Ed! After Hours

As a small business owner, we know it’s not always easy to visit all the other businesses in town and get to know your downtown colleagues. Ed! After Hours is a new monthly happy hour networking series designed to strengthen relationships among Edmonds business owners and BID members while increasing engagement with Ed! initiatives and community-building efforts.

The series creates a casual, welcoming environment where members can:

– Network with fellow business owners
– Learn about other local businesses
– Share ideas and challenges
– Increase awareness of Ed! programs and opportunities
– Strengthen collaboration within the Edmonds business community
– Build a stronger sense of community and connection

How Does It Work?

Each month on the second Thursday of the month from 6pm – 7:30pm (same day as the Ed! morning meeting), a business hosts a happy hour where guests can meet and mingle with neighbors and learn about the host business(es).

Host Responsibilities:

The goal is to make this a light lift for hosts, with just a little structure. The host provides:
– Drinks (wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, etc.)
– Light snacks/appetizers
– Event space
– Brief introduction about their business
– Banquet Permit if serving alcohol (https://lcb.wa.gov/licensing/banquet-permits)

BID Responsibilities:

A representative from the BID will work with the host to make sure they have the information they need. The BID also provides:
– Marketing of the event to members
– Invite and RSVP tracking
– At least one Board Member “co-host” present

Hosts are encouraged to partner with another BID member that does not have the space in their business to host, such as:
– Appointment-based businesses
– Service providers
– Wellness or beauty businesses
– Professional offices
– Creative studios

This allows shared hosting costs, cross-promotion, increased attendance and exposure for businesses that may not typically host public events.

If you’re interested in hosting an After Hours event, please fill out this form with your information. Each month is first come, first served so iif the month you choose is already reserved we’ll work with you to reschedule.