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New Changes to Workers' Pay & Safety Requirements
A round of changes affecting Washington workers’ pay and improving workplace safety takes effect January 1, 2026.
Minimum wage increase
- State minimum wage rises to $17.13 an hour. Employers may pay 85% of the minimum wage ($14.56/hour) to 14- and 15-year-old workers. Several localities have higher minimum wages.
New tower crane safety requirements
- Prime contractors must obtain a permit and follow manufacturers’ instructions for the operation, assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration of a tower crane.
Learn more about NEW 2026 updates to overtime-exempt employees, rideshare drivers, non-compete thresholds and more.
Discover essential services and guidance at the Small Business Office.
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Do Your Cosmetic Products Contain Restricted Chemicals?
How businesses can prepare for 2026
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, salons, retailers, and distributors with older stock will need to:
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Know which products are covered by the law. “Cosmetics” are products used on the human body to cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness, or alter appearance. Examples include shampoo, lotion, body wash, deodorant, nail polish, and makeup.
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Remove products with restricted chemicals from shelves. To check for restricted chemicals, read the ingredient list, review Safety Data Sheets, ask the manufacturer, or have a lab test the product.
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Decide whether to dispose of the products or redistribute them outside Washington. Products with restricted chemicals cannot be donated.
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Determine if products for disposal are considered “dangerous waste” under Washington law. If so, they may need to be disposed of differently than simply tossing them in the garbage.
More information
Guides to Start Reducing Food Waste in Restaurants
Reducing waste pays off—businesses save an average of $7 for every $1 they invest each year.
Check out the information below to start learning how your business can save money.
Learn more about Ecology’s Use Food Well program.
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Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises
omwbe.wa.gov
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Kirkland Certified for Success Workshop
The City of Kirkland and the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) are partnering on two FREE workshops for businesses on certification and contracting with Kirkland a beyond.
View the event flyer: Certified for Success
Session #1
Session #2
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When: Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 10 - 11 a.m.
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Where: Virtual | Register on Zoom
Yakima BizConnect Meet & Greet Workshop
Kick off your 2026 business journey with us!
What to expect:
- Meet the BizConnect hosts from OMWBE & YCDA
- Get a sneak peek at upcoming workshops & speakers
- Connect with local organizations & agencies
- Network and build relationships for your 2026 business goals
When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM | In-person & Virtual (Zoom available)
Questions or RSVP: Lara Cantero at 360-489-7635 or [email protected].
Yakima Conexión Empresarial: Conocer y Saludar
¡Comience su trayectoria empresarial en 2026 con nosotros!
Qué puede esperar:
- Conocer a los anfitriones de Conexión Empresarial de OMWBE y YCDA
- Adelanto de próximos talleres y ponentes
- Conectar con organizaciones y agencias locales
- Crear conexiones para fortalecer su negocio en 2026
Miércoles, 21 de enero de 2026 a las 5:30 PM | Presencial y Virtual (Zoom disponible)
Más información o confirmar asistencia: Comuníquese con Lara Cantero al 360-489-7635 or [email protected].
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The largest business-to-government conference in the Pacific Northwest!
For 40 years, Alliance Northwest has been, and continues to be, the largest business-to-government conference in the Pacific Northwest. It is widely regarded as a place where business and government connect for learning and networking.
Who should attend?
- Small businesses & entrepreneurs interested in selling to the government or exploring subcontracting opportunities.
- R&D & engineering firms developing innovative technologies and solutions.
- Prime contractors and government buyers seeking to do outreach with small, diverse and emerging businesses.
Event details:
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When: Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Where: Greater Tacoma Convention Center |1500 Commerce Street
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Learn more and register at alliancenorthwest.org.
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IRS Issues Tax Guidance About Paid Leave Programs
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued tax guidance that could affect Washington state employers and people receiving Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) benefits.
The IRS says that some PFML benefits funded by employer premium payments may be subject to federal payroll taxes (FUTA and FICA). In Washington state, Employment Security will not transfer that federal tax liability to employers for tax years 2025 and 2026.
However, there may still be tax implications from premium contributions. Because tax responsibilities can be complex, employers and customers should consult a tax professional. The Employment Security Department cannot provide tax guidance on this issue.
