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BizFair is the essential event for current and aspiring small business owners! It is the longest-running small business fair in Washington State, organized by government and nonprofit organizations, and it’s always free and open to all.
The Web-Based Services Portal is Officially Live!
After years of development, the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) expanded its online Portal with new features, making most of LCB’s licensing services accessible online. These changes will improve and streamline business interactions with LCB.
What will the Portal do?
- Track your application status and submit documentation for pending applications, including packaging and labeling approvals.
- Pay fees online using a credit or debit card.
- Existing licensees can request changes to their licenses, including adding endorsements or making modifications.
As a first-time Portal user, you will need to register for a Portal account and have a Secure Access Washington Account (SAW). Instructions for registration are found in the LCB Portal Registration Guide.
For more information, guidance, and tools, please click the button below to access Portal resources.
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Office of Minority & Women's
Business Enterprises
omwbe.wa.gov
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LGBTQ Certification Public Hearing
The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) is preparing to launch Washington state's first ever LGBTQ certification program for small businesses! This new program will go live on July 1, 2025. In order to implement LGBTQ Certification, OMWBE is proposing a rule change and must gather comment via a public hearing.
To learn more and provide feedback, register for the public hearing today.
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When: Thursday, May 29, 2024 • 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
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Where: Virtual on MS Teams Webinar - Register Here
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Construction Contractors Beware!
Scammers posing as L&I to take your money
Construction contractors are reporting fraudsters claiming to be from L&I or the state of Washington are demanding they pay money over the phone to ensure their contractor registration remains valid.
The scammers imply that the contractors’ registration is suspended, and that paying a $50 fee will reinstate their license. But the callers are not from L&I or the state, and the money will not go to L&I.
L&I never calls contractors over the phone asking for payment to reinstate contractor registration.
L&I has received reports of this and similar scams for several years. If you get one of these calls, hang up immediately. If you receive a text or email with a similar message, don’t open it.
Contractors can check the status of their registration at Lni.wa.gov/Verify. If you have questions, email Contractor Registration at [email protected] or call 1-800-647-0982.
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Washington EDGE is Live—Learn How To Apply!
The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is excited to announce the launch of the Washington Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE) pilot program! This new initiative is designed to support small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses by providing access to training, resources, and networking opportunities to help them succeed in public works contracts with the state. By creating an inclusive economy, Washington EDGE helps businesses grow and thrive in our state.
Click the button below to learn more and apply today!
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Businesses That File Their State Taxes Annually
Reminder - Your excise tax return is due April 15!
We have resources to help you:
Even if you did NOT have business activity during the year, you still need to file by April 15. Please complete one of three easy options for filing a no business return.
Understanding Property Taxes
Property tax is the oldest tax levied in the state of Washington, and it’s also one of the more difficult to understand. Property taxes are essential for funding local services such as fire protection, libraries, parks and recreation, and public schools.
Learn the basics of property taxes:
Watch our Understanding Property Tax Video (3:30)
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Who Sent This Notice?
Have you received a notice regarding your business entity, but are unsure if it is from the Secretary of State?
Our office receives a high volume of callers who receive text messages, phones calls, emails, and mailed letters from third-party companies.
- Our website has a Misleading Notices and Solicitations page dedicated to informing you of the third-party notices located here.
- For tips on how to verify the notice and what to do when it is a notice from our office click here.
How Notifications are Sent & When to Expect Them
Our office sends notifications via email or postal mail to the address on record for the Registered Agent and Principal Office. If there is no email address on record, notifications will be sent by postal mail to the Registered Agent's mailing address. If the Registered Agent has resigned, notifications will be sent to the Principal Office mailing address.
Timely reporting is your business entity's lifeline against dissolution.
ANNUAL REPORT DUE DATE: Notification is sent on the 1st of the month before the anniversary month (about 60 days before the due date).
DELINQUENCY: Issued on the 1st of the month following the expiration date if the report hasn’t been filed. Note: Filing will only take effect once processed by our office.
ADMINISTRATIVE DISSOLUTION: For domestic entities, this occurs 120 days past the expiration date if no report is filed, issued on the 3rd of the month.
