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New Economic and Business Resilience Newsletter Header [ [link removed] ]
• February 2025•





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

business.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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Small Business Liaison Team [ [link removed] ]
Small Business Resources & Requirements

Free Workshops

The Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) [ [link removed] ] is proud to announce its upcoming Small Business Requirements and Resources (SBRR) Workshops in collaboration with the Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance (ORIA). These 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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From Start to Smart in Business • In Person Workshops 

These free workshops will provide business owners and entrepreneurs with access to state agencies, industry experts, and community-based support organizations. Attendees will learn how to navigate state business requirements, explore contracting and certification opportunities, and discover valuable funding and resource programs available for small businesses.

*The SBRR Workshops will take place in three locations across the Washington Peninsula in partnership with local economic development councils:*

*Friday Harbor SBRR Workshop*


* Hosted in partnership with the San Juan County Economic Development Council
* Wednesday, February 19, 2025 • 5 PM - 7 PM • Register Here [ [link removed] ]

*Port Townsend SBRR Workshop*


* Hosted in partnership with the Economic Development Council for Jefferson County
* Thursday, February 20, 2025 • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM • Register Here [ [link removed] ]

*Port Angeles SBRR Workshop*


* Hosted in partnership with the Clallam Economic Development Council
* Thursday, February 20, 2025 • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM • Register Here [ [link removed] ]

*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, licensing, and regulatory requirements. You'll also connect with members of the Small Business Liaison Team. 


* Wednesday, February 19, 2025 • 5 PM • Register Here [ [link removed] ]
* Thursday, March 6, 2025 • 11 AM • Register Here [ [link removed] ]

For more information and to register for an upcoming workshop, click the button below.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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City of Lynnwood Small Business QR Code [ [link removed] ]
From Dream to Reality: Small Business Basics Workshop

* March 10, 2025 • 4 PM - 5:30 PM
* Lynnwood Library at 19200 44th Ave W. Lynnwood, WA 98036

This free event is open to all small businesses and entrepreneurs in the City of Lynnwood.

To learn more and to register, visit: lynnwoodwa.gov. [ [link removed] ]



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The Small Business Guide

The Small Business Guide [ [link removed] ] is broken into six sections, based on your stage of business. 

Whether you are starting your business, managing a new business, or expanding your business, you'll find valuable information and resources.

Small Business Guide [ [link removed] ]

*The Small Business Guide is now available in the following languages:*

English [ [link removed] ], Spanish [ [link removed] ], Russian [ [link removed] ], Korean [ [link removed] ], Vietnamese [ [link removed] ], Samoan [ [link removed] ], Somali [ [link removed] ], Tagalog [ [link removed] ], Ukrainian [ [link removed] ], and two volumes in Braille Ready Format Braille - Volume 1 [ [link removed] ] and Braille - Volume 2 [ [link removed] ].

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The ORIA Information Center 

The ORIA Information Center serves as a one-stop customer service hub that provides information and assistance on regulations and requirements from various agencies. The team collaborates with regulatory consultants and the small business liaison team. By leveraging this expertise and resources, we offer tailored solutions, up-to-date regulatory information, and excellent customer service.

*Let us do the research for you!*


* Contact the IC Team at 800-917-0043 or email [email protected]
* Click the button below for Live Chat or TXT/SMS.

*Contact ORIA* [ [link removed] ]






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

dor.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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*Working Families Tax Credit *

*Application Window Open Now!*

The Department of Revenue is now accepting applications for the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) for tax year 2024. This year, the credit provides payments up to $1,290 to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements. 

Since the WFTC program launched in 2023, over 359,000 refunds have been issued totaling more than $263.4 million. The program returns a portion of sales tax paid each year and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is considered one of the best tools for reducing poverty nationwide. Last calendar year, the WFTC team issued $135.9 million in refunds to nearly 158,000 families with children, resulting in more than 287,000 children benefiting from the program. 

*Apply for past periods**  *

Applicants can apply for WFTC refunds they were eligible for, but did not previously claim, for up to three calendar years from when their federal tax return was due. For example: In 2025, the agency will accept applications for the 2024, 2023, and 2022 tax year credits. Claiming all three years can receive up to a maximum of $3,745. 

