Resources

There is almost an overwhelming number of resources for self employment - of greatly varying quality.  This is by no means a comprehensive list, and is provided with no endorsement, but as a starting place for information and research.  If you find a resource that you feel is particularly informative or helpful, or have service problems with any of these resources please contact us. 

Small Business Information
U.S. Small Business Administration.  U.S. government department with the mission to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses.  Through website and local offices, offers workshops, publications, counseling via SCORE volunteers.

U.S. Dept. of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.  A source of career information sometimes provides insight into business trends. 

Better Business Bureau.  A good place to research network marketing companies and businesses that advertise work at home opportunities.

Small Business Resources for Washington State
Washington Department of Licensing. State licensing and business tax number registration information. 

Washington State Small Business Development Centers: Counseling, training and research services to business owners or prospective owners.

Community Capital Development.  a non-profit community development organization and a certified community development financial institution, provides access to capital and business assistance to low-income, women and minority entrepreneurs and small businesses in distressed and underserved communities in Washington State.

Shorebank Enterprise Cascadia.  Provides financing and business assistance to underserved entrepreneurs, small businesses in Washington and Oregon.

Washington CASH.  Provides business training, micro-credit lending services, technical business assistance and peer support to low-income women (especially women currently dependent on public assistance), people with disabilities and new immigrants/refugees.

Business Licensing
Here are city business licensing sites for some of the larger Washington cities.  A city business license is usually required for anyone conducting business within city limits.  If you are planning a home-based business, be sure to check whether you are within city limits if you live in an outlying area.  Home occupation permits, zoning approval, and other permits and/or licenses may apply - it's just one of those tasks that have to be researched when starting a business.

City of Seattle:  $90 per year; $45 for half year. No business taxes due if annual gross income less than $100,000.
City of Bremerton.  $65 per year, prorated monthly for initial amount.
City of Bainbridge Island.   $25-$50 annually, depending on sales volume.
City of Everett.  Call for pricing.
City of Olympia. $80 initial, $30 renewal.
City of Bellevue. $30 one time fee.  Offers a one-stop center for State licensing.
City of Spokane.  A fee schedule too complex to list here.
 
Disability and Low Income Resources for Washington State
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).  Assists individuals with disabilities in getting and keeping a job, including assistance with self employment. 

Department of Services for the Blind. A state rehabilitation agency that offers assistance to persons who are blind or visually impaired, including assistance with self employment.  

Columbia Legal Services.  Represents people and organizations in Washington State with critical legal needs who have no other legal assistance available to them.

Alliance of People with disAbilities.  Provides information and assistance, peer support, independent living skills training, and advocacy services for people with disabilities.