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New Economic and Business Resilience Newsletter Header [ [link removed] ]




Washington state Employment Security Department [ [link removed] ]
Employment Security Dept.

esd.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Now Available for December 2025 Storms

The Employment Security Department is working to administer disaster recovery funding for areas and workers impacted by floods and storms from *Dec. 5 -19, 2025. *

*You might be eligible —* If you were out of work or had to close your business for any time due to the storms, you may qualify for DUA, even if you are not covered by unemployment insurance.

*Your employees might be eligible *—* *If your employees who lost work due to the storms and were previously denied unemployment benefits, they might qualify for DUA. Please direct them to our website to learn who qualifies and how to apply. 


* Go to our website to learn about the DUA Program*.* [ [link removed] ]

*You might be eligible for relief of benefit charges *—** If your employees collected unemployment benefits as a direct result of the storms, you may qualify for relief of benefit charges. This means those benefits paid to your workers will not affect your unemployment tax rate. 

"Relief of benefit charges is available only to taxable employers".


* Go to our website to learn about relief of benefit charges. [ [link removed] ]

Disaster Recovery Worker Grants

Employment Security is also managing a federal grant to provide employment opportunities and reemployment support within the disaster areas.


*  Read our news release about the first $1 million awarded in January. [ [link removed] ]    





Green banner saying May Mental Health Awareness Month [ [link removed] ]

See the Person, Support the Journey

Mental health is a workplace essential - not a side conversation. It shapes how your employees think, collaborate, engage with customers, and show up every day. This year's theme calls on business leaders to take a proactive role by:


* *Recognizing early signs* of mental health challenges in themselves and their teams.
* *Building stronger support systems* within the workplace.
* *Responding with care and compassion* when coworkers, customers, or colleagues are navigating difficult moments.

Because the reality is, mental health touches every aspect of business - productivity, retention, workplace culture, client relationships, and community trust.

*This Mental Health Awareness Month, make mental health a business priority.*

Find employer resources such as the Drug-Free Workplace Toolkit, Employee Assistance Programs, and information on legal requirements.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]






FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown logo [ [link removed] ]

What It Really Takes to Prepare for a Global Event

As the world turns its attention to the Pacific Northwest for the *2026 FIFA World Cup*, small businesses in our region have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to welcome visitors from around the globe. Whether you're a family-owned restaurant, a boutique shop, or a local service provider, this is your moment to shine.

The Seattle Metro Chamber’s Community Business Connector [ [link removed] ] has designed a plan to help you succeed.

*Run a focused team* *— *Training that turns discussion into real action plans for operations, marketing, and safety.


* Use the Playbook Agenda [ [link removed] ] & Workbook [ [link removed] ].

*Bring in an expert — *We've got speakers who can share real-world insights and practical guidance tailored to your business.


* Complete this form [ [link removed] ] to request a speaker or workshop by *June 5th*.

Click below to discover the Seattle Metro Chamber's World Cup Ready business resources.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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A person's hand holding an ORCA transit card up to a yellow electronic reader at a station. [ [link removed] ]

Free $25 Bus Passes for Employers!

Test out transit benefits for your employees! With major I-5 construction and special events like the FIFA World Cup, roads will be congested and parking may be limited. To help address this, King County Metro’s ORCA Business Team and SKC Trips are partnering to distribute $25 ORCA cards to employers in South King County. ORCA cards can be used to pay fares on buses, light rail, and trains.

*Visit skctrips.com/25-orca [ [link removed] ] to request free ORCA cards for your employees!*






Washington Student Achievement Council logo [ [link removed] ]
WA Student Achievement Council

wsac.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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WA Grant logo [ [link removed] ]

Build a Skilled Workforce with WA Grant

Does your business rely on trained and educated workers? Washington’s state financial aid programs can help you, your current staff, or future employees get training or skill up to better serve the needs of your customers.

Through WA Grant [ [link removed] ], people of all ages can get money from the state to pursue job training, complete a certificate program, or earn a two-year or four-year degree. Half of Washington families qualify to get some money through WA Grant—for many, tuition is free! This money is not a loan. All it takes to get started is a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application [ [link removed] ].

WA Grant for Apprenticeship (WG-A) [ [link removed] ] helps apprentices cover costs associated with their training, such as program fees, equipment, and supplies. Does your business offer apprenticeship opportunities? Approved apprenticeship program providers [ [link removed] ] can offer WG-A to their trainees.

Support your team and improve your business capabilities at the same time.

*Learn more at WAgrant.org [ [link removed] ].*






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

dor.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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Safe Deposit Box Auction

The Washington State Unclaimed Property auction will be held *May 13 - 20*.  The auction will consist of *online bidding only*, but with an in-person preview. 

*2026 Online Auction:*


* You must pre-register at Murphy Auction [ [link removed] ].
* Start Date: 10:00 a.m. (PT) |  Wednesday, May 13
* End Date: 10:00 a.m. (PT) | Wednesday, May 20

*In-person preview:*


* Monday, May 18 & Tuesday, May 19 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
* Address: 3803 136th St NE, Marysville, WA 98271

*About safe deposit box auctions: *Safe deposit box contents are turned over to the State of Washington five years after the owner stops paying rent. Once the items are inventoried, a claim notice is sent to the last known address that the bank had on file. If the items are not claimed by the owner, the State is required to sell the contents at a public auction within five years. Sale items usually include collectible coins, currency, jewelry, watches, stamps, silver bars, sports cards, and other collectibles. Personal papers, photos, land, vehicles, or other tangible property are not sold at the auction.