Read the guidance on the IRS website.
Flood Relief Programs
Employment Security supports employers and workers impacted by the December historic flooding.
Help fight disaster scams and fraud
Disasters are notorious for attracting scams and frauds. You can help by carefully reviewing information we share with you whenever workers apply for benefits. If you don’t recognize the claimant or what they’ve submitted in the benefits application, please use the fraud report form for employers.
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Time Is Running Out to Get Health Coverage for 2026!
Washingtonians have until Jan. 15 to sign up for health and dental plans on Washington Healthplanfinder for the 2026 plan year. Don’t miss the chance to get the coverage you and your employees need to stay healthy!
Savings are available to lower an eligible customer’s monthly cost of insurance. Visit wahealthplanfinder.org to learn more about available savings and find the right plan!
Need help enrolling? Trusted resources in local communities are available to help with application questions, understanding tax credits and signing up for coverage for no additional cost.
Questions on how you can support your employees sign up for health coverage? Contact [email protected].
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Small Business Resources & Requirements
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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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Learn how to PLAN, START, and GROW your business at our FREE workshops!
These in-person workshops are specially designed for small business owners seeking a clear understanding of available program resources and the relevant state regulations that can impact their business. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to scale your existing business, this session offers valuable insights tailored to your needs.
Stevenson, WA
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When: Monday, January 26, 2026 | 4 - 6 p.m.
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Where: Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Dr. | Register Here
Vancouver, WA
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When: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 8 - 10 a.m.
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Where: Clark College Columbia Tech Center,18700 SE Mill Plain Blvd.| Register Here
Longview, WA
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When: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 11 - 1 p.m.
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Where: City Hall, 1525 Broadway | Register Here
Ilwaco, WA
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When: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 4 - 6 p.m.
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Where: Grays Harbor College, Columbia Education Ctr, 208 Advent Ave. S. | Register Here
Raymond, WA
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When: Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Where: Grays Harbor College, Riverview Education Ctr, 600 Washington Ave | Register Here
Aberdeen, WA
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When: Friday, February 20, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Where: Grays Harbor College, Main Campus,1620 Edward P. Smith Drive | Register Here
Click the button below to explore more!
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, NEW Farsi, and two volumes in Braille Ready Format Braille - Volume 1 and Braille - Volume 2.
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Attn: Child Care Providers - Response to Ongoing Media Coverage
We are aware of reports that members of the public and media are visiting child care locations run by Somali business owners in response to the media coverage about suspected fraud in Minnesota.
The safety of children and those caring for them is a top priority for DCYF. If an in-person interaction appears threatening or endangers children, contact law enforcement immediately.
If you witness or experience hate crimes or bias, you can report them to the Office of the Attorney General at 1-855-225-1010.
For more information and guidance, click the button below.
Interested in Becoming a Licensed Childcare Provider?
Share Your Input!
The survey is designed for individuals in Kitsap County who are interested in becoming licensed childcare providers. Its purpose is to understand what information, resources, and supports people need as they consider the path to licensure. Results will be used to develop clearer, more accessible informational materials and resources for prospective providers.
We know that many individuals—particularly those providing Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care or operating informally—often face challenges navigating available information. This survey aims to ensure future resources are grounded in the real questions, experiences, and needs of the community.
- Participation is voluntary.
- The survey is anonymous and does not collect identifying information.
- It takes approximately 6-7 minutes to complete.
- Participants may skip any questions or stop at any time.
- Survey timeframe: December 30, 2025 - January 20, 2026.
TIPS & REMINDERS
Flood Recovery Resources
If your business was affected by the floods, WWU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides a range of resources for small businesses. Helpful resources include:
- Disaster Recovery Quick Reference Guide
- Disaster Recovery Toolkit from the U.S. Chamber Foundation
- Whatcom Ready for alerts and safety information
- Guidance on contractor verification
- Financial relief options
For questions or assistance please call (360) 650-7232 or email at [email protected].
Grant Opportunity - Apply before Jan. 16th!
The Amex Small Shop Grants provide funding to help small businesses grow, innovate, and strengthen their local communities.
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