START your business
1. Have you prepared your business plan?
You won’t want to start your business before you have completed your business plan! You may want to click the “Planning” box for business planning guidelines. For planning assistance and more in-depth information regarding any of the steps on this page, you may wish to check out the following resources:
2. Are you buying an existing business?
If you are buying a business or even just some of the assets of a business, be aware that you may inadvertently be buying past liabilities in the form of unpaid taxes and experience ratings. Get competent legal advice before purchasing a business because these past liabilities are not necessarily part of the regular financial documents.
- For potential liabilities related to the Department of Revenue, you should require the owner to provide a Tax Status Letter with regard to any outstanding taxes by the business. You may also need to pay Use Tax to the Department of Revenue on the value of tangible assets included in the purchase, such as equipment, furnishings, supplies, etc. For more information, see our Tax Topics article titled Buying the assets of a business.
- For workers’ compensation, the purchaser of a business is potentially liable for premium owed, outstanding or pending audit assessments, as well as inheriting the claim responsibilities and their impact on future premium rates. Potential purchasers should request the seller for data and information listed on this Buyer Beware publication.
- For unemployment insurance, you may inadvertently be buying past liabilities and be held accountable for the predecessor’s debt.
3. Choose a business structure
A business is a legal entity. It can own property, hold bank accounts and is required to pay taxes. There are different types of business entities, each with unique benefits and limitations.
The “right” choice for you depends on your interests and needs. You’ll need sound counsel to understand your obligations regarding your business. Get to know the business structure options and discuss them with your advisors to determine which will be optimal for you. Find legal, tax and business (SCORE, Small Business Development Centers) advisors. Good decisions are based on:
- The number of owners now and planned for the future.
- The types of owners - are they all individuals or are they entities (such as corporations, trusts, etc.)?
- Liability concerns.
- Federal tax implications - Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- Registration and tax filing requirements and costs.
- Paperwork and entity management considerations.
Sole Proprietorships are owned by a single person or a married couple. These businesses are inexpensive to form and there are no special reporting requirements. The owner is personally responsible (liable) for all business debts and for federal taxes.
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are very popular. The business has limited legal liability like a corporation, but has fewer governance requirements. LLC owners are called “members.” Creating an LLC requires filing with the Washington Secretary of State. For federal taxes, LLCs are typically treated like sole proprietorships if there is one owner, or like partnerships if there is more than one owner. However, by filing an entity classification election form with the IRS, LLCs can be treated like corporations for federal tax purposes. Although not required, forming an LLC should be done with the help of a qualified legal professional. Among other requirements, LLCs are required to create a governance document called an Operating Agreement.
General Partnerships are like sole proprietorships with more than one owner. Partners share managerial duties, profits and losses, and each is personally responsible (liable) for all business debt. Because the actions of one partner can result in personal liability for the others, partnerships have become less popular since LLCs have been around. For federal tax purposes, the business is required to file a partnership return, with the income or loss going to each partner based on how much of the business each owns.
Corporations are more complex structures than the others. As with LLCs, corporations have limited legal liability. To form a corporation, you must file with the Washington Secretary of State and you must create a governance document—which, in this case, would be bylaws. Corporations also have other requirements, such as issuing stock certificates, holding annual meetings and keeping minutes, electing directors, etc. Corporation owners are called “shareholders” or “stockholders.” Working owners of corporations are employees and must have federal payroll taxes withheld and reported the same as other employees. Corporations file federal corporate tax returns with the IRS. If qualified and applied for on a timely basis, corporations may choose pass-through taxation, where income taxes are paid by the owner(s) but not also by the corporation (“S-Corporation”). Although not required, forming a corporation should be done with the assistance of a qualified legal professional.
Limited Partnerships (LPs) are not used very often for small businesses, although they are common for real estate ownership. LPs are composed of one or more general partners and one or more limited partners. The general partners manage the entity and share fully in its profits and losses. To protect themselves from liability, general partners are often corporations or LLCs rather than individuals. Limited partners share in the profits of the business, but their losses are limited to the extent of their investment. Limited partners are usually not involved in the day-to-day operations of the entity. Get legal advice before choosing an LP structure for your business. Like LLCs and corporations, creating an LP requires filing with the Washington Secretary of State.
Washington State Business and Organization Structure Considerations:
Considerations
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Sole Proprietorship
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General Partnership
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Limited Liability Company (LLC)
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Corporation
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File or register with Washington Secretary of State
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No
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No
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Yes
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Yes
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Formation Difficulty
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Low
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Low
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Medium
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Medium/High
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Liability
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Sole Proprietor has unlimited liability for debts and taxes.
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Partners have unlimited liability for debts and taxes.
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Members are not typically liable for debts other than taxes.
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Shareholders are not typically liable for debts other than taxes.
