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• September 2024 •





Small Business Regulatory Roundtable

Small Business Regulatory Roundtable [ [link removed] ]

Join Us For One Last Stop This Summer!

*Hosted in partnership with the Port of Grays Harbor [ [link removed] ]*

In June, we began a tour across Washington to get public feedback on how to make state government—its regulatory policies and systems—work better for small businesses. In the past few months, we have made stops in Spokane, Yakima, Mount Vernon, Seattle, Longview, and Aberdeen. This next stop at the Port of Grays Harbor Commission Chamber will be our final stop for the summer.


* Complete this short survey [ [link removed] ] to provide valuable feedback about your regulatory concerns by Sept. 20th.
* Sept. 25, 2024, 6-8 pm • Port of Grays Harbor Commission Chamber
* Register Here [ [link removed] ]

*To learn more about the roundtables, click the button below.*

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Washington Office of the Secretary of State Corporations and Charities Division [ [link removed] ]

*Have You Filed Your Beneficial Ownership Information Report?*

Effective the first of the year, most business entities registered with the Corporations & Charities Division must report information about the individuals who own or control their company to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), "unless they meet one of the exceptions". [ [link removed] ]

*New businesses must report within 90 days* of formation and those *formed before January 1, 2024, have until January 1, 2025,* to file their report.

*Helpful resources for small businesses:*


* Review their Frequently Asked Questions [ [link removed] ] for helpful tips.
* The Small Entity Compliance Guide [ [link removed] ] is available in multiple languages.
* Watch a five-minute video demo: "How to File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report" [ [link removed] ]"."
* File your initial report [ [link removed] ] and keep a confirmation for your records.
* For assistance, contact their Regulatory Hotline at 800-767-2825 OR complete this form [ [link removed] ].

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BizFair Register Now [ [link removed] ]

BizFair is THE event that all current and aspiring small business owners should attend! The longest running all government and nonprofit-run small business fair in Washington State, BizFair is always FREE to attend and open to everyone.

*Register Here* [ [link removed] ]






Washington state Dept. of Revenue [ [link removed] ]

*Wildfire Tax Relief Resources Available* 

The Washington State Department of Revenue is offering help to businesses and property owners [ [link removed] ] impacted by recent wildfires in Washington state. 

Businesses affected by the fires could qualify for a filling extension and penalty waiver. In addition to these resources, qualified businesses can request: 


* An application for credit for damaged timber for forest taxes. 
* Reschedule of a planned audit. 
* A waiver of penalties for qualified businesses unable to renew their business license timely. 
* An extension of its expiring resellers permit. 

Tax relief resources are also available for property owners whose properties were damaged or destroyed by the fires. Property owners are encouraged to apply to their County Assessor [ [link removed] ] to reduce the taxable value of the properties.  

For questions, please contact customer service [ [link removed] ] at 360-705-6705. 

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Unclaimed Property

What Would You Do With Found Money?

*Did you know?* 

Businesses and organizations are required to review their records annually to determine if they are holding any property belonging to another. If you have uncashed checks (including payroll) or unused credits and have not been able to return the property to the rightful owner, you have unclaimed property that needs reported to Department of Revenue.    


* Annual Reports are due for most businesses on October 31. Insurance company reports are due on April 30. Penalties and interest apply for late reporting.   
* We offer several types of online workshops designed to help your organization report unclaimed property. Click here [ [link removed] ] to register for a free workshop.     

For more information about reporting or to look for unclaimed property that may belong to you or your business, click the button below to learn more.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]






Washington state Office for Minority and Women's Business Enterprises [ [link removed] ]

LLC Owners: Beneficial Owner Information E-File Workshop

This hands-on workshop will help LLC business owners comply with federal requirements by providing guidance on accurately completing and submitting their BOI.

*Why attend?*


* *Avoid Penalties *- Failure to file can result in significant fines and jeopardize your LLC's standing.
* *Stay Compliant* - Meet federal requirements with expert guidance.
* *Hands-On Support* - Receive direct assistance in e-filing your report. Attendees are welcome to bring their own devices. Please bring photo identification for electronic filing.

