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Small Business Resiliency Network
Resilience in Action: Adolfo's Journey to Own a Bodyshop
For more than 30 years, Adolfo honed his craft in the top auto body shops of Skagit Valley, Washington. A Latino in his 60s, he never believed he could own a business - age, limited English, and no business training all felt like barriers. When his hours were cut and no new job appeared, necessity gave him courage. Using his savings, he opened Adolfo’s Bodyshop in Mount Vernon. The start was tough. He rented costly equipment, guessed at pricing, and worried customers wouldn’t come. Even his family wasn’t sure. Hope arrived through the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) –a Small Business Resiliency Network Partner with the Washington State Department of Commerce. In CIE’s Start Simple program, Adolfo received business training in Spanish and one-on-one coaching. CIE helped him set prices, identify customers, market online, and secure funding to buy essential tools - cutting costs and boosting efficiency.
Today, Adolfo’s shop is thriving. His daughter manages marketing, his wife is proudly on board, and he mentors young Latino mechanics, proving it’s never too late to dream big. Next, he hopes to expand services and hire apprentices from his community.
“I said I wasn’t afraid [to start my business] - but I was. At first it was hard to know what jobs to take or where the profit was. With my advisor’s help, I’ve brought in more clients. I’ve surprised myself with what I’m able to do.” – Adolfo
Visit commerce.wa.gov/sbrn for more information on the Small Business Resiliency Network.
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Young Entrepreneur Academy
Transform Your Dreams into a Business
The Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) is a free, virtual, on-demand business training resource with a self-guided curriculum co-designed by young adult entrepreneurs. The program is specifically tailored for young adults, age 16 to 30, who are ready to explore self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The academy features 10 program units that participants can explore in any order, allowing those who are already running a business to focus on the sections most relevant to them. YEA is a shining example of working at the speed of trust, co-designing with living experts and leveraging the expertise of state and local partners. YEA exemplifies the benefit of thought partnership within the WIOA Youth community of practice and interagency partnership.
Learn more about the origins of this effort on the ESD blog.
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Business Statistics
A Year In Review: Snapshot of 2025
The information below highlights the ongoing activity that helps businesses start, stay compliant, and continue operating.
Total active businesses: 758,956
- 669,537 are domestic businesses, meaning they are formed under Washington state statute.
- 89,419 are foreign businesses, meaning they are either a Tribal entity or formed outside of Washington State and are registered to do business in our state.
Total filings completed: 908,634
- Top three filings:
- 602,198 Annual Reports were filed, keeping businesses active.
- 67,440 Limited Liability Company (LLC) Certificate of Formations with Initial Report were filed creating new business entities.
- 26, 865 Reinstatements were filed, bringing businesses back into active status.
New Branch in Eastern Washington
Now Open in Cheney, WA
The Corporations and Charities Division has opened a new branch for in-person same day services. The new branch is located on the Eastern Washington University campus at 960 Washington St, Cheney WA 99004.
Learn about the services provided at this location, and hours of operation, by visiting the contact us page on our website.
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The Eastern Regional Branch is assisting its first-ever customers.
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Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises
omwbe.wa.gov
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OMWBE presents Building Opportunities—a pilot mentorship program for Washington-based small businesses operating in the transportation and construction industry to hone their skills and knowledge to confidently bid on opportunities.
Up to 16 small business owners will have the opportunity to participate in the pilot cohort to learn side-by-side from their mentor’s best practices. The curriculum will be based on feedback received from the small business community, covering topics that will help them secure government contracting and procurement opportunities.
This program will be led by a Program Administrator and qualified Mentors throughout the state who are experienced in the industry and well-versed in government contracting. OMWBE intends to unbundle this category, and award regionally as per the following:
- Up to Four (4) Awards - Northwest Washington
- Up to Four (4) Awards - Southwest Washington
- Up to Four (4) Awards - Central Washington
- Up to Four (4) Awards - Eastern Washington
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Road Ready is a practical education series for owner-operators, small trucking companies, and aspiring trucking entrepreneurs who want clear, accurate information directly from the agencies that oversee and support the industry.