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Operational Requirements
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Relatively few legal requirements.
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Relatively few legal requirements
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Some formal requirements such as operating agreements and annual reporting.
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Board of directors, annual meetings, annual reporting required.
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Management
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Sole proprietor has full control of management and operations.
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Typically each partner has an equal voice, unless otherwise arranged.
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LLCs have an operating agreement that outlines governance and management.
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Corporations have bylaws that outline governance. Typically managed by directors who are elected by shareholders.
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Federal Taxation
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Sole proprietor reports all business revenues & expenses and pays taxes through personal return.
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Each partner reports their share of business revenues & expenses and pays taxes through personal return.
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If one LLC member, typically pay taxes as individual. If more than one member, typically pay taxes as partnership. Can elect with IRS to pay taxes as a corporation (either c- or s-).
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If standard corporation (c-corp), taxed as a business. If dividends are distributed to shareholders, dividends are taxed at the individual level. Can elect with IRS to be taxed as an s-corp. Each s-corp shareholder reports their share of business revenues & expenses and pays taxes through personal return.
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Washington Excise Taxation and Liability (Washington Department of Revenue)
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Taxes based on business income. Sole proprietor has unlimited liability.
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Taxes based on business income. General partners have unlimited liability.
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Taxes based on business income. Members may have liability for taxes.
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Taxes based on business income. Governing persons may have liability for taxes.
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NOTE: This information is for reference only, for detailed considerations contact your trusted legal or tax advisors.
4. Determine your business name
When deciding on a business name, there are many things to consider:
- Will it appeal to your potential customers?
- Will it work well in graphic design and marketing?
- Is anyone else using the name? If so, could there be confusion in the marketplace, or could you be infringing on their legal name, trademark, or service mark? Learn the difference between a “Legal Entity Name” (Article 3 RCW 23.95), “trade name,” a name used in the course of business, and a “trademark,” an exclusive right to use a name. You can do searches through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the Washington Business Licensing Service, the Secretary of State, and through various Web search engines.
- If your business is a corporation or limited liability entity, the name must indicate the type of entity (such as Corp., Inc., LLC, etc.).
Legal Entity names become record when you file a legal entity such as an LLC or Corporation. You can register a trade name when you complete your Washington Business License Application, at a cost of $5 per name. If you also want to trademark a name, you may want to consult an intellectual property attorney. If your business activities will extend beyond Washington State, file for a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. If your business activities will stay within Washington, file for a trademark with the Secretary of State.
5. If selecting a corporation or LLC structure, get registered
If the business structure you’ve chosen is a corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership, you will need to create the entity or have your attorney do it for you.
- You may have heard that registering your business entity in a state other than Washington is the way to go. Do your homework before acting on that advice! If you’re operating your business in Washington, you’ll need to be registered in Washington. If you do the initial registration in another state, you’ll need to register in Washington as a “foreign entity”. You won’t save anything in state registration, licensing, and tax costs for your Washington operation, but you’ll have the added costs of the other state.
- Determine who will be your “registered agent,” the Washington-based person who will receive your official service of process and business entity notifications. It can be you, your attorney, or an outside party.
- Create “Articles of Incorporation” (corporation) or “Certificate of Formation” (limited liability company), and file them with the Secretary of State’s office. Filing with the Secretary of State can be done at https://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/.
- By filing, you will receive your Washington State Unified Business Identifier, or UBI number (state business identification number). Note: be sure to use the issued UBI number when dealing with other state agencies.
- Create the governance document for your entity: “Bylaws” (corporate entity); “Operating Agreement” (limited liability entity); or “Partnership Agreement” (limited partnership).
6. Determine your business location
Your business may have a clear location, such as a retail store, a restaurant or a practitioner’s office, or it may be mobile or Web-based. Regardless, to license your business you will need to identify a physical location. Consider the following when determining where to locate your business:
- Will the location appeal to your customers?
- Have you accounted for all site-related start-up and operational costs in your business plan?
- Is the location zoned appropriately?
- If it will involve a lease, what will the terms be?
- What special permits, if any, will be required at that location?
- If home-based, what restrictions will your city or town, county, or homeowner association place on your business?
7. Get your federal tax number and consider federal tax filing options (LLCs and corporations)
If your business is a sole proprietorship or one-owner LLC and you won’t have employees, you can use your Social Security Number as the business’s federal identification number, although many business owners choose not to for confidentiality reasons. Otherwise, you will need to obtain a federal ID number (also called taxpayer ID number and employer ID number).
