April Needham is the director of the Center for Innovation at Washington State University in Spokane, Washington. The Center provides support services for early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners including guidance on value proposition and business model canvas development, market feasibility, executive summaries, and advising on business plans. Ms. Needham also mentors entrepreneurs on strategic planning and business operations. She is a conduit for connecting entrepreneurs to the many resources and individuals in the community which can assist them. Her passion for supporting those on the path to business ownership lies in assisting them in the development of a sound foundation from which to launch and grow.
Ms. Needham holds an MBA from Whitworth University and has been a leader in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem for the past seven years. Her previous professional experience includes community and economic development and business operations for large corporations and nonprofits.
In her free time, Ms. Needham enjoys soaking up the beauty of the Inland Northwest through numerous outdoor recreation activities, treating her palate to new dishes at the multitude of restaurants around the area, and exploring new cultures through international travel.