PLAN your business
Are you considering starting a business?
Starting a business is a big decision. If you’ve never owned a business before, you may be unaware of all the things you need to do to get your business going. Careful planning and research will improve your chances of success.
First, ask yourself - "Why Start a Business?"
Asking and answering this question will help to frame your motivation for everything you will need to do and learn to start a business. Becoming an entrepreneur is not for everyone. In business, there are no guarantees. There is simply no way to eliminate all of the risks. It takes a special person with a strong commitment and specific skills to be successful as an entrepreneur. Understanding what it takes to be entrepreneurial is an important part of preparing yourself for the commitment and workload required to be successful. Are you ready to start your own business? Use the Readiness Assessment Guide to better understand how prepared you are. This guide is designed to help you better understand your readiness for starting a small business. It is not a scientific assessment tool. Rather, it is a tool that will prompt you with questions and assist you in evaluating your skills, characteristics and experience – as they relate to your readiness for starting a business. The Assessment Guide has twenty five questions. Your responses will be evaluated at completion of the questions.
There is also a great quick read provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce with additional assessment tools.
Business training
You don’t need a degree in business to start one, but knowledge is power. Taking classes and attending workshops are excellent ways to gain the knowledge you will need to be successful.
Training Opportunities:
Business planning
Writing a comprehensive business plan is the first step in starting a business. Your business plan will:
- Guide you as you make your business a reality.
- Help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Assist you in preparing financially, whether you plan to fund your business yourself or to obtain outside financing.
- Gain the confidence of others who may have an interest in your business, such as partners, investors, landlords, and suppliers.
The most valuable part of writing a business plan is the education you gain by researching and writing it. While it may be tempting to hire someone to prepare your plan, or to buy an off-the-shelf plan for your type of business, it is in your best interest to do the work yourself. That doesn’t mean you should do it alone. It would be wise to work with mentors, consultants, or advisors through the process. Their guidance can save you a lot of time and effort. Below is a list of organizations that can help as you develop your plan.
A typical business plan includes the following:
1. Mission & vision statements
A mission statement is a brief description of what you do. It helps you and those working with you to stay focused on what’s important. A vision statement answers the question “What do we want to become?” It provides you direction as you make decisions that will impact the future of your business.
2. Business description
Your business description provides the “who, what, when, where” of your business, including the type of business structure, start date, and the location.
Your business structure will be included in this section. A business is a legal entity or a sole proprietorship. 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 best for you. Find legal, tax and business (SCORE, Small Business Development Centers) advisors. Things to consider when making your decision include:
- The number of owners now and in the future.
- The types of owners - such as individuals or entities (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 must 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 (“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.
|
---|
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.
|
---|
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.
|
---|
NOTE: This information is for reference only, for detailed considerations contact your trusted legal or tax advisors.
3. Market analysis
A market analysis will help you determine if there is a need in the marketplace for your product or service, who would be most likely to buy your offerings, and where your customers are located. Include:
- An analysis of your industry.
- Evidence of demand for your product or service.
- A description of your target market (customer profile).
- Your market size (looking at area demographics and the growth of your industry).
- Your competition and why people would choose your product or service over the competition.
- Estimated sales volume and revenue.
- Commerce has a free planner to do initial analysis, SizeUp!
4. Marketing plan
Once you’ve identified your customer, you need to explain how you will get your customers to buy your product or service. Include:
- Your pricing strategy, including the price floor (the price at which you would break even), the price ceiling (the maximum price people would consider paying for your product or service), and your pricing relative to your competition (same, lower, higher).
- Your desired image (in light of your target market) and how to achieve it through advertising, signage, business cards and letterhead, brochures, office/store appearance, your appearance, and other means of outreach.
- Your promotion and advertising strategy to reach your target market (such as use of website, social media, yellow pages, news releases, personal network, cold calls, newspaper, radio, television advertising, direct mail, etc.).
- The costs and timing of your marketing activities.
5. Operations plan
This reflects all the basics of operating your business and includes:
- Your business location. Who owns it? What are the lease terms? What will be required to get it ready with regard to zoning, permitting, construction and tenant improvements?
- Furnishing, fixtures, equipment, and supply needs.
- Inventory. What will you inventory in what volumes? Who will your vendors be? How will you store and track the inventory?
- Description of operation, such as the activities from when an order for products/ services is received through its delivery, the cycles for inventory or materials/supplies purchase, and other cycles inherent to your business.
- Key players and their operational roles in the business (co-owners, managers, advisors).
- Legal needs, insurance needs, and an understanding of your regulatory requirements.
- Recordkeeping and accounting needs (inventory tracking, accounting system, billing method, filing systems, etc.). Who will handle day-to-day accounting? Who will be your business banker? Who will be your business accountant and what services will they provide?
- Consider including a section on emergency preparedness. Unexpected natural and human caused events could damage or destroy your business and its records. Prepare a plan in advance.
- Another good planning tool designed specifically for small businesses can be found on Commerce’s small business site.
6. Personnel plan
Most new businesses start small and grow. When you do hire, having employees with the right attributes and skills for your business will be very important to your success. There are resources to help you with employment planning, including Labor Market Information.
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. Generally, state and federal law would require that an individual be treated as an employee unless the individual:
- Is truly in business for himself or herself.