The series features guest experts from the Washington APEX Accelerator, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), and the Washington State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Division (WSP). Participants hear directly from these agencies about government contracting opportunities, licensing and regulatory requirements, and safety and compliance expectations.
Designed for working professionals, Road Ready provides straightforward guidance, reduces confusion, and helps trucking businesses operate responsibly and prepare for long-term success.
- Virtual: March 16-19, 2026 | 4PM – 5PM
- In-Person: March 23-26 | 4PM – 5PM
En regla y en marcha: Serie de Cumplimiento y Éxito en la Industria del Transporte
En regla y en marcha es una serie educativa práctica para operadores independientes, pequeñas empresas de transporte y personas interesadas en iniciar un negocio de transporte, que buscan información clara y confiable directamente de las agencias que regulan y apoyan a la industria.
La serie cuenta con la participación de especialistas de Washington APEX Accelerator, la Comisión de Servicios Públicos y Transporte de Washington (UTC) y la División de Vehículos Comerciales de la Patrulla Estatal de Washington (WSP). Las y los participantes recibirán información directa sobre oportunidades de contratación gubernamental, requisitos de licencias y regulaciones, así como normas de seguridad y cumplimiento.
Diseñada para profesionales en activo, en regla y en marcha ofrece orientación clara, reduce la confusión y ayuda a los negocios de transporte a operar de manera responsable y a prepararse para el éxito a largo plazo.
- Virtual: 16-19 de marzo | 6PM – 7PM
- En persona: 23-26 de marzo | 6PM – 7PM
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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 2025. This year, the credit provides payments up to $1,330 to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements.
Since the WFTC program launched in 2023, over 675,000 refunds have been issued totaling more than $491.4 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 $228 million in refunds to nearly 244,000 families with children, resulting in more than 428,000 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 2026, the agency will accept applications for the 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022 tax year credits. Claiming all four years can receive up to a maximum of $5,075.
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Nominate Your Business for a YesVets Award
If You Hire Veterans, Washington Wants to Honor You for Your Efforts!
Washington wants to honor employers who hire veterans. The Hire-A-Vet Employer of the Year Award recognizes those who go above and beyond. We encourage you to nominate your own business for this YesVets award.
Why nominate:
- Priority invitations to job fairs and premium booth placement for YesVets employers.
- Statewide recognition if you win! (Through YesVets, and Employment Security and state Veterans Affairs departments)
- An in-person ceremony on Flag Day (June 14) with a commemorative plaque.
Visit the Employment Security website to learn more. Submit a nomination form by April 15.
Need help?
Contact your local WorkSource center. Visit the WorkSource website to find the nearest office. Ask for the business services team or a veteran’s representative.
Find Labor Market Information Easier
We are excited to announce an updated Labor Market Report Library on our website. The new design makes it easier to navigate and provides a faster, intuitive user experience. Easily find quarterly labor market briefings, wage trends, economy reports, and more. Reports are now grouped by topics of interest, so you don’t need to know the specific report to find relevant information.
Now you can quickly see:
- Which reports and publications will help you learn more about a topic.
- What each topic covers, grouped into subjects.
- How you can use each file, so you’ll know what’s in each report or publication before you open or download it.
If you have questions about the reports or publications, please reach out to your regional labor economist.
Click the button below to explore labor market information resources.
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Upcoming DCS Webinars: Employer’s Role in Child Support
Every month, DCS offers a one-hour webinar for employers to share resources, tools and best practices to help you navigate your federal and state child support requirements.
You can join our upcoming live webinar on March 5, April 2 or May 7 to learn more about reporting new hires, withholding wages, payment options and more.
How to Speed Up Your New-Hire Reporting
Federal and state laws require you to report all newly hired and rehired employees to the Division of Child Support within 20 days. This can be a burdensome and costly process if you’re still mailing, faxing or emailing your new-hire reports.
You can save time and money by switching to electronic reporting. It also helps get money to families faster and reduces costs associated with unemployment insurance and time-loss benefits fraud.
