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 • November 2024 •
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Empowering Agriculture with Sustainable Fuel Support
The Agriculture Support Program (ASP) provides support payments to agricultural producers and agricultural transporters that paid a surcharge imposed by a fuel supplier or retailer related to the Cap-and-Invest Program and used the fuel for exempt purposes under the Climate Commitment Act (RCW 70A.65.080(7)(e)).
DOL has partnered with Submittable to help administer this program. Submittable is a form-building and funds distribution software company located in Missoula, Montana. US Bank is also assisting in the distribution of these payments.
Unlock Your Potential: Free Screening for Professional Licensing
Many individuals have resigned themselves to believing past criminal convictions will prevent them from pursuing specific careers, or they will not pursue employment due to the costs of completing the training, education, and testing for fear they would be denied the license.
The Department of Licensing has implemented a process where individuals can submit information to our office to determine eligibility prior to expending the time and expense of completing pre-licensing requirements. Our office will review the information and offer an opinion based on the documentation supplied by the individual. This service is free, and applicants can apply for review via regular mail or online.
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Changes to Ecology’s Dangerous Waste Annual Reporting System
Ecology is moving dangerous waste annual reporting from TurboWaste to EPA’s RCRAInfo for the 2025 reporting cycle.
Please take a survey to help us understand the types of resources we should consider creating to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Questions? Please contact Ecology’s Dangerous Waste Annual Reporting Team at turbowaste@ecy.wa.gov or 1-800-874-2022.
Product Replacement Program
Ecology’s Product Replacement Program identifies and address the most problematic chemicals impacting Washington state. It provides:
- Reimbursement funding.
- Collection and disposal services.
- Opportunities for businesses to transition to less toxic options.
Our current programs cover:
- Aqueous film-forming foam
- Automotive degreaser
- Safer cosmetics
- PCB light replacement in public, private, and tribal K-12 schools, and early learning or daycare centers
- Perchloroethylene dry cleaning equipment
- Recreational foam
- Bisphenol thermal receipts
- Mercury-containing products
Over 325 businesses have already participated in our product replacement programs.
Learn how you can participate by clicking the button below.
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Boost Your Business With State Contracts
Looking to grow your business? Partnering with the state of Washington might be your next big opportunity!
DES manages more than 180 contracts for goods and services—connecting more than 1,500 businesses, including small, diverse, and veteran-owned companies, with state and local agencies, tribes, and nonprofits. Together, they drive $2.1 billion in purchases each year.
We know small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy, and we are committed to creating a fairer economy by leveling the playing field and opening doors for small businesses across the state. DES provides technical support, outreach, and proven practices to help you succeed in the public sector.
DES’ mission is to strengthen the business of government for a sustainable and just future by delivering solutions that improve the lives of every Washingtonian.
Ready to do business with us? Click the button below to learn more.
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Ready to Develop a Return to Work Plan?
Schedule an Early Return to Work Consultation Today!
Early Return to Work Consultation is a team of highly skilled professionals that can help employers build and implement a return-to-work program at their business. Services also include educating employers about L&I’s financial incentives programs, creating light duty opportunities, conducting ergonomic evaluations, and completing job analyses and non-claim-specific job descriptions.
To learn more about our program please click the button below.
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It’s Open Enrollment!
Starting Nov. 1, all Washingtonians, regardless of immigration status, can sign up for health and dental coverage on Washington Healthplanfinder for the 2025 plan year. Individuals can shop, compare, and select an individual plan that fits their budget and health care needs.
Through Washington Healthplanfinder, eligible customers can access federal tax credits and Cascade Care Savings, a state subsidy, to lower their monthly cost of insurance. Visit wahealthplanfinder.org to learn more about available savings and find the right plan!
Need Help? Trusted resources in their community are available to help understand coverage options, find financial assistance, and enroll into coverage for no additional cost!
Don’t forget to share this information with your employees and ensure they have the coverage they need for 2025!
Questions on how you can support your employees sign up for health coverage? Contact smallbusiness@wahbexchange.org.
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Veteran Financial Empowerment Initiative
Empowering Veteran-Owned Businesses Through Financial Worshops
Join the Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises for financial workshops geared to Veteran Small Business Owners.
Training Dates and Topics:
- November 14, 2024 at 6pm: Financial Literacy and Business Budgeting
- February 20, 2025 at 6pm: Accessing Capital and Funding Strategies
- May 29, 2025 at 6pm: Business Credit and Debt Management
- August 14, 2025 at 6pm: Profitability and Growth Strategies
To register: Email Jonté Robinson at jonte@jmichell.com
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Small Business Resources & Requirements Workshops
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.
Starting a Business in Washington • Live Webinar
The ORIA Information Center Team
We offer an experienced team familiar with owning a small business, working for regulatory agencies, and ready to connect you with reliable information and valuable resources.
- Let us do the research for you. Our service is free!
- Contact the IC Team at 800-917-0043 or email help@business.wa.gov or click the link below for live chat or text messaging.
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The 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.
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The Small Business Guide is now available in the following languages:
English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Samoan, Somali, and Tagalog, and as two volumes in Braille Ready Format Braille - Volume 1 and Braille - Volume 2 NEW! Ukrainian
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