Businesses are increasingly relying on innovation and technology to gain a competitive edge in the market. Washington State has been the leader in innovation and new company formation. It ranks 2nd in the nation in concentration of technology intensive employment and 4th in technology-based employment¹.

Often, the state’s larger cities such as Seattle, Spokane or Vancouver are viewed as the driving force of Washington’s economy. But taking a closer look at the diversity of the Washington’s economic scenario reveals that regional communities are contributing to the state’s economy to a large extent. Whatcom County is one such region.

Whatcom County , with its seat in Bellingham , has a total area of 2, 120 square miles. It ranks the 12th largest county in the state of Washington. It is located in the northwest corner of Washington State, away from "big city" life but is conveniently situated between two world class cities; Seattle to the South and Vancouver, British Columbia to the north. Nestled along Bellingham Bay, surrounded by dramatic hills and sitting in the shadow of Mount Baker, Whatcom County is breathtakingly beautiful place to live and work. 

Education is a top priority in Whatcom County. Citizen's support nationally heralded K-12 school districts, an excellent assortment of private schools, two community colleges and nationally recognized Western Washington University. The area proudly claims an active and innovative arts community with fine art galleries, museums, and performing arts facilities. The county is popular for outdoor activities owing to miles of scenic walking, biking and horseback riding trails, beautiful lakes and the Bellingham Bay. Its not surprising that Whatcom County has been ranked among best places to live, work and retire.

Bellingham is among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the state, and is home to a growing number of diverse businesses as it transitions from a resource-based economy to service and high tech industries. It has been ranked by Forbes as one of the Best Small Places for Business and Careers. This is reflected through a large technology sector in Whatcom County. The county has a multi-faceted technology sector that branches out to businesses in various areas of technology. Read the Technology Economy section to learn more.