- Is licensed and actively markets his or her services.
- Has multiple clients/customers.
- Is performing work that is outside the business’s normal activities.
Being an employer also requires you to keep detailed records and fulfill your tax reporting obligations. It is important that you understand the regulations and costs as you plan your business. The links below can help you understand your responsibilities.
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.
Include in your Personnel Plan:
- Positions needed and when.
- Whether employees are permanent or temporary. If temporary, whether you’ll employ them directly or use an outside agency.
- Job descriptions and skill needs.
- Training requirements.
- Compensation and benefits.
- Personnel policies.
7. Employee benefits
Health Insurance
Offering benefits, such as health insurance, can help you attract and retain good employees. When looking for a health plan for yourself or your employees, it is important to know your goals for providing health coverage. For example, do you wish to contribute to your employees’ monthly health premiums, or do you want to support your employees in finding their own coverage? Whatever your goals or resources may be, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange can help you and/or your employees learn about your options.
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange operates the state’s official online health insurance marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder.
On Washington Healthplanfinder, employers and employees can:
- Shop, compare and sign up for individual health and dental plans.
- Get exclusive access to federal tax credits to lower monthly costs.
- Apply for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).
Wondering what your options are? Employers and/or employees can submit a no obligation application on Washington Healthplanfinder to see the individual plans and tax credits available to them.
Enrollment Times
You and/or your employees can enroll in individual plans during open enrollment (starting Nov. 1) for the following coverage year. If trying to enroll outside of open enrollment, individuals need a qualifying life event. Examples of qualifying life events are loss of employer coverage, addition to your family, permanent move to WA state, (see full list of qualifying life events). Qualifying life events must be reported within 60 days of when the life event occurred.
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) is available to those who qualify year-round (i.e. does not require a special enrollment period).
Group Plans and More
Looking to support your employees by providing or subsidizing their health coverage? Certified brokers at our Enrollment Centers can help you compare group plan options, health reimbursement accounts and health savings account options.
Need Help
Our certified brokers can help you and your employees free of charge understand your coverage options, the financial assistance available and even help you apply for coverage.
To learn more about your coverage options or to be connected to a broker, email smallbusiness@wahbexchange.org.
8. Financing plan
Projections:
You need to have a well-researched estimate of the start-up and operating costs of your business. You also need to have a realistic expectation of the amount of money your business will bring in. These projections will help you prepare financially for starting your business, whether you finance the business yourself or seek outside loans or investors.
Include projections of:
- Start-up costs. Determine how much start-up money you’ll need for facilities, equipment, furnishings, fixtures, supplies, signage, licenses and permits, advisors, etc. Include all costs necessary to execute your business plan.
- Monthly cash flow projection. A cash flow projection is effectively your budget. You should budget at least 24 months at a high level of detail, showing the amounts and timing of cash flowing into and out of the business. Together, start-up costs and cash flow projection will show the total funds needed for the business to reach the point of sustainability (when it can pay for itself).
- Projected profit & loss statements (P&Ls) for at least two years. P&Ls, also called income statements, show a picture of the business using the equation:
Revenues - Expenses = Profit (or Loss)
- Projected balance sheets for the start of the business, the end of year one and the end of year two. Balance sheets show a picture of the business using the equation:
Assets - Liabilities = Net Worth (or Equity)
Financing:
Once you know how much money your business will require to reach the point where it can begin supporting itself, you can determine how to get the needed funds.
- Potential sources of funding include owner savings, friends, family and other private lenders, business partners, credit cards, business loans, public stock offerings, etc. Not all of these sources may be appropriate for you and your business.
- Although you may have heard rumors that there are grants to start businesses, it is generally not true. Only in very specific situations are grants provided for starting a business; an example would be scientific research and development that is needed by federal agencies. The Department of Commerce has a free guide outlining 27 strategies for raising business capital called Startup Wisdom.
- Business loans typically require the “5Cs”:
- Capital/Cash – the owner’s cash investment. Owners usually must bring 25-30% of the funds needed to start a new business.
- Capacity/Cash Flow – evidence that the business owner has the ability to start and run the business successfully. The owner’s industry experience, business training and management experience, in combination with a well-developed business plan, will help establish capacity. The cash flow projection is critical here, and it needs to show the ability of the business to meet its financial obligations, including making loan payments.
- Collateral – something of value to pledge. Typically collateral includes business property, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, and inventory, plus owner assets outside of the business (real estate, stock, etc.).
- Character – confidence that the owner takes responsibilities seriously, as demonstrated, in part, through the owner’s credit history.
- Conditions – confidence that the overall environment (economy, industry trends, and market forces) supports the business’s potential for success.
- The act of seeking investors and private lenders is highly regulated and requires an understanding of securities laws.
- If you can’t finance your business at the level you first planned, think of ways you might scale back your plans, such as start smaller, buy fewer supplies/equipment, lease equipment or buy used equipment, hire fewer employees, find a less expensive location, etc. Be aware that changes you make on the expense side will likely also affect your revenue projections.
- Go to these websites for assistance with business financing:
9. 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.
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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.
Planning to start 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.
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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
Planning to start 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.
Link to King County Library small business resources
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