The federal tax form for sole proprietorships is 1040-Schedule C, and for partnerships, Form 1065. For standard corporations, tax filing is with Form 1120. If you wish to be treated as an S-corporation (Form 1120S for pass-through taxation), you must complete Form 2553 – Election by a Small Business Corporation within 75 days of forming your business (see Form 2553 Instructions). The IRS doesn’t recognize LLCs as a classification for tax purposes. LLCs default to sole proprietorship taxation if one owner, and partnership taxation if more than one owner. However, LLCs can elect to be treated as standard or S-corporations for federal tax purposes through IRS Form 8832. Consult your tax professional for further information and advice.
8. Obtain required licenses and permits
Most businesses are required to be licensed at both the state and local levels, and many need professional licenses too. You will likely need licenses in every location where you do business; not just where you’re based. Also, some businesses require additional permits.
The online Business Licensing Wizard is a helpful tool. Use it to learn the licensing and permitting requirements for your specific business. Enter your intended business activity, location, and other key information, and receive an online list of specific licenses and permits that are likely to be required.
- When you file your Washington Business License Application, be prepared to address the following:
- Whether you will want unemployment insurance coverage for corporate officers. Officers who provide services in Washington are automatically exempt from unemployment insurance unless the employer specifically requests to cover them. If you want to cover your corporate officers, you must submit a Voluntary Election Form. Find out more here.
- General business information including physical location and ownership.
- A rough estimate of your expected gross annual revenues.
- Whether you intend to hire employees within 90 days of start-up.
- Whether you will want optional workers’ compensation coverage for business owners.
- The Business License Application is the state business license form and establishes your accounts with multiple Washington state agencies, including the Departments of Revenue, Employment Security, and Labor & Industries. Some local and specialty licenses can be obtained by using the Business License Application. Follow the links above for information on local and specialty license fees.
- For information about local licenses NOT handled through the Business License Application, contact each city or town where you will be conducting business.
- Some businesses require professional licenses, such as architects, engineers, health care providers, counselors, attorneys, CPAs, etc. For information and requirements, contact the licensing authority for that profession.
- Food-related businesses (such as restaurants, coffee stands, caterers, food product manufacturers, etc.) will need kitchen and food handler permits. Contact your county health department. Food and beverage manufacturers and processors will need licensing from the Washington Department of Agriculture. If you plan to sell, serve, or produce alcoholic beverages, contact the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to find out what kind of license you need to apply for. For marijuana-infused products, you will need a marijuana license. Contact the Business Licensing Service for more information on how to apply. For help opening a restaurant in Seattle, visit the Seattle restaurant site.
- Businesses in the construction trades must be registered as contractors, which requires bonding and insurance. Be aware that even marketing or bidding for a construction job requires that you be registered as a contractor.
- Some service businesses can require contractor registration if their services extend into contractor specialties. Examples: (a) Garbage haulers haul construction debris; (b) lawn maintenance services modifying flower beds, building paths, planting plants, cutting branches with something more powerful than loppers, or using power equipment to remove unwanted plants; (c) janitorial services that remove construction debris when cleaning new construction; (d) pressure washing services that clean buildings or decks. There is a minimum $1,000 fine for performing contractor services without contractor registration. Descriptions of specialty contractor classifications. Businesses that have environmental impacts may need permits at the county and/or state level. Contact your county health department and the state Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance for more information.
- Lodging establishments such as hotels and motels, must be licensed through the state Department of Health.
- Businesses providing residential care and businesses providing medical and health services must be licensed through the state Department of Health.
- Child care businesses must be licensed through the state Department of Children, Youth & Families.
9. Set up your operations
- With your federal ID number, state UBI number, your governance document if you’re a corporation (bylaws) or LLC (operating agreement), and some cash, you can set up a bank account. When selecting a bank that best meets your needs, consider:
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- Access to credit (loans, credit cards).
- Business products and services and their costs.
- Convenience (location and hours).
- Staff relationships.
- Ensure understanding of regulatory and tax requirements, including those items listed below (note: the RUN Your Business chapter can help you):
- U.S. Internal Revenue Service - income tax, Social Security tax, Medicare, federal unemployment tax.
- Washington Department of Revenue - business & occupation tax, sales tax, use tax, specialty taxes.
- Washington Department of Labor & Industries - contractor licensing, workers’ compensation, wage & hour laws.
- Washington Employment Security Department - state unemployment tax, Paid Family and Medical Leave premium collection.
- Your county - property tax, food-related requirements, environmental requirements.
- Your cities, towns and counties - license renewals, signage ordinance, zoning restrictions, local business & occupation tax.
- To streamline and expedite the application and permitting process, Washington’s Department of Commerce has developed a Regulatory Roadmap for specific industries. This includes restaurants (Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and Spokane Valley), manufacturing (Arlington, Lynnwood and Marysville – Piece County and Sumner coming soon) and contracting (Kennewick).
- Set up your accounting system, ideally with assistance from an accountant or skilled bookkeeper.
- Secure business insurance.