For other Washington State auctions, visit the Department of Enterprise Services Surplus Property website at des.wa.gov [ [link removed] ].

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Check Your Working Families Tax Credit Application Status

The 2025 Working Families Tax Credit [ [link removed] ] (WFTC) application opened on February 1st. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, use the WFTC eligibility checker [ [link removed] ]. *Did you know that WFTC is retroactive?* You can still apply for 2022 [ [link removed] ], 2023 [ [link removed] ], and 2024 [ [link removed] ] tax years. Act now- the deadline to apply for the 2022 [ [link removed] ] WFTC is December 31, 2026.

WFTC [ [link removed] ] returns a portion of sales tax paid each year and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, which is considered one of the best tools for reducing poverty nationwide. Since the WFTC program launched in 2023, *over 900,000 refunds have been issued*, totaling more than $664.4 million. Visit our program performance [ [link removed] ] page to see monthly refund and application data across the state.

You can check the status of your application anytime by using our  "Where Is My Refund?" tool [ [link removed] ]. No log in required! You are able to check the status of prior years [ [link removed] ] WFTC applications, as well as the current tax year. All you need is your  SSN or ITIN, date of birth, and the income reported on Line 1z of your federal tax form 1040 or 1040-SR.

Have questions? Contact the WFTC call center at 360-763-7300.






the Washington State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) logo [ [link removed] ]
  Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises 

omwbe.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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Sign up for Foundations for Success Workshop and a photo of a woman wearing a white hard hat and a high-visibility safety vest over a tan shirt. [ [link removed] ]

 Build Your Business, Secure Contracts & Grow

We are excited to share that the Washington State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) is currently offering the *Foundations to Success Workshop Series,* available both* in person* and *virtually* at *no cost* to participants.

These workshops are designed to support small businesses, contractors, and entrepreneurs by providing valuable guidance on business development, certifications, contracting opportunities, and tools for long-term success.

Click below to get the full details and register now!

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]






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

commerce.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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An elevated view of a container ship at a port, loaded with colorful cargo containers. [ [link removed] ]

Global Trade Month is Here

Celebrate Global Trade Month this May with the Washington State Department of Commerce! Join our free webinars to explore new opportunities and learn how to navigate key trade risks.

*SBDC's Export Marketing and Meeting Strategy * —* *This webinar is led by Commerce’s partner Small Business Development Center of Washington. Suitable for those who need guidance in crafting your value proposition for international buyers, increase visibility, and make meaningful connections with buyers and partners.


* *May 19, 2026 * |* 1-2 p.m. | *Register [ [link removed] ]

*Tap Into Online Marketplaces and Grow Your International Sales * —* *This webinar is designed for small businesses interested in growing international retail sales through online marketplaces. Key takeaways include practical considerations for selling on online marketplaces, how to get started, choosing a platform and sales model, and key factors to consider when selling to international customers. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to use e-commerce as a tool to grow your business and expand your international sales.


* *May 26, 2026 * |* 10–11:00 a.m*. * | *Register [ [link removed] ]

 

*Explore More* [ [link removed] ]






Register for INSPIRE Women's Conference May 28th at SPSCC Lacey Campus. Photos show women speaking and networking at the event [ [link removed] ]

INSPIRE Women's Business Conference 2026

Our annual event is back with one clear mission: to *connect, empower, and energize women entrepreneurs* across Washington state. We're bringing back all the highlights you've come to love — insightful speakers, hands-on breakout workshops, meaningful networking opportunities, and vendor booths showcasing products and services from women-led businesses.

For details, visit the Washington Center for Women in Business [ [link removed] ].

*Event Details*:


* *When:* Thursday, May 28 |  7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
* *Where:* SPSCC, Lacey Campus | Register [ [link removed] ]





Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance logo [ [link removed] ]
Office for Regulatory 

Innovation & Assistance

business.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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Small Business Resources & Requirements (SBRR)

Small Business Liaison Team Circle Logo [ [link removed] ]

The Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) [ [link removed] ] 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) [ [link removed] ] 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.



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*


* *When:* Tuesday, June 9 | 9:00 a.m.
* *Where:* Via Zoom | Register [ [link removed] ]

 

*Explore More* [ [link removed] ]






Training & Education

Click the buttons below to explore event calendars, find workshops and webinars, access on-demand training and view upcoming opportunities.






*SBA* [ [link removed] ]


*WSBDC* [ [link removed] ]


*SCORE* [ [link removed] ]




*OMWBE* [ [link removed] ]


*APEX* [ [link removed] ]


*WCWB* [ [link removed] ]




*L&I* [ [link removed] ]


*DOR* [ [link removed] ]


*DES* [ [link removed] ]






Business.wa.gov logo [ [link removed] ]

Contact the newsletter team at "[email protected]."

Published by "The Governor's 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] ]

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