Resources

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.

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 Veteran’s Incubator for Better Entrepreneurship (VIBE) provides military veterans, and military spouses the education, resources, and supportive environment to use their natural inclinations and skills to innovate and create their own professional lanes through entrepreneurship. VIBE, taps into several Washington regional assets—motivated veterans, a supportive community, a university setting—with the goal of supporting students as they learn about entrepreneurship and turn their ideas into viable businesses.

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 Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is a nine-member council supported by a cabinet-level state agency. By statute, the Council provides strategic planning, oversight, advocacy, and program administration to support increased student success and higher levels of educational attainment in Washington.