- Decide upon employee benefits, such as health insurance (see 7. Employee benefits - Health Insurance in the Plan Your Business section for details)
- If you want your business to be certified as a woman, minority or economically disadvantaged business, or a veteran-owned business, complete the certification paperwork.
10. Hire employees
- Prepare to hire employees, if needed. Having employees with the right attributes and skills for your business is critical for successful growth. There are resources to help you with employment planning, including Labor Market Information.
- Offering health benefits or supporting employees in finding individual health coverage may help you recruit and retain quality employees. Learn more about your options through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
- There are also programs to help you find and train qualified employees.
- If you noted on the form that you would be hiring employees, information from your Business License Application will be forwarded to the Employment Security Department to set up a state unemployment tax account, and the Department of Labor & Industries to set up a workers’ compensation insurance account and issue your minor work permit, if applicable. You will have quarterly filing responsibilities with both agencies, plus the IRS (see the RUN Your Business chapter of the Small Business Guide).
- Every new employee will need to complete the federal I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form within three days of hire, and the internal Revenue Service (IRS) W-4 Form.
- You’ll also need to report each newly hired and rehired employee through the Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support's New Hire Reporting Program within 20 days of hire. Reporting is easy and can be done online through a secure web portal, Secure Access Washington (SAW) using Division of Child Support Online Services (DCSOnline). If you don't already have a SAW account, you'll need to sign up and add the DCS Online service. To submit a new hire report, employer’s need to provide their name, address and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). They will also need information found on the employee’s W-4 Form, including their name, address and Social Security Number (SSN), plus the employee’s date of hire and date of birth. Contact the DCS Employer Relations Team at 800-562-0479 if you need help or have questions.
- Employment is an area that has a lot of regulation, including minimum wage, overtime pay, leave and benefits, pregnancy accommodations, employment of minors and family members, workplace safety, etc.
- The use of independent contractors is a frequently misunderstood area. Unless an individual is truly in business for himself or herself, is licensed, files federal and state taxes as a business, actively markets, has multiple clients/customers, and is performing work that is outside your normal business activities, chances are state and federal laws will require that the individual be treated as an employee.
- Employment is also an area of significant recordkeeping and tax responsibilities. It’s important that you understand those regulations and costs as you plan and operate your business.
Labor Law
Worker Benefits
Note: If you have workers in Seattle, Tacoma or SeaTac, check with your city for minimum wage and other employment requirements.
11. Open your doors
Congratulations – and good luck!
12. Need assistance?
State of Washington Small Business Liaisons can help you get the information and resources you need. Also, help us improve the Small Business Guide by filling out a short, confidential survey.
Commerce’s Startup website also has excellent resources, including articles, technical assistance and sections specific to women-owned and veteran-owned businesses.
Launching your business in Algona
Algona is a city in King County, Washington, United States, and the Seattle metropolitan area, surrounded by the suburbs of Auburn to the north and east, Pacific to the south, and unincorporated King County to the west. The population was 3,014 as of the 2010 census and an estimated 3,223 in 2018.
Link to Algona
Link to Algona business licensing
Launching your business in Auburn
Auburn is a city in King County, with a small portion in Pierce County. The population was 70,180 at the 2010 United States Census. Auburn is a suburb in the Seattle metropolitan area, currently ranked the fifteenth largest city in the state of Washington.
Link to Auburn
Link to Auburn permits, licenses, and inspections
Launching your business in Beaux Arts
Beaux Arts is a town located in the Eastside region of King County, Washington. It is the smallest municipality in the county, with a population of 299 as of the 2010 census and a land area of 0.1 sq mi. It has no town hall, meetings of official city business take place in private homes. The town is zoned residential. Businesses that meet residential zoning codes are allowed.
Link to Beaux Arts
Launching your business in Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a city in King County. The population was 4,151 at the 2010 census. Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Black Diamond ranks 64th of 522 areas in the state of Washington to be ranked.
Link to Black Diamond
Link to Black Diamond business licensing
Launching your business in Burien
Burien is a suburban city in King County, located south of Seattle on Puget Sound. As of the 2010 Census, Burien's population was 33,313, which is a 49.7% increase since incorporation in 1993.
Link to Burien
Link to Burien business licensing
Launching your business in Clyde Hill
Clyde Hill is a city located in King County. It is part of the Eastside region, located to the east of Seattle, and is bordered by the cities and towns of Bellevue, Kirkland, Medina, Yarrow Point and Hunts Point. The population was 2,984 at the 2010 census.
Link to Clyde Hill
Link to Clyde Hill business licensing
Launching your business in Covington
Covington is a city in King County. The population was 17,575 at the time of the 2010 census. Prior to the 2010 census, Covington was counted as part of Covington-Sawyer-Wilderness CDP.
