GROW your business
Do you want to expand your business?
Expanding a business can require many different things, including money, employees, new locations, and new markets.
1. Money
Money can come in the form of loans, invested capital, tax incentives, bonds and other forms. For one-on-one assistance to discuss financing options, consider meeting with a Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Centers, or SCORE advisor (free and confidential). For general financial information, see the following links:
Loans:
There are a variety of business lenders. “SBA loans” are actually loans made through commercial banks and credit unions that are guaranteed by the federal government, in this case the U.S. Small Business Administration. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has business loan guarantee programs that are handled similarly.
Business loans typically require the “5Cs”:
Before lending money, reputable financial institutions will want to know that certain conditions are met, frequently referred to as the 5Cs:
- Capital/Cash – This is the owner’s cash investment. Typically, owners are expected to bring 25-30% of a new business’s start-up costs. With an expansion loan for an established business, owners are typically expected to show equity in the business equaling at least 25% of the loan amount, or to bring in additional cash so that the sum of the added cash and the equity will total at least 25%.
- 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. For existing businesses, the firm’s financial records will be important for demonstrating profitable operations and good financial management. A cash flow projection is typically for both new and established businesses. The projections need to show the ability of the business to meet its financial obligations, including making loan payments, and to withstand unexpected events.
- Collateral – The owner needs to pledge something of value. Typically collateral includes business property, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, and inventory, plus owner assets outside of the business (real estate, stock, etc.).
- Character – The lender will want evidence that the owner takes responsibility seriously. This is partially demonstrated through the owner’s credit history.
- Conditions – The lender will also want to see the overall environment (economy, industry trends, and market forces) supports the business’s potential for success.
Business Lenders:
Investment Capital: Many businesses grow using funds from investors. The word “investor” implies that the individual or group has partial ownership of the business. The act of securing investors and private lenders, whether family members, friends or strangers, is highly regulated and requires an understanding of securities laws.
Below are some groups in Washington that connect investors with entrepreneurs. There is a comprehensive list of resources on the Startup website.
Washington State offers limited financial assistance in the form of grants and loans, bonds, incentives and tax exemptions for some industries.
Grants are available for small businesses to help cover the costs of hiring temporary employees when a member of your team uses Paid Family and Medical Leave. To be eligible for these grants, your business must average 150 or fewer employees. Businesses that average fewer than 50 employees must pay the employer portion of the premiums to be eligible.
Businesses certified as Woman or Minority Owned Businesses are eligible for the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) Linked Deposit Program. This program grants certified businesses access to affordable capital with an interest reduction of up to 2% through participating lenders. Veteran and Service Member Owned Businesses are eligible for the Veteran Linked Deposit Program.
2. Employees
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.
Providing employee benefits, such as health insurance, can help a business owner recruit talented employees and keep valuable ones. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange offers resources to help you learn about individual health coverage options and/or can connect you with a certified broker to help you find the right plan for your business. (See 7. Employee Benefits - Health Insurance in the Plan Your Business section for details)
In addition, offering employees options for Retirement Savings keeps your business competitive, may provide you with tax incentives, and is easy and affordable to set up through the Retirement Marketplace.
There are also programs to help you find and train qualified employees:
If you’re hiring your first employees, you’ll need to re-file your Business License Application with the State. Once you’ve filed your business license, the Employment Security Department will set up your state unemployment tax account, and the Department of Labor & Industries creates your workers’ compensation insurance account and issues 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 of significant regulation, including minimum wage, overtime pay, employment of minors and family members, workplace safety, nondiscrimination, etc.
If you are facing a temporary decline in business, the SharedWork Program offers you an alternative to laying off workers. Instead, you can reduce the work hours of your permanent employees and the workers can collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages
A frequently misunderstood area involves the use of independent contractors. 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 the business’ normal activities, chances are state and federal law would 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 the 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.
3. New locations
Choosing new locations requires that you consider many factors: market desirability, zoning, build-out costs, on-going occupancy costs, access to infrastructure and services, access to qualified employees, etc. Below are tools that will help you make an informed decision.
4. New markets
General market expansion assistance: Whether you’re considering expansion through new products or services, new customer groups, or new marketing methods, conducting demographic and other types of research prior to moving forward can help you make better and more cost-effective decisions. Do you want assistance with research or development of an expanded marketing plan?
Export assistance: Do you want to sell products or services to customers outside of the U.S.?
Government contracting assistance: Do you want to sell products or services to federal, state or local government agencies?
- PTAC Program (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) – Offers training and no-cost advising.
- WEBS system (Washington Electronic Business Solution Resource Center) – Allows businesses to register for free, to view and download public procurement invitations for qualifications and bids. The registration process includes self-certification for qualifying Washington Small Businesses and an opportunity to request Washington state veteran business certification.
- Diversity Supplier – Let the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) help you succeed in your small business as a Diversity Supplier. Your business may be eligible if you are a licensed small business owner and one or more of the following applies to your business: minority owned; women owned; veteran owned; or disadvantaged small business enterprise.
- Prevailing Wage Requirements – Are standard for construction-related contracts, paid for with public funds (all or in part). Public works contractors are required to pay employees at or above the “prevailing wage” that has been established through formal government surveys. Employers must also meet special reporting requirements.
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Advisors offer one-on-one, no-cost advising.
- Native Procurement Technical Assistance Center (Native PTAC) – helps Native firms with federal, Tribe, state, and local government contracting through one-to-one assistance with government certifications and registrations, classes and workshops, bid match opportunities, interpretation of solicitations, bid/proposal reviews, marketing advice, and contract performance support for designated socio-economic programs.
The Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies small businesses owned and controlled by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged persons. Certified businesses have an increased visibility and access to state contracting and procurement opportunities. You can apply for state certification, federal certification, or both. You will need federal certification if you plan to do business on a project funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
MBE – Minority Business Enterprise
WBE – Woman Business Enterprise
MWBE – Minority Women Business Enterprise
CBE – Combination Business Enterprise
SEDBE – Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
OMWBE Certification
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs wants to thank you for your service to our country. We are committed to providing you with the information you need and invite you to e-mail or call if you or someone you know needs assistance. If you are also a business owner, you should know that Washington State agencies purchase from Veteran or Service-member Owned Businesses. By linking the WDVA Certified Veteran and Service-member Owned Business list to WEBS, state agencies will now have a way to identify WDVA Certified Businesses AND keep track of how they’re doing toward their purchasing goals. The Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs has teamed up to streamline the registration and certification process for vendors who want to do business with Washington State agencies and municipalities.
Veteran Owned Business Certification
5. Regulatory compliance
Growing a business may lead to new regulatory requirements. Review the “START” and “RUN” chapters of the Small Business Guide to see if additional regulations may apply due to the nature of the changes in your business.
6. We wish you success!
Growing a business brings with it rewards, both personal and financial. Planning growth carefully and taking advantage of resources and assistance will help increase your opportunities for success.
7. 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.
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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.
Growing 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.
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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
Growing 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.
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