Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

 

Hi, I’m Sydney Forrest. I lead the Pierce County Business Accelerator program serving entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Pierce County, with a focus on empowering businesses owned by people of color, veterans, and women. The program’s goal is to foster innovation and create wealth-building opportunities in our community. Additionally, I serve as a Kiva trustee, helping connect local entrepreneurs with resources to grow and thrive. I’ve dedicated most of my career to the non-profit sector because of my deep commitment to strengthening communities and building meaningful connections.

Kirsten Kreis, Spaceworks Incubator Instructor for 2024, has been working with entrepreneurs throughout Pierce County since 2022 as Pacific Lutheran University’s Director of Business Outreach at the PLU School of Business. As a life-long learner, entrepreneur, and Spaceworks alumni (2018), Kirsten started her small business in Tacoma’s busy 6th Ave Business District; (Re)style Clothing Company was a second-hand upscale fashion-based business that promoted sustainable fashion. Kirsten understands the challenging journey of the entrepreneur and enjoys fostering a more connected entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides direct access to business resources including relevant coaching at whatever stage a business is in.

Andrew Parks has a background in intellectual property law, business law, and business development. Before coming to the Chamber, he worked with foreign and domestic technology companies to expand their patent portfolio and licensing. Andrew studied at the University of Providence and earned a Bachelor of Science in pre-law and legal studies.

In his role at the Chamber, Andrew is facilitating and coordinating several Chamber programs, including the Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA), Business Leadership Academy (BLA), and Kiva (crowdfunded microloans).

If you are interested in learning more about those programs, don't hesitate to reach out to Andrew!

Andrea H. Reay, President & CEO of Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, is a native of the Pacific Northwest with a wealth of experience in non-profit management, business consulting, and community organizing. 

In 2022, Andrea accepted the position as the President/CEO at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber where her unique blend of firsthand small business insight and effective non-profit management strategies helps her lead an exceptional team dedicated to making the South Sound the most equitable, inclusive and thriving place to do business in Washington State.