Link to Covington
Link to Covington business licensing
Launching your business in Des Moines
Des Moines is a city in King County. The population was 29,673 as of the 2010 census. Des Moines is located on the east shore of Puget Sound, approximately halfway between the major cities of Seattle and Tacoma.
Link to Des Moines
Launching your business in Duvall
Duvall is a city in King County, located on SR 203, halfway between Monroe and Carnation. The population was 6,695 at the 2010 census and is estimated to be 8,061 as of 2018.
Link to Duvall
Link to Duvall business licensing
Launching your business in Enumclaw
Enumclaw is a city in King County. The population was 10,669 at the 2010 census. The 2018 estimate is 11,878. The Enumclaw Plateau, on which the city resides, was formed by a volcanic mudflow from Mount Rainier approximately 5,700 years ago.
Link to Enumclaw
Link to Enumclaw business licensing
Launching your business in Hunts Point
Hunts Point is a town in the Eastside, a region of King County, Washington. It is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. The town is on a small peninsula surrounded by Lake Washington, and is near the suburbs of Medina, Clyde Hill, Yarrow Point, and Kirkland, as well as the city of Bellevue. The town is zoned residential. Businesses that meet residential zoning codes are allowed.
Link to Hunts Point
Launching your business in Issaquah
Issaquah is a city in King County. The population was 30,434 at the 2010 census and an estimated 39,378 in 2018. Located in a valley and bisected by Interstate 90, the city is bordered by the Sammamish Plateau to the north and the "Issaquah Alps" to the south.
Link to Issaquah
Link to Issaquah business licensing
Launching your business in Kent
Kent is a city located in King County, Washington, United States. It is the sixth largest city in the state. Kent is in the heart of the Seattle–Tacoma metropolitan area, located 19 miles south of Seattle and 19 miles northeast of Tacoma.
Link to Kent
Link to Kent business licensing
Launching your business in Lake Forest Park
Lake Forest Park is a city in King County, Washington, United States, just north of Seattle. A bedroom community by design, most of the city consists of single-family housing on medium to large-sized lots.
Link to Lake Forest Park
Launching your business in Maple Valley
Maple Valley is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 22,684 at the 2010 census, and is estimated to be 27,114 as of 2018. The city functions as a commuter town for residents, though there is an increasing amount of commercial activity in the area.
Link to Maple Valley
Link to Maple Valley business licensing
Launching your business in Medina
Medina is a mostly residential city in Eastside, King County, Washington, United States. The city is on a peninsula in Lake Washington, on the opposite shore from Seattle, bordered by Clyde Hill and Hunts Point to the east and water on all other sides. The city's population was 2,969 at the 2010 census.
Link to Medina
Launching your business in Mercer Island
Mercer Island is a city in King County, Washington, United States, located on an island of the same name in the southern portion of Lake Washington. Mercer Island is in the Seattle Metropolitan Area, with Seattle to its west and Bellevue to its east.
Link to Mercer Island
Launching your business in Milton
Milton is a city in King and Pierce counties in the state of Washington. The population was 6,968 at the 2010 census. The median income for a household in the city was $48,166, and the median income for a family was $64,105. The per capita income for the city was $22,400.
Link to Milton
Link to Milton business licensing
Launching your business in Newcastle
Newcastle is an Eastside city in King County, Washington. The population was 10,380 at the 2010 census and an estimated 11,823 in 2018. Newcastle was one of the region's first coal mining areas in King County. Coal delivered by rail from Newcastle's mines to Seattle fueled the growth of the Port of Seattle and attracted more railroads.
Link to Newcastle
Link to Newcastle business licensing
Launching your business in Normandy Park
Normandy Park is a city in King County, Washington, is a beautiful waterfront community located along the shores of Puget Sound. The population was 6,335 at the 2010 census. Based on per capita income, Normandy Park ranks 31st of 614 areas in the state of Washington. The community places its highest priorities on maintaining and enhancing its quiet pedestrian-friendly setting and providing a healthy and safe environment in which residents can raise their families.
Link to Normandy Park
Link to Normandy Park business licensing
Launching your business in North Bend
North Bend is a city in King County, Washington, on the outskirts of the Seattle metropolitan area. It is a scenic and thriving community filled with stunning views, hiking and biking trails, dining, art, live music, wine, shopping and fun events for the whole family. The population was 5,731 at the 2010 census and an estimated 7,136 in 2018.
Link to North Bend
Link to North Bend business licensing
Launching your business in Pacific
Pacific is a city in King and Pierce counties in Washington. A vibrant community conveniently situated between Seattle and Tacoma, the City of Pacific is an inviting place to live, work, or locate your business. The city offers available land, professional governance, good schools and proactive economic development. Experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest in our friendly community. Located primarily in King County, the population was 6,606 at the 2010 census. Like its northern neighbor Algona, Pacific is sometimes mistaken for a part of Auburn.
