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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023
Each year on the third Monday in January, we honor the life, mission and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He visited Washington State for the first time in November of 1961. Experience the story of his historic visit to Seattle through the digital exhibition provided by the Washington State Historical Society.
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2023 Legislative Session
For the first time in two years, lawmakers are meeting in person for this 105 day legislative session. Housing, homelessness and behavioral health top Governor Inslee's budget priorities for the next biennium.
What's happening on the floor? Stay up to date at wa.leg.gov
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Dept. of Revenue
A New Tax Credit for Washington Workers
The Dept. of Revenue will begin accepting applications for the Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) on February 1st. The purpose of the program is to stimulate the local economy, promote racial equity and support the well-being of Washingtonians. The program is perpetual (not only one time) and will provide refunds of up to $1200 to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements.
Learn more about the program:
Have a question about the WFTC Program? Contact DOR at 360-763-7300 or complete a contact request form.
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Reminder: Changes Impacting Workers Effective January 1st
The Dept. of Labor & Industries wants to make sure everyone is aware of the new changes and how they may be impacted.
Changes include:
- Minimum wage and minimum salary for overtime-exempt employees are increasing.
- Agricultural overtime eligibility is expanding.
- Rideshare drivers are gaining access to minimum trip pay and other rights.
- Job-seekers will see wage transparency in job postings.
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Dept. of Enterprise Services
Planned Procurements
DES is here to help small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses understand and participate in the bidding process so they can do business with the state.
Remember that the first step to doing business with the state is registering in Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS).
Upcoming goods and services contract opportunities:
If you have any questions about planned procurements or the bidding process, contact: WEBScustomerservice@des.wa.gov or 360-902-7400.
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Washington Health Benefit Exchange - WA Healthplanfinder
Don’t Wait—Open Enrollment Ends on Jan. 15th
We’re fast approaching the end of 2023 open enrollment, don’t miss your chance to get the coverage you and your employees need! Washingtonians have until Jan. 15 to sign up for health and dental plans on Washington Healthplanfinder for the 2023 plan year.
There’s still time to save with Cascade Care Savings! Choose a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan and you may qualify for additional savings. Visit wahealthplanfinder.org to learn more about available savings and find the right plan!
Need help getting covered? We have assisters throughout the state available to help at no cost answer questions, understand tax credits, and sign up for coverage. Click here to find an assister near you.
Share this information with your employees and ensure they have the coverage they need for 2023!
Questions on how you can support your employees sign up for health coverage? Contact smallbusiness@wahbexchange.org.
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U.S. Small Business Association (SBA)
New Veterans Small Business Certification (VetCert) Portal Open Now
SBA’s new Veteran Small Business Certification program implements changes from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 which transfers the certification function from the Department of Veterans Affairs to SBA as of January 1, 2023. The transfer will provide veterans with a central support point for their small business certification needs.
Certification with SBA allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified veteran-owned small businesses have additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Veterans Administration (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program.
As of Monday, January 9, 2023, the new VetCert Portal is live and taking applications.
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Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance
Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR)
SBRR workshops are provided by members of the Washington state Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT).
Start a Business in WA: This free, one-hour webinar will give you a strong foundation for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration and licensing, and other regulatory requirements.
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Business Resources
UW Michael G. Foster School of Business
FREE Business Certificate Program
This free six week program provides participants an opportunity to learn proven business concepts, expand your business skills and improve your job performance.
- When? Feb. 2 - March 9, every Thursday, from 6pm to 9pm via Zoom
- Registration Required
SBA: 2023 Small Business Trends
Whether you are starting a business this year or setting your sights for strategic growth, having well-informed expectations can help you make the right moves. While it is impossible to predict exactly what the future will bring, here are the trends the SBA is monitoring as we begin the new year.
View Workshops, Event Calendars & Training Opportunities:
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