STATEMENT OF TERMINATION: For foreign entities, this is issued 90 days past the expiration date if no report is filed, also on the 3rd of the month.
Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Update
Effective March 26, 2025: The Beneficial Ownership Information Report is no longer required for domestic reporting companies. For additional details, please visit the FinCEN website: FinCEN.gov/boi.
Note: Foreign companies that must report their beneficial ownership information have at least an additional 30 days from the publication date of Interim Rule 2025-05199.pdf.
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Together, We Can Bridge The Digital Divide!
Digital Equity means ensuring everyone in Washington has access to fast affordable internet, devices, and digital skills.
Do you have a business or organization that is working to reduce barriers to local internet access and tech tools? Does your organization teach digital skills to employees, job seekers, or the public - like how to fill out online timesheets or how to use business software and AI?
Meet collaborators, share your story, and coordinate local resource development during virtual meetings.
Regional Digital Equity Coordination Sessions:
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When: Every Thursday • 3 PM - 4:30 PM • March 27 - May 22, 2024
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Where: Via Zoom • Register Here
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 Does Your Business Struggle With Food Safety Compliance?
Staying updated on regulations for human and animal food is essential. Our experienced food processing specialists provide valuable solutions for food manufacturers, including gap analysis, food safety program development, product and process guidance, and cost savings.
Learn more about Impact Washington's Food Safety & Processing Solutions and how we can help you work towards compliance.
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Small Business Resources & Requirements
Free Workshops
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The Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) is a partnership of 29 state agencies working to improve access to regulatory information, education, and agency resources for business communities across the state of Washington.
The Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR) free workshops provide vital information on regulatory requirements, state permits, business structures, employee hiring and retention, and available resources to help businesses grow and thrive.
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Navigating Success : A Business Growth & Networking Forum
In collaboration with the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, City of Shoreline, and Washington Small Business Development Center we invite you to the 2nd Annual Navigating Success Business Forum. This event offers practical strategies, financial insights, and leadership tools through expert discussions, hands-on workshops, and valuable networking to help attendees overcome challenges and embrace opportunities.
Workshop Details:
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When: Thursday, May 22, 2025 • 4 PM - 9 PM
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Where: Shoreline City Hall at 17500 Midvale Avenue N. Shoreline, WA
- Register Here
Starting a Business in Washington • Live Webinar
Join this free, one-hour webinar to gain essential knowledge for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration, and licensing requirements. You'll also connect with members of the Small Business Liaison Team, your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of regulatory requirements and enhancing your business practices.
Webinar Details:
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When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 • 1:00 PM
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Where: Via Zoom • Register Here
The Small Business Guide
The Small Business Guide is broken into six sections, based on your stage of business. Whether you’re launching a new business, managing an existing one, or looking to expand, you’ll discover valuable information and resources here. The guide offers essential details, links to important resources, and a clear outline of the steps needed to start and run a business in Washington State.
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The Small Business Guide is now available in the following languages:
English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Samoan, Somali, and Tagalog, Ukrainian, and two volumes in Braille Ready Format Braille - Volume 1 and Braille - Volume 2.
Where Regulatory Support Meets Exceptional Service!
The ORIA Information Center serves as a customer service hub that offers information and support regarding regulations and requirements from multiple agencies. Our team works closely with regulatory consultants and the small business liaison team to provide customized solutions, current regulatory information, and outstanding customer service. Let us do the research for you!
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 Día del Fundador Latino / Latino Founder Day
Te invitamos a atender al Día del Fundador Latino el jueves 17 de abril. Este evento GRATUITO ofrece educación, presentadores y recursos para los emprendedores latinos principiantes, los ya establecidos y para los que quieren expandir su negocio.
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We want you to attend Día del Fundador Latino on Thursday, April 17. This FREE event offers education, speakers, and resources for Latino entrepreneurs to start, grow, or expand their business.
Please check the event flyer for important information:
A New SBA Initiative to Help You Prepare for a Small Business Loan
Are you an entrepreneur looking for funding to grow or expand your small business? Join the SBA Seattle District for a two-part, in-person event created to help you prepare your small business loan application and connect with local SBA lenders to discuss your funding needs.
This two-part series is designed for entrepreneurs that have an established business in operation for at least two years.
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