Link to Pacific
Link to Pacific business licensing
Launching your business in Renton
Renton is a city in King County, Washington, and a suburb of Seattle. Situated 11 miles southeast of downtown Seattle, Renton straddles the southeast shore of Lake Washington, at the mouth of the Cedar River. It is the center of opportunity where families and businesses thrive. With over 2,000 software companies within a 30-mile radius, over 2,800 acres of parks and playgrounds, and a school district that boasts four Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (deemed by the U.S. Department of Education), Renton continues to position itself as a stand out city. There is palpable growth in the region, and the business and community environments are strong.
Link to Renton
Launching your business in Sammamish
Sammamish is a city located on a plateau, in King County, Washington. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish, the town of Sammamish is one of Seattle’s most distant suburbs. Its close proximity to the opportunities held in Redmond and Bellevue, however, make it an ideal spot for people who work on the east side. The population was 45,780 at the 2010 census and an estimated 65,733 in 2018. The city is bordered by Lake Sammamish to the west and the Snoqualmie Valley to the east.
Link to Sammamish
Link to Sammamish business licensing
Launching your business in SeaTac
SeaTac is a city in southern King County, Washington. An inner-ring suburb of Seattle, the city boundaries surround the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, which is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle. The name SeaTac is a portmanteau of Seattle and Tacoma, and is derived from the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. The city has a population of 26,909 according to the 2010 census. The city includes the communities of Angle Lake, Bow Lake, McMicken Heights and Riverton Heights.
Link to SeaTac
Link to SeaTac business licensing
Launching your business in Seattle
Seattle is a city in King County, Washington. It is Washington State’s largest city, and home to a large tech industry, with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in its metropolitan area. The futuristic Space Needle, a 1962 World’s Fair legacy, is its most iconic landmark. On the Puget Sound, the city is surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, and contains thousands of acres of parkland. It is the seat of King County. With an estimated 744,955 residents as of 2018, Seattle is the largest city in both the state and the Pacific Northwest region. According to U.S. Census data released in 2018, the Seattle metropolitan area's population stands at 3.94 million, and ranks as the 15th largest in the United States. In July 2013, it was the fastest-growing major city in the United States and remained in the top 5 in May 2015 with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. In July 2016, Seattle was again the fastest-growing major U.S. city, with a 3.1% annual growth rate.
Link to Seattle
Seattle Public Library Services
Whether you have a long-established business or are just beginning to plan a new business, we have great resources for you to use for free through our Library to Business program. We offer dozens of classes and workshops every year in partnership with local organizations. Our business librarians are trained to help you with all aspects of business research, from licensing to hiring. You can access our online research tools for free with your Library card.
Link to Seattle Public Library small business resources
Launching your business in Shoreline
Shoreline is a city in King County, Washington. August 31, 1995 Shoreline was officially incorporated as a city, and it adopted the council-manager form of government. As of the 2010 census, the population was 53,007, making it the 20th largest city in the state of Washington.
Link to Shoreline
Launching your business in Skykomish
Skykomish is a town in King County, Washington. Located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, on the South Fork of the Skykomish River, Skykomish was founded as a railroad town. Today, it is mainly a stopping point for recreational access to the surrounding mountains, including skiing at nearby Stevens Pass. The population was 198 as of the 2010 census, down from an estimated peak of "several thousand" in the 1920s. The town is zoned residential. Businesses that meet residential zoning codes are allowed.
Link to Skykomish
Link to Skykomish business licensing
Launching your business in Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie is a city next to Snoqualmie Falls in King County, Washington. It is 28 miles east of Seattle. Snoqualmie city is home to the Northwest Railway Museum. The population was 10,670 at the 2010 census and an estimated 13,752 in 2018.
Link to Snoqualmie
Link to Snoqualmie business licensing
Launching your business in Tukwila
Tukwila is a suburban city in King County, Washington. The population was 19,107 at the 2010 census and an estimated 20,294 in 2018. Tukwila is a community of communities, with residents of many diverse origins living in the city.
Link to Tukwila
Link to Tukwila business licensing
Launching your business in Woodinville
Woodinville is a city in King County, Washington. The population was 10,938 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. There is also a much larger population with Woodinville mailing addresses in adjacent unincorporated areas of King and Snohomish counties.
Link to Woodinville
Link to Woodinville business licensing
Launching your business in Yarrow Point
Yarrow Point is a town in King County, Washington. The population was 1,001 at the 2010 census. Based on per capita income, one of the more reliable measures of affluence, Yarrow Point ranks fifth of 522 areas in the state. The town is zoned residential. Businesses that meet residential zoning codes are allowed.
