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 • February 2025•
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 Small Business Resources & Requirements
Free Workshops
The Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) is proud to announce its upcoming Small Business Requirements and Resources (SBRR) Workshops in collaboration with the Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance (ORIA). These workshops provide vital information on regulatory requirements, state permits, business structures, employee hiring and retention, and available resources to help businesses grow and thrive.
From Start to Smart in Business • In Person Workshops
These free workshops will provide business owners and entrepreneurs with access to state agencies, industry experts, and community-based support organizations. Attendees will learn how to navigate state business requirements, explore contracting and certification opportunities, and discover valuable funding and resource programs available for small businesses.
The SBRR Workshops will take place in three locations across the Washington Peninsula in partnership with local economic development councils:
Friday Harbor SBRR Workshop
- Hosted in partnership with the San Juan County Economic Development Council
- Wednesday, February 19, 2025 • 5 PM - 7 PM • Register Here
Port Townsend SBRR Workshop
- Hosted in partnership with the Economic Development Council for Jefferson County
- Thursday, February 20, 2025 • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM • Register Here
Port Angeles SBRR Workshop
- Hosted in partnership with the Clallam Economic Development Council
- Thursday, February 20, 2025 • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM • Register Here
Starting a Business in Washington • Live Webinar
Join this free, one-hour webinar to gain essential knowledge for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration, licensing, and regulatory requirements. You'll also connect with members of the Small Business Liaison Team.
For more information and to register for an upcoming workshop, click the button below.
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From Dream to Reality: Small Business Basics Workshop
- March 10, 2025 • 4 PM - 5:30 PM
- Lynnwood Library at 19200 44th Ave W. Lynnwood, WA 98036
This free event is open to all small businesses and entrepreneurs in the City of Lynnwood.
To learn more and to register, visit: lynnwoodwa.gov.
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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, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and two volumes in Braille Ready Format Braille - Volume 1 and Braille - Volume 2.
The ORIA Information Center
The ORIA Information Center serves as a one-stop customer service hub that provides information and assistance on regulations and requirements from various agencies. The team collaborates with regulatory consultants and the small business liaison team. By leveraging this expertise and resources, we offer tailored solutions, up-to-date regulatory information, and excellent customer service.
Let us do the research for you!
- Contact the IC Team at 800-917-0043 or email help@business.wa.gov
- Click the button below for Live Chat or TXT/SMS.
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Working Families Tax Credit
Application Window Open Now!
The Department of Revenue is now accepting applications for the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) for tax year 2024. This year, the credit provides payments up to $1,290 to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements.
Since the WFTC program launched in 2023, over 359,000 refunds have been issued totaling more than $263.4 million. The program returns a portion of sales tax paid each year and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is considered one of the best tools for reducing poverty nationwide. Last calendar year, the WFTC team issued $135.9 million in refunds to nearly 158,000 families with children, resulting in more than 287,000 children benefiting from the program.
Apply for past periods
Applicants can apply for WFTC refunds they were eligible for, but did not previously claim, for up to three calendar years from when their federal tax return was due. For example: In 2025, the agency will accept applications for the 2024, 2023, and 2022 tax year credits. Claiming all three years can receive up to a maximum of $3,745.
Upcoming Webinars
Attend a free webinar, both webinar series are also available in Spanish:
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Got a Local and Sustainable Project in Mind?
Apply for a Partners for Places Grant by February 28.
Up to $150,000 is available from The Funders Network for projects such as building community gardens in low-income communities, promoting electric vehicles, and enhancing affordable housing to withstand climate-related disasters.
Click the map to explore past projects that include a vision for Mountain to Sound in Tacoma; Stickleback Farm and Native Heritage Garden in Anchorage, Alaska; and Community Climate Action Planning in Bend, Oregon.
Brownfields in Washington
About the Brownfields Program
Our team is part of Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program, and we help people turn brownfields into public assets. A brownfield is an abandoned or underutilized property that may have environmental contamination, such as an old gas station, dry cleaners, or former orchard land.
We provide funding and technical assistance to communities so they can transform brownfields into beneficial uses like small businesses, parks, and affordable housing.
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Washington EDGE will be launching soon!
DES is preparing to launch the Washington Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE) pilot program to help small businesses compete in public works contracting.
We recently published our new Washington EDGE policy, outlining program goals and which businesses are eligible to enroll.
Click the link below to learn more about the program, read our policy, and sign up for updates when we launch.
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Fueling Growth: Affordable Loans for Small Businesses & Nonprofits
Are you a small business owner with fewer than 50 employees and an annual revenue of less than $5 million? Are you looking to take your business to the next level? We may have a great solution for you — The Small Business Flex Fund 2.
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Did you know that Feb 14 is not just Valentine’s Day, it’s also National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day!
Since about 60 million pounds of chocolate are sold, maybe it’s time to transform your hidden culinary talents into a business?
Through our Food Biz Academy, Washington’s Small Business Training & Education Center offers you a competitive advantage. It’s FREE, and available online and on-demand 24/7! Food Biz Academy just might help you whip up a recipe for success.
Gotta LOVE that.
Learn more at the Food Biz Academy
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Your 24/7 Storefront:
Build Lasting Customer Connections Online!
A website is like having a second storefront, one that is open 24/7.
With a well-designed online presence, you can build deeper relationships with your customers.
Check out our FREE
including the Web Academy.
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Partners In Exporting 2025 Series
The Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW) provides tailored export training programs developed through strategic partnerships, led by nationally recognized experts in export and international trade.
To learn more about the series and register, click the link below.
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Unlock the Power of Data: Free Training from Census Bureau Experts!
The United States Census Bureau provides free data training on the bureau's newest tool, Census Business Builder. Small business owners will be shown how to leverage the Census Business Builder tool to help with expansion, funding requests and customer outreach.
Specifically, the training will show participants how to access:
- Customer spending data at the county, city, zip code and even neighborhood level by industry (dining, retail, entertainment as examples).
- The number of employees, revenues, and average salaries by industry for a geography.
- Demographic, social, and economic characteristics of consumers or perspective employees for a customized geography.
Sign up for a free training here:
Explore Funding Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is excited to announce $11 million in federal grants to support socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. These funds will aid programs for rural minority businesses, promote women’s entrepreneurship, and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.
FundHubWA connects you to climate and clean energy funding opportunities to help improve your home, business, or community. Together, we can make Washington cleaner, healthier, and more resilient.
Grants can greatly benefit your business, but applying for them can be daunting. Where should you begin? How can you make your proposal shine? This guide will help you with essential steps, from finding the right opportunities to submitting a solid application, so you can confidently seek funding.
The Premier Government Contracting Event Returns March 19-20, 2025
Alliance Northwest, the Pacific Northwest's largest business-to-government conference, will be held on March 19-20, 2025, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. Hosted by the Thurston Economic Development Council in partnership with Washington APEX Accelerator, this event connects small businesses with government agencies, prime contractors, and industry experts to foster partnerships and expand contracting opportunities.
A Beginner's QuickBooks Workshop for Business Owners
Join Tabor 100 for an interactive training session led by Abby Joseph of Serenity Financial Services, designed for business owners who are new to QuickBooks or using it for the first time. Learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping and how to effectively manage your finances using QuickBooks.
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • 6PM - 8PM
- 7100 Fort Dent Way #100 Tukwila, WA 98188
- Register Here
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