*When?*


* Date: September 18, 2024
* Time: 4-5 pm (English) and 6-7 pm (Spanish)
* Location: OIC-Training Center, 815 Fruitvale Blvd, Yakima, WA 98902

*Register Here* [ [link removed] ]






Washington state Department of Social and Health Services

*Reporting of Bonus and Lump-Sum Payments*

*Timely Reporting Is Making a Difference In Children’s Lives*

It’s been just over a year since HB 1262 [ [link removed] ] went into effect, requiring employers to report bonuses and lump-sum payments more than $500 to DSHS’ Division of Child Support. Since then, DCS has seen a three-fold increase in the amount of payments from bonuses and lump sums. This increase in employer collections has not only helped numerous families across the state, it has also helped pay down or pay off many employees’ past-due child support debts.

This law applies only to employees with a current Washington state Income Withholding Order that includes a payment amount for past-due child support. Bonuses and lump-sum payments include bonuses, cash service awards, commissions, performance bonuses, retroactive pay increases, severance, sign-on bonuses and vacation/holiday cash-out options, etc.


* Report the information by emailing DCS at [email protected], calling DCS at 360-664-5338, or through the federal Office of Child Support Services’ online portal [ [link removed] ]. DCS will let you know within 14 days if and how much you should withhold from the lump sum or bonus.
* For more details about the reporting requirements, visit DCS’s webpage. [ [link removed] ]
* For questions, contact DCS’s Employer Relations Team via phone at 800-562-0479 or via email at [email protected].

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*We Need Your Feedback!*

*Proposed Changes to Self-Employed Worker Reporting*

The Division of Child Support [ [link removed] ] is considering proposing changes to introduce mandatory reporting of freelance and self-employed workers to Washington state, and we are asking for your feedback on our proposal (also known as agency request legislation). 

DCS’s proposal would require those doing business in Washington state who retain the services of or provide a platform for self-employed workers to report that arrangement to DCS. 

This is a draft concept that still has several steps before it will be approved to be introduced as legislation for the 2025 Washington state legislative session.  

*To learn more about the proposal and provide feedback, click the button below.  *

*Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!*

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]






Washington state Dept. of Commerce [ [link removed] ]

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Startup Washington New Loan Programs to Grow Your Small Business [ [link removed] ]

Are You a Very Small Business In An Underserved Area?

Learn About New Loan Programs Made Just With You In Mind!

Commerce’s new loan products were made possible by $163.4 million in funds provided through the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). This program aims to promote entrepreneurship, support small business ownership, and increase the flow of capital in underserved communities. A portion of all program funding is targeted towards Very Small Businesses (VSB) and businesses owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI).

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Startup Washington ScaleUp Business Training [ [link removed] ]
Scale Up

Business Training

ScaleUp offers the tools you need to create new sources of revenue, and help you work ON your business rather than IN your business. Classes begin this month.

This program which normally costs $1,599 is currently provided at no cost to Washington State businesses through June 30, 2025, thanks to ongoing support from the Department of Commerce.

*Click here [ [link removed] ] to learn more! *


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Ampliar la

formación empresarial

ScaleUp enseña herramientas para nuevas fuentes de ingresos y le ayuda a trabajar EN su negocio en lugar de EN su negocio. Las clases comienzan en septiembre.  

Este programa, que normalmente cuesta $1599, se ofrece actualmente sin costo para las empresas del estado de Washington hosa el 30 de junio de 2025, gracias al apoyo continuo del Departamento de Comercio.

Para saber más haga clic aquí [ [link removed] ]
Startup Washington Scalup Classes En Espanol Sept [ [link removed] ]





Washington Dept of Enterprise Services Procurement Connect Event [ [link removed] ]

*Join Us for Washington Procurement Connect!*

The Department of Enterprise Services’ (DES) mission is to strengthen the business of Washington state government for a just and sustainable future.

