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Minimum wage increase coming in 2026
Increase also changes minimum salary for overtime exempt workers
Washington's minimum wage will rise by 2.8% next year to $17.13 per hour, effective January 1, 2026.
State law requires L&I to calculate the minimum wage for the coming year using the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). L&I compares the CPI-W from August of the previous year to August of the current year to determine if a change is needed. L&I adjusts the minimum wage based on the percentage increase in the CPI-W.
For 2026, all employers must pay overtime exempt workers at least 2.25 times the minimum wage. That means an exempt employee will have to earn at least $1,541.70 a week ($80,168.40 a year).
Click the button below to read the lastest News Release.
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Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises
omwbe.wa.gov
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Virtual Small Business Lending Series Sessions 3 & 4
This series is an on-going effort to address access to capital for small businesses. Connect with small business lenders participating in the Linked Deposit and other loan programs.
Why should you attend?
- Learn about loan programs for your stage in business.
- Access to capital for early-stage businesses and those thinking about starting a business (Session 3).
- Access to capital for established businesses to fund business growth, mobilize new project(s), or stabilize cash flow fluctuations (Session 4).
Join us from:
For more information, contact [email protected].
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2026 Open enrollment is coming, Nov. 1!
Open enrollment is the time to sign up for health and dental insurance on Washington Healthplanfinder™ for the 2026 plan year. Small Business owners can shop, compare and select an individual plan that fits their budget and health care needs.
Monthly savings are available for eligible households and are only available through Washington Healthplanfinder. Customers are encouraged to visit wahealthplanfinder.org or connect with a trusted resource in their community early to learn what savings and plans are available to them.
Small business owners don’t forget to share this information with your employees and ensure they have the coverage they need for 2026!
Questions on how you can support your employees sign up for health coverage? Contact [email protected].
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State Contracting Opportunities & Open House
Our State Contracting Opportunities & Open House is a monthly free training for small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses. Join us to discuss a variety of topics, including:
- Introduction to state contracting
- How to find upcoming contracting opportunities
- Where to get technical assistance
- Where to find additional training
And, of course, we allot time to answer your questions.
Next session:
- Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.
- Virtual via Microsoft Teams | Register Here
We look forward to seeing you. Please share with your networks!
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NEW! UPDATED FEE
Same Day Service Fee for in-person services conducted at our Tumwater office
The Same Day Service Fee of $150 will take effect on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The Same Day Service Fee increased 10/1/2023 per WAC 434-112-080. System limitations delayed implementation of the full increase.
Keeping your business information current
Business owners should update information - such as registered agent details, principal office addresses, and contact emails - whenever changes occur, not only during Annual Report filings. This will ensure you receive important notices promptly and assist in keeping your business in good standing in Washington.
If you need to update your information outside your Annual Report filing period, submit a Statement of Change for Registered Agent updates. If you also need to update the principal office address, file an Amended Annual Report. Both can be filed through our online filing system (CCFS).
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Reporting Bonuses and Lump-Sum Payments to the Division of Child Support
As an employer, you are required to report bonuses and lump-sum payments over $500 to the Division of Child Support if your employee has a current Washington state withholding order that includes a payment amount for past-due support. Lump-sum payments include bonuses, vacation cash-outs, severance, and commissions.
To learn more, visit DCS’s webpage or contact us at [email protected] or 360-664-5338.
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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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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 November 5, 2025 | 1-2 p.m.
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Where: Via Zoom | Register Here
To learn more about upcoming webinars and workshops, click the button below.
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.
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October is Manufacturing Month – a time to recognize the vital role manufacturers play in Washington's economy and communities.
In Washington, manufacturing is more than just production — it’s a cornerstone of our economy:
- The sector contributed an economic output of $68.3 Billion in 2024, comprising 8% of Washington state GDP.
- Nearly 276,000 people work in manufacturing employed by 7K manufacturers, earning on average $114,639 annually, among the highest manufacturing annual earnings in the country.
- Our state is home to a diverse mix of industries, from aerospace and wood products to food processing and advanced manufacturing.
Explore the events for Manufacturing Month by clicking the button below!
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Find Events & Training Opportunities |
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