Supporting the Small Business Community in Lakewood

In recent months, the coffee shop has become more than just a place to eat, drink and socialize.

Independent business owners from around south Puget Sound have formed a solid networking group, crowding the 1,700-square-foot establishment with at least 30 people at a time. And in the evenings, musical artists now have a venue to showcase their talent.

Its purpose is to strengthen ties in the small-business community and for the coffee shop to become more artistically involved.

The cost? Free.

are held Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Business cards are distributed and individuals have an opportunity to promote their companies. Toward the end, the group has a round-table conversation to share experiences, ideas and resources about a specific business and marketing topic so participants can learn from each other.

Local artists perform a small concert on Friday and Saturday evenings. On Sept. 2, , folk singer and songwriter, will perform from 7-9 p.m.

Coffee shops, particularly Forza, are becoming multipurpose venues, not just places to grab a cup of joe or bite to eat. The Gig Harbor branch hosts music performances, and the location conducts business network meetings.

"If we can get our Forza involved with local outreach, we'll help the people in the community," said Gil Quante, owner of Lakebridge Forza. "We want this to be a place people can express themselves. It builds a place they can go out and feel comfortable."

Niche business owners such as James Fowler Jr.—retirement specialist for Sound Retirement—is a frequent customer at Lakebridge Forza. He helped brainstorm the idea of a weekly business networking group.

"The idea is when they hear that type of service, they refer you," Fowler said about the benefits of the networking meeting.

The business owners who are networking are as varied as a bag of Skittles. Some are brick-and-mortars like Thomas Joseph, who owns on Bridgeport Way Southwest. Others are independent consultants like Cynthia O. Brown with Mary Kay.

But the common thread among them is the desire to grow their clientele in a sometimes hard-to-sell small-business economy.

Rachael Tveten, vice president for , said the networking meetings are a reminder to conduct as much local business as possible.

"So many of the small businesses are struggling," she said. "It's nice to see so many new faces popping in here."

Most recently, Lakebridge Forza held a free business fair. About 20 businesses set up vendor booths for walk-in Forza customers. Kathleen Maddox, a local artist, said it's important to help out your local business neighbors.

"It's a neat idea," she said about the vendor fair. "The more local businesses come together, the better."

The financial gain generated from the networking and business fair is hard to judge. The success level each is having is about as varied as the business itself. But the partnership as a small-business group shows the need to grow on common ground.