"View a video message" [ [link removed] ] from the Director of DES, Tara Smith, personally inviting you to join them for their first Washington Procurement Connect!


* Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 7:30am - 4:00pm
* Greater Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402
* Register Here [ [link removed] ]

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]






Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance

Small Business Requirements and Resources [ [link removed] ]

Small Business Requirements & Resources

The Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR) are free workshops providing you with essential information and resources to help start and grow your business.

Outreach events are sponsored by the Small Business Liaison Team and hosted by local partners. 

*Starting a Business in Washington • Live Webinar*


* Tuesday, October 8, 2024 4:00 pm - Register Here [ [link removed] ]
* Thursday, December 5, 2024 2:00 pm - Register Here [ [link removed] ]

*Small Business Requirements and Resource • In Person Workshops*

These in-person workshops are designed to help business owners navigate the world of small business resources and state regulations. Whether you're just starting out or growing your business, this workshop is for you!  Learn, connect, and build relationships from experts in the field.


* October 16, 2024 • Okanogan • Español/English
* October 17, 2024 • Okanogan • Español /English
* October 29 & 31, 2024 • Wenatchee • English (TBD)
* October 30, 2024 • Wenatchee • Español (TBD)
* November 12, 2024 • Skagit Valley College • English
* November 13, 2024 • Skagit Valley College • Español

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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*The ORIA Information Center Team*

*Let us do the research for you!*

We offer an experienced team familiar with owning a small business, working for regulatory agencies, and ready to connect you with reliable information and valuable resources. 


* Our service is free!
* Contact the IC Team at 800-917-0043 or email [email protected] or click the link below for live chat or text.

*Contact the IC Team* [ [link removed] ]


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Road Map [ [link removed] ]
*The Small Business Guide*

The Small Business Guide [ [link removed] ] is broken into six sections, based on your stage of business and the kind of information you need.

*Plan* [ [link removed] ] - If you’ve never owned a business before, you may be unaware of all the things you need to get your business going.  Careful planning and research will improve your chances of success.

*Start* [ [link removed] ] - Once you have a basic business plan in place, it is time to register your business.  Obtain the required licenses and permits needed for your business location and type of activities.

*Payroll* [ [link removed] ] - Hiring employees for the first time? Employers have a legal responsibility to comply with local, state, and federal labor laws and payroll taxes.

*Open* [ [link removed] ]* - *Is your business registered in another state and would like to operate in Washington? Learn about out-of-state business reporting thresholds, nexus, and registration requirements.

*Run* [ [link removed] ] - Keep your business in compliance.  You must take certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business active and in good standing. These requirements vary for each business, based on your activities, locations, and employees.

*Grow* [ [link removed] ] - For established businesses seeking opportunities to grow their business beyond their current model. Expanding a business can require many different things, including money, employees, new locations, and new markets.

*Close* [ [link removed] ] - People close their businesses for many different reasons.  A practical guide for creating an exit strategy plan. 



*The Small Business Guide (pdf) is now available in the following languages:*

English [ [link removed] ], Spanish [ [link removed] ], Russian [ [link removed] ], Korean [ [link removed] ], Vietnamese [ [link removed] ], Samoan [ [link removed] ], Somali [ [link removed] ], and Tagalog [ [link removed] ], and as two volumes in Braille Ready Format Braille - Volume 1 [ [link removed] ] and Braille - Volume 2 [ [link removed] ].






• Training • Workshops • Events • Webinars •

* Women's Business Center  [ [link removed] ]
* SCORE [ [link removed] ]
* SBA [ [link removed] ]
* WSBDC [ [link removed] ]
* Dept. of Enterprise Services [ [link removed] ] 
* Dept. of Labor & Industries [ [link removed] ]
* Dept. of Revenue [ [link removed] ]
* Office of Minority's & Women's Business Enterprises [ [link removed] ]





Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance [ [link removed] ]






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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of the Governor / Office of Financial Management · PO Box 40002 · Olympia, WA · 98504-0002 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]