chapter. At the same time, the reality of running a small business has changed. In 2026, success requires more than a great product or excellent customer service. Business owners need to be AI-ready, cybersecurity-aware, and confident using technology to manage operations, reach customers, and compete effectively. That can feel overwhelming when owners are also balancing staffing, inventory, finances, and customer experience. Technology should reduce friction, not create it. When connectivity is unreliable or systems aren’t secure, growth becomes harder. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right technology foundation in place, small businesses can spend less time worrying about infrastructure and more time focused on customers and community. Reliable internet, built-in security, and scalable solutions help businesses operate smoothly while staying ready for tomorrow. At Comcast Business, we’re proud to support entrepreneurs across Tacoma and Pierce County. Our goal is to help businesses plant strong roots by providing technology solutions that grow alongside their ambition. Main Street in Tacoma isn’t making a comeback; it’s expanding. With the right support systems in place, local entrepreneurs can continue to strengthen neighborhoods and build a stronger regional economy for years to come. Tomi Wimbish is an Account Executive for Comcast Business serving Tacoma. She may be reached at [email protected] or (253) 345-9023. Adapted from a template article provided by Comcast Business.  Chamber ambassadors are the welcoming heartbeat of our organization, greeting new members, strengthening relationships, and championing engagement across the business community. As event hosts, mentors, and trusted guides, they help members make meaningful connections and get the most from their Chamber experience. Each year, we celebrate ambassadors who go above and beyond in this role. We are proud to recognize this year’s ambassador award winners, individuals whose leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication have made an exceptional impact on our members and the Chamber community. Pacesetter Award 2025 Recipient: Bob Hays | President, LegalShield The Pacesetter Award honors an ambassador who has been part of the ambassador team for more than 12 months and is recognized by their peers for consistently leading by example. This individual demonstrates strong leadership, reliability, and a deep commitment to the program, setting the standard for what it means to be a model ambassador. Through their actions, mentorship, and steady engagement, they help shape the culture and success of the ambassador team. Rookie of the Year Award 2025 Recipient: Yadira Morales | Chief Executive Officer, IMPACTO Notary & Multi-Services The Rookie of the Year Award celebrates an ambassador with 12 months or less of service who has made an outstanding early impact. Voted on by peers, this award recognizes someone whose enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to jump in embody the spirit of the ambassador program. From showing up with a positive attitude to going the extra mile, this ambassador has quickly become a valued and trusted member of the team. Ambassador of the Year Award 2025 Recipient: Adam Ultley | Business Performance Advisor, Insperity The Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes the ambassador who accumulated the highest number of points in the ambassador point program over the past year. This distinction reflects exceptional dedication, consistent participation, and a strong commitment to supporting Chamber events and initiatives. Earning the most points means this ambassador was the most active throughout the year, making a meaningful and lasting impact on the ambassador program and the broader Chamber community. Congratulations to this year’s ambassador award honorees, Bob, Yadira, and Adam. Your leadership, service, and commitment to welcoming and supporting our members exemplify the spirit of the ambassador program. Thank you for the energy you bring to every event, the relationships you help build, and the positive impact you make across our Chamber community. We are grateful for all you do and celebrate this well-deserved recognition!
Interested in joining the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber ambassador team?
Reay is beginning a new chapter at the Washington Hospitality Association. We celebrate the lasting impact she has made in the South Sound business community.
At the heart of Reay’s legacy is the belief that we are stronger together as a community and it will continue to guide us as we enter this next chapter.
We’re excited to watch Reay share her enthusiasm, passion, and light as she shines in her new role. We look forward to collaborating again in the future as she brings her integrity and passion to her new role at the Washington Hospitality Association. Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in July 2025:
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