|
BizFair is Returning to Spokane on May 7th!
BizFair is Washington State’s largest and longest-running small business resource fair. This free event is open to the public and features no-cost small business resources and education from federal and state agencies and local nonprofit organizations. Throughout the day attendees have the opportunity to visit info tables, business training workshops, and hear from guest speakers and panelists on a variety of business topics including business planning, licensing and registration, tax obligations, marketing strategies, funding opportunities, and more.
Event Details:
-
When: Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
-
Where: WA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) | 4420 E 8th Ave
-
Learn more and register at www.bizfair.wa.gov.
|
|
Small Business Grant Opportunities
Ready to Launch, Grow, or Rebuild your Dream?
The Washington Workforce Association, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce's Community Reinvestment Program, announces a new round of grants to support small businesses.
 |
|
Applications are now open for businesses located in Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties.
Eligible applicants can receive up to $5,000 to support training, inventory, marketing, equipment and more.
How to apply: Scan the QR code shown in the post or visit the website below.
South Central Workforce - Community Reinvestment
Deadline: March 27th, 2026 at 5PM PST
|
|
|
SBA Disaster Loan Programs
Outreach Centers Now Open in King, Lewis, Snohomish & Whatcom Counties!
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest disaster loans to businesses, private nonprofits, and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the December 2025 flooding event. Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. For more information on SBA disaster loans and in-person Disaster Loan Outreach Centers click here.
|
|
Small Businesses Can Save Money and Help the Environment
Electronic products contain valuable materials that can be recycled and toxic chemicals that should be kept out of landfills. E-Cycle Washington is a free program that makes it easy for Washington’s small businesses to recycle certain broken or worn-out electronics and save money. Items accepted include:
- TVs
- Computers
- Laptops
- Monitors
- Tablets
To find a nearby collection site, you can call 1-800-RECYCLE or go to ecyclewa.org. If you have more than ten electronic items, contact the Materials Management and Financing Authority at 1-855-674-5871 before bringing them to a collection location.
Small businesses may also participate in the program by becoming a collection site and receive compensation for the electronics collected. If you have questions or are interested in becoming a collector, contact Christine Haun at christine.haun@ecy.wa.gov.
Funding Available to Replace Toxic Light Fixtures
Early learning or daycare centers that are single-use operations and located in Washington are eligible to apply.
Please be prepared to share how many lights you think may need to be replaced. If you are unsure, we may be able to help.
- Email Kimi Matsushima or call 509-413-8719 to discuss your interest and next steps.
|
|
 |
|
Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises
omwbe.wa.gov
|
Your On-Demand Guide to OMWBE Certification
We are always looking for new ways to help small businesses grow. Now you can join OMWBE Academy, to access FREE business resources that will help you compete for government contracts. You can also take our Certification 101 and 201 courses that will walk you through the application process.
Certification 101:
- Understand the benefits of certification
- Discover which certifications are the right fit for your business
- Take the follow-up 201 course for a deeper dive into the application
Certification 201:
- Move step-by-step through the OMWBE certification process
- Find out how to submit one application for both Federal and State Certification
- Learn about federal rule changes affecting requirements
Road Ready: Trucking Compliance & Success Series
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
|
|
Annual Filers: The Annual 2025 Excise Tax Return is due April 15, 2026.
File now! You must file and pay your annual 2025 return electronically using our free service, My DOR.
Attend a free webinar where we demonstrate how to complete an excise tax return, including multiple business and occupation tax classifications, deductions, credits, and litter tax.
Before you file:
- Review the descriptions of tax classifications, deductions, and credits.
- Determine if you qualify for an Annual Small Business Credit.
- Review our 2025 Tax Legislation page for a summary of tax-related bills
Visit our annual business filers webpage for more information.
|
|
DOC Honors Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned Business
The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) held a recognition ceremony to honor Darbonnier Tactical Supply (DTS) - a small, woman-owned, and veteran-owned business - for their outstanding partnership and excellent customer service. DTS provides DOC with essential supplies, including tactical accessories, uniforms, weapon accessories, and restraints.
Business Diversity Program Manager Traci Fuller invited executive leadership from multiple agencies to honor DTS. Secretary Lang, Deputy Secretary Russell, several assistant secretaries, and members of DOC senior leadership attended, highlighting the department’s strong commitment to expanding opportunities for Washington’s small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses.
Veterans Affairs Director David Puentes, his executive cabinet, and corporate partner Grainger also joined the celebration. Grainger has been a partner in developing veteran-owned businesses by creating tools to increase opportunities and by providing support and guidance.
DTS leadership received a commemorative plaque along with words of appreciation from DOC senior leaders. DTS’s dedication, integrity, and attention to detail reflect the same spirit of service that defines our nation’s veterans. Their work has become a model for how local businesses can play a vital role in supporting state operations. Through our partnership, DTS has been able to hire additional veteran employees to support DOC’s supply orders.
|
|
The Employers’ Role in Child Support
Every month, the Division of Child Support (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. Join our live monthly webinar, held the first Thursday of each month from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Upcoming webinars:
We'll review your federal and state reporting duties for new hires, wage withholding, medical enrollment, payment options, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate answers.
Click the button below to explore employer guides and resources.
|
|
Small Business Resources & Requirements (SBRR)
 |
|
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.
|
Learn how to PLAN, START, and GROW your business at our FREE workshops!
These in-person workshops are specially designed for small business owners seeking a clear understanding of available program resources and the relevant state regulations that can impact their business. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to scale your existing business, this session offers valuable insights tailored to your needs.
Walla Walla
-
When: Monday, April 20, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
-
Where: Walla Walla Center for Children & Families, 1150 W. Chestnut St | Register
- Join us for a light dinner at 4:30 pm!
Kennewick - Español
-
When: Martes, 21 de abril, 2026 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
-
Where: Worksource Columbia Basin, 815 Kellogg St. | Register
- ¡Únase a nosotros para la cena a 5:00pm!
Kennewick
-
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
-
Where: Worksource Columbia Basin, 815 Kellogg St. | Register
- Join us for a light dinner at 4:30 pm!
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, 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.
Webinar Details
-
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
-
Where: Via Zoom | Register
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.
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?
- Access panel discussions and workshops designed to help entrepreneurs address challenges at every phase of business development.
- Network with individuals representing small businesses and government agencies from throughout the region.
- Explore a wide range of technical assistance providers and small business support organizations.
-
Learn more at EconomicAllicanceSC.org.
|
|
Find Events & Training Opportunities |
|
|
|
|
