Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center, a part of Western’s College of Business and Economics, will co-host ThinkBiz 2011 with Whatcom Community College and Constant Contact on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 15-16, at Whatcom Community College’s Heiner Theater.

ThinkBiz is a training and networking conference ideal for anyone interested in growing, managing or starting a business.

The purpose of this event is to provide local businesses with a high quality, reasonably priced opportunity to learn more and earn more in their business. More than 16 workshops are available and taught by trained instructors. All attendees receive a thumb drive with workshop material from all instructors, as well as deals from sponsors.

ThinkBiz will have two keynote speakers: business broker Dan Jourdan and Whatcom County’s own “BizProv” master, Galen Emanuele. New this year are Hands On Help workstations where attendees can get one-on-one help with business topics and technology such as QuickBooks, Outlook, Constant Contact, exporting or get a photo taken for social media marketing purposes.

Registration for the conference is $69 per person or $175 for a group of three. To register, call (360) 383-3200 or visit www.thinkbiznw.com.