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 • July 2024 •
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Small Business Regulatory Roundtables
We want to hear from you!
This summer the Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA) is traveling to cities around Washington to engage with small businesses, local leaders, and tribes with the goal of improving the regulation process. We are partnering with economic development councils, chambers, and agency leaders to listen and learn from those using state services. The topics and discussion points will be specific to the needs of each location.
During the last week of June, our team traveled to Spokane and Yakima for our first Small Business Regulatory Roundtables. Both of these events allowed participants to clarify and explain their own perspectives on improvements for the regulatory process. Thank you for your participation and embracing the opportunity to engage in open conversations! Some of the topics of discussion included:
- Customer Service & Communication
- Tax Reporting & Filing Compliance
- Startup Process & Fees
- Agency Rules
We anticipate visiting Longview, King County, and Grays Harbor County in August. We will update our website as soon as details are confirmed.
To register or for more information, click the link below!
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Cosmetics Products Restrictions Rulemaking
The Department of Ecology started a new rulemaking to implement the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA). This new rule will:
- Make cosmetics safer for consumers and the environment.
- Reduce consumers’ and workers’ exposure to formaldehyde.
- Address the disproportionate harms caused by cosmetic products in overburdened communities and vulnerable populations.
- Reduce the amount of formaldehyde entering the environment.
All businesses that manufacture, distribute, sell, or use cosmetic products in Washington must comply with the TFCA. This includes:
- Cosmetic manufacturers.
- Brands.
- Distributors.
- Retailers.
- Cosmetologists.
- Cosmetology businesses, such as hair and nail salons.
Get involved!
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Register for the July 23, 2024, informational webinar via zoom.
- Submit your comment during the informal public comment period through August 13, 2024.
- For assistance, contact: ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov
Safer Cosmetics Certification Subsidy Program
The Department of Ecology is developing a certification subsidy program to help small cosmetics manufacturers obtain voluntary environmental health certifications for their cosmetics products. As of Jan. 1, 2025, the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA) restricts the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cosmetic products that contain certain chemicals and chemical classes within Washington.
Contact the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Team if you are a small cosmetics manufacturer (50 employees or less) interested in getting your products certified as safer, or if you would like help understanding the upcoming restrictions or how to formulate your products using safer alternatives.
Questions? Contact: ToxicFreeCosmetics@ecy.wa.gov
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Awards Ceremony to Recognize Employers or Individuals Who Recruit, Hire & Promote Workers With Disabilities
Nominations are Open for the 32nd Annual Governor's Employer Awards!
To spotlight the important role disability plays in workforce diversity, the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment has opened nominations for the 32nd Annual Governor’s Employer Awards.
The Governor’s Employer Awards program honors and celebrates the many and varied contributions Washington’s employers make to recruit, hire and advance workers with disabilities.
The awards program honors employers of all sizes in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. It also honors one employer who supports youths with disabilities through employment preparation and job skills training.
Phil White, the Employment Security Department's former deputy commissioner, gives his personal invitation to submit a nomination.
For nomination forms, instructions, and additional information, please click the link below.
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It's Time For Planes, Trains & Automobiles 2024
This is a collaborative outreach effort between the Port of Seattle, Sound Transit and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to provide information regarding doing business with each agency, information regarding upcoming opportunities, network with decision-makers and potential business partners and understand certification benefits with the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE).
Event Details:
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Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2024
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Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Location: Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St, Seattle, WA 98144
- Register Here
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Small Business Requirements & Resources
The Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR) are free workshops providing you with essential information and resources to help start and grow your business.
Outreach events are sponsored by the Small Business Liaison Team and hosted by local partners.
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Starting a Business in Washington • Live Workshop
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 • 9:00 AM -10:00 am • Register Here
Small Business Guide
The Small Business Guide is broken into six sections, based on your stage of business. Whether you are starting your business, managing a new business, or expanding your business, you'll find valuable information and resources.
The business guide is readily accessible online, but it's also available in PDF, so you can have it as a printed reference manual. The PDF is available English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Samoan, Somali, Tagalog and two volumes in Braille Ready Format.
Click Here to Download the Guide in PDF Format
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TIPS & REMINDERS
Meet Your Local Small Business Lenders
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District and the Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) invite you to meet local SBA lenders ready to talk to you about your funding needs. Visit with lenders at info tables, ask questions, and tell them about your business!
Event Details:
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Date: July 16, 2024
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Time: 2:30 p.m - 4:00 p.m.
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Location: Thurston EDC, 4220 6th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503
- Register Here
• Training • Events • Webinars • Workshops •
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