Link to Yarrow Point
Launching your business in Kennewick
Kennewick is a city in Benton County in the southeastern part of the State of Washington, along the southwest bank of the Columbia River, just southeast of the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers and across from the confluence of the Columbia and the Snake River.
Link to Kennewick
Launching your business in Richland
Richland is a city in Benton County in the southeastern part of the State of Washington, at the confluence of the Yakima and the Columbia Rivers. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 48,058. July 1, 2017, estimates from the Census Bureau put the city's population at 57,303.
Link to Richland
Launching your business in Benton City
Benton City is a city in Benton County, Washington, United States. The population was 3,038 at the 2010 census. The city shares a school district with the adjacent unincorporated community of Kiona.
Link to Benton City
Launching your business in Prosser
Prosser is a city in and the county seat of Benton County, Washington, United States, along the Yakima River with only one zip code 99350. The population was 5,714 at the 2010 census.
Link to Prosser
Launching your business in West Richland
West Richland is a 22-square-mile city in Benton County, Washington, United States. The population was 11,811 at the 2010 census. The city is located within the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, which is centered on the cities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco.
Link to West Richland
Launching your business in Pasco
Pasco is a city in, and the county seat of, Franklin County, Washington, United States. Pasco is one of three cities that make up the Tri-Cities region of the state of Washington.
Link to Pasco
Launching your business in Connell
Connell is a city in Franklin County, Washington. The population was 4,209 at the 2010 census. The Washington State Office of Financial Management's 2018 estimate placed the population at 5,566.
Link to Connell
Launching your business in Kahlotus
Kahlotus is a city in Franklin County, Washington. The population was 193 at the 2010 census. The Washington State Office of Financial Management's 2015 estimate placed the population at 190.
Launching your business in Mesa
Mesa is a city in Franklin County, Washington. The population was 489 at the 2010 census. The Washington State Office of Financial Management's 2015 estimate placed the population at 488.
Launching your business in Spokane
Spokane is a city in eastern Washington state. It's home to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, which explores the region’s history through exhibits on art, culture and Native American heritage. Next door, Tudor-style Campbell House dates from the early 1900s. Vast Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World's Fair, has a sculpture walk. In the park, a cable car offers views over tumbling Spokane Falls.
Link to Spokane
Link to Spokane business licence
Launching your business in Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States, and the largest suburb of Spokane. It is located east of Spokane, west of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and surrounds the city of Millwood on three sides.
Link to Spokane Valley
Launching your business in Liberty Lake
Liberty Lake is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States located adjacent to the eponymous lake. Located just over a mile west of the Washington–Idaho border, Liberty Lake is both a suburb of Spokane, Washington and a bedroom community to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The population was 7,591 at the 2010 census.
Link to Liberty Lake
Launching your business in Airway Heights
Airway Heights is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States, just west of Spokane. The population was 6,114 at the 2010 census. The city's name was taken from its close proximity to the runways at Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport.
Link to Airway Heights
Launching your business in Cheney
Cheney is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The full-time resident population was 10,590 as of 2010 census. Eastern Washington University is located in Cheney. When classes are in session at EWU, the city's population reaches approximately 17,600 people on a temporary basis.
Link to Cheney
Launching your business in Deer Park
Deer Park is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The population was 3,652 at the 2010 census, up from 3,017 in 2000.
Link to Deer Park
Launching your business in Medical Lake
Medical Lake is a city in Spokane County, eastern Washington, United States. At the 2010 census, the population was 5,060. The city is the site of a psychiatric hospital, Eastern State Hospital, and of Fairchild Air Force Base, two major employers.
Link to Medical Lake
Launching your business in Millwood
Millwood is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,786 at the 2010 census. Millwood is a suburb of Spokane, and is surrounded on three sides by the city of Spokane Valley.
Link to Millwood
Launching your business in Bellingham
Bellingham is the county seat and most populous city of Whatcom County in the state of Washington. Located 52 miles southeast of Vancouver, 90 miles north of Seattle, and 21 miles south of the Canada-US border, Bellingham is in between two major metropolitan areas, Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. The city's population was 80,885 at the 2010 United States Census. With a 2018 population estimate of 90,665 per the Washington State Office of Financial Management, Bellingham is the twelfth-most populous city in the state of Washington.
Link to Bellingham
Link to Bellingham business services
Link to Bellingham business licensing
Launching your business in Blaine
Blaine is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The city's northern boundary is the Canada–US border. The Peace Arch international monument lies partly in Blaine and partly in Canada. The population was 4,684 at the 2010 census.[2] Since Blaine is located right on the border with Canada, it is the northernmost city on Interstate 5, while the southernmost city is San Ysidro, California.
