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No cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance in all aspects of selling to federal, state, and local governments.

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This is a road map for opening a business in the state of Washington. There are eight steps in the road map but not all of them will apply to your business. We recommend you read through all steps in this road map before applying for your business license. You can download the Road Map as a PDF file if you prefer that format.

Here are the 8 steps:

1. Research and make a plan;
2. Register your business with the Secretary of State (SOS);
3. License your business with the Department of Revenue (DOR);
4. Report your new employees to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS);
5. Apply for a Reseller Permit with the Department of Revenue (DOR);
6. Register as a contractor with Department of Labor & Industries (L&I);
7. Contact your local health department for food handling requirements; and
8. Check with your City and/or County for their requirements.

Start here to see what's involved in each step

The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.

Get Verified to do Business with VA

Get verified through the Vets First Verification Program to participate in the Veterans First Contracting Program for VA set-asides and sole-source contracts for SDVOSBs and VOSBs.

The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises is charged with certifying small, minority and women-owned businesses to facilitate their participation in public contracting and procurement. This is accomplished through a comprehensive certification process and education. The outcome - successful small businesses led by minorities, women and veterans help make our economy and our families more resilient, strengthening our communities and improving the quality of life for all Washingtonians.

The Small Business Guides provides helpful information, links to valuable resources, and outlines the steps for starting and operating a business in Washington state. The Small Business Guide is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese.

The Business Guide includes sections that will help you plan, run, grow, or close a business in Washington State.