For employees based in Washington, you can complete the process online in minutes using DCS Online on the Secure Access Washington portal. DCS Online lets you report single or groups of new hires instantly. It’s easy to use and keeps a record of your reporting history.
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If you already have a SAW account to file your business taxes or make your quarterly wage reports, simply log in, select “Add Service,” select the link to see a list of services by name, scroll down to DCS Online and select “Add”.
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If you don’t have a SAW account, it’s easy to create one. Visit the SAW portal, select “Sign Up,” and follow the steps we just mentioned to add DCS Online.
Questions? DCS’s Employer Relations Team can help you get started. Call us at 800-562-0479 to walk through the process or email DCS-ERT@dshs.wa.gov for more information.
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Prepare for the New Retirement Savings Program Coming in 2027!
Washington Saves is a new state-sponsored retirement savings program scheduled to open in July 2027. Certain employers will be required by law to make the program available to their employees if they don’t offer a qualified retirement plan. See if the mandate applies to your business by visiting www.wasaves.com.
The program offers an easy-to-use experience for both employers and employees. Simply register, update employees, and set up payroll contributions. Washington Saves takes care of the rest!
What employers should know:
- No employer fees.
- No employer contributions.
- No fiduciary liability for employers.
- A private company manages investments, with oversight from a public Governing Board.
- Employees control their own accounts and can opt out anytime.
Why the state created Washington Saves
More than 1.2 million Washingtonians do not have a way to save for retirement through work. Washington Saves gives people access to portable Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) funded through automatic payroll contributions.
Learn more about Washington Saves
Stay connected as the program develops.
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Small Business Resources & Requirements (SBRR)
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The Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) is a partnership of 29 state agencies working to improve access to regulatory information, education, and agency resources for business communities across the state of Washington.
The Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR) free workshops provide vital information on regulatory requirements, state permits, business structures, employee hiring and retention, and available resources to help businesses grow and thrive.
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Small Business Requirements & Resources - In-Person Workshops
Looking to start or grow your small business? These in-person workshops are the perfect chance to get the inside scoop on essential requirements and valuable resources. Meet experts, ask questions, and connect with other local entrepreneurs in a laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to boost your knowledge and network with the community.
Upcoming workshops:
Friday Harbor
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When: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 5 - 7 p.m.
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Where: Friday Harbor House, 130 West St. #101, Friday Harbor | Register Here
Sedro-Woolley & Burlington
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When: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 12 - 2 p.m.& Office Hours 4 - 6 p.m.
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Where: The Salmonberry Room, 2031 Hospital Drive, Sedro Woolley | Register Here
Bellingham
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When: Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Where: Bellingham Central Library, 210 Central Ave, Bellingham| Register Here
Starting a Business in Washington - Live Webinars
Join this free, one-hour webinar to gain essential knowledge for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration, and licensing requirements. You'll also connect with members of the Small Business Liaison Team, your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of regulatory requirements and enhancing your business practices.
Upcoming webinars:
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When: Wednesday, March 4, 2025 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Via Zoom | Register Here
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When: Wednesday, April 8, 2025 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Via Zoom | Register Here
To learn more about upcoming webinars and workshops, click the button below.
The Small Business Guide
The Small Business Guide is broken into six sections, based on your stage of business. Whether you’re launching a new business, managing an existing one, or looking to expand, you’ll discover valuable information and resources here. The guide offers essential details, links to important resources, and a clear outline of the steps needed to start and run a business in Washington State.
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The Small Business Guide is now available in the following languages:
English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Samoan, Somali, and Tagalog, Ukrainian, NEW Farsi, and two volumes in Braille Ready Format Braille - Volume 1 and Braille - Volume 2.
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Unincorporated King County Flood & Weather Recovery Grants
Grant Deadline: 4pm on March 30, 2026
Auburn Area CONNECT has partnered with King County to provide grants to businesses located in Unincorporated King County that were impacted by our recent storm in December 2025. This funding is intended to support small businesses and human service organizations that sustained damage due to weather and flooding during the December 2025 storms. Grants awarded are up to $5,000 per small business or human service organization.
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