Link to Blaine
Link to Blaine business services
Link to Blaine business licensing
Launching your business in Everson
Everson is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,481 at the 2010 census. Everson is near the foothills of the Cascade mountains in Northwest Washington. Located on the banks of the Nooksack River, the businesses support the surrounding farms and logging industries. The valley is heavily influenced by Dutch settlers who established dairy farms on the fertile flood prone land. Fruit orchards and berry fields also play an important part of the town's economy. The town's small business district provides all the basic services. There are restaurants, a pharmacy and groceries, auto-repair, and agricultural supply stores. The City Park is located a 1/2 block south off the W. Main St. and Riverside Park is on the banks of the Nooksack River featuring picnic tables and ball fields.
Link to Everson
Launching your business in Lynden
Lynden is the second largest city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. Located within the Metropolitan Area of Bellingham. Named and established in 1874 near the site of the Nooksack Indian village Squahalish. Lynden is approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of the Canada–US border, with Lynden-Aldergrove operation and port of entry hours between 8:00 a.m. and midnight. It is also located about 15 miles (24 km) north of Bellingham, and about 95 miles (153 km) north of Seattle. And about 38 miles (61 km) from Vancouver. The population of Lynden is about 14,259 according to the United States Census Bureau. Residents of Lynden are known as "Lyndenites". Lynden is also home to the Northwest Washington Fair.
Link to Lynden
Link to Lynden business licensing
Launching your business in Nooksack
Nooksack is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, close to the border with Canada. The population was 1,338 at the 2010 census. This town shares Nooksack Valley School District with Sumas and Everson. The town is just a handful of buildings built around the highway that runs through it. The post office lost its official status in 1992 (and is now a department of neighboring town, Everson), but still exists across from a small city park. The USPS has since closed the remote office. Other noticeable remains are the two gas stations and several churches. It has no major geographic features except a small creek on the edge of town, near a cemetery containing many old graves.
Link to Nooksack
Link to Nooksack business licensing
Launching your business in Sumas
Sumas is a small town in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,307 at the 2010 census. Sumas is located adjacent to the Canada–US border and borders the city of Abbotsford, British Columbia. The Sumas-Huntingdon port of entry at the north end of State Route 9 operates 24 hours a day. Sumas shares Nooksack Valley School District with the towns of Nooksack and Everson. Sumas is the northernmost settlement on Washington State Route 9 and experiences Astronomical Twilight for 22 days during the months of June and July.
Link to Sumas
Link to Sumas business licensing
Launching your business in Unincorporated Franklin County
Franklin County is a county located in the state of Washington. As of the 2010 census, its population was 78,163. The county seat and largest city is Pasco. The county was formed out of Whitman County on November 28, 1883 and is named for Benjamin Franklin.
Unincorporated Franklin County does not require a county business license other than what is required by the cities and the state. Businesses operating in unicorporated Franklin County are required to have a state business license which can be obtained here: https://bls.dor.wa.gov
Link to Franklin County
Link to Economic Development and Business Assistance
Launching your business in Unincorporated Spokane County
Spokane County is a county located in the state of Washington. As of the 2010 census the population was 471,221, making it the fourth-most populous county in Washington state. The largest city and county seat is Spokane, the second largest city in the state after Seattle.
Unincorporated Spokane County does not require a county business license other than what is required by the cities and the state. Businesses operating in unicorporated Franklin County are required to have a state business license which can be obtained here: https://bls.dor.wa.gov
Link to Spokane County
Link to Spokane Economic Development and Business Assistance
Launching your business in Unincorporated Benton County
Benton County is a county in the south-central portion of the state of Washington. As of the 2010 census, its population was 175,177. The county seat is Prosser, and its largest city is Kennewick. The Columbia River demarcates the county's north, south, and east boundaries.
Unincorporated Benton County does not require a county business license other than what is required by the cities and the state. Businesses operating in Unincorporated Benton County are required to have a state business license which can be obtained here: https://bls.dor.wa.gov
Link to Benton County
Link to Economic Development and Business Assistance
King County Library Services
The King County Library System is a library system serving the residents of King County, Washington, United States. Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, KCLS is currently the busiest library in the United States, circulating 22.4 million items in 2010.
Small Business Resources: At every stage of your business, the library can save you time and money. Whether you’re expanding a thriving business or are still deciding if entrepreneurship is right for you, we’re here to connect you to the people and information you need.
Mid-Columbia Libraries
Mid-Columbia Libraries' 12 branch libraries, Bookmobile, outreach teams, and digital branch provide quality library services to the nearly 241,000 residents of Benton, Franklin, and parts of Adams Counties.
Link to Mid-Columbia Libraries small business services
Spokane County Library
The Spokane County Library District is a separate system made up of 11 libraries serving the residents of unincorporated Spokane County and the affiliated cities and towns of Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Latah, Medical Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Spangle, Spokane Valley, Waverly and Airway Heights.
Link to Spokane County Library small business services