*Upcoming Webinars*

Attend a free webinar, both webinar series are also available in Spanish:


* Learn the basics about Washington state taxes [ [link removed] ]
* How to file excise tax returns using our online portal - My DOR [ [link removed] ]

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]






WA state Department of Ecology [ [link removed] ]
Department of Ecology

ecology.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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*Got a Local and Sustainable Project in Mind? *

*Apply for a Partners for Places Grant by February 28.  *

Up to $150,000 is available from *The Funders Network* for projects such as building community gardens in low-income communities, promoting electric vehicles, and enhancing affordable housing to withstand climate-related disasters.

Click the map [ [link removed] ] to explore past projects that include a vision for Mountain to Sound in Tacoma; Stickleback Farm and Native Heritage Garden in Anchorage, Alaska; and Community Climate Action Planning in Bend, Oregon.


* Watch this informational webinar [ [link removed] ]
* *Submit proposals by 8:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28.*

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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*Brownfields in Washington*

About the Brownfields Program

Our team is part of Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program, and we help people turn brownfields into public assets. A brownfield is an abandoned or underutilized property that may have environmental contamination, such as an old gas station, dry cleaners, or former orchard land.

We provide funding and technical assistance to communities so they can transform brownfields into beneficial uses like small businesses, parks, and affordable housing.


* *Check out our latest newsletter! [ [link removed] ]*

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]






Washington state Department of Enterprise Services [ [link removed] ]
Department of 

Enterprise Services

des.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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Washington EDGE will be launching soon!

DES is preparing to launch the Washington Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE) pilot program to help small businesses compete in public works contracting.

We recently published our new Washington EDGE policy, outlining program goals and which businesses are eligible to enroll.

Click the link below to learn more about the program, read our policy, and sign up for updates when we launch.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]






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

commerce.wa.gov [ [link removed] ]



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Flex Fund 2 [ [link removed] ]

Fueling Growth: Affordable Loans for Small Businesses & Nonprofits 

Are you a small business owner with fewer than 50 employees and an annual revenue of less than $5 million? Are you looking to take your business to the next level? We may have a great solution for you — The Small Business Flex Fund 2.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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*Did you know that Feb 14 is not just Valentine’s Day, it’s also National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day!*

Since about 60 million pounds of chocolate are sold, maybe it’s time to transform your hidden culinary talents into a business?

Through our Food Biz Academy, Washington’s Small Business Training & Education Center [ [link removed] ] offers you a competitive advantage. It’s FREE, and available online and on-demand 24/7! Food Biz Academy just might help you whip up a recipe for success.

Gotta LOVE that.

*Learn more at the Food Biz Academy [ [link removed] ]*

Food Biz Acedemy [ [link removed] ]

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Web Academy [ [link removed] ]
*Your 24/7 Storefront: *

*Build Lasting Customer Connections Online!*

A website is like having a second storefront, one that is open 24/7. 

With a well-designed online presence, you can build deeper relationships with your customers.

*Check out our FREE*

* online on-demand training [ [link removed] ]*

*including the Web Academy.*

 



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Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington [ [link removed] ]

Partners In Exporting 2025 Series

The Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW) provides tailored export training programs developed through strategic partnerships, led by nationally recognized experts in export and international trade.

To learn more about the series and register, click the link below.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]






Tips and Reminders

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Unlock the Power of Data: Free Training from Census Bureau Experts!

The United States Census Bureau provides free data training on the bureau's newest tool, Census Business Builder. Small business owners will be shown how to leverage the Census Business Builder tool to help with expansion, funding requests and customer outreach. 

*Specifically, the training will show participants how to access:*


* Customer spending data at the county, city, zip code and even neighborhood level by industry (dining, retail, entertainment as examples). 
* The number of employees, revenues, and average salaries by industry for a geography. 
* Demographic, social, and economic characteristics of consumers or perspective employees for a customized geography.

*Sign up for a free training here:*


* Request a Census Data Training [ [link removed] ] 
* Questions? Email Washington state's Census data trainer <[email protected]>

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Explore Funding Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is excited to announce $11 million in federal grants to support socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. These funds will aid programs for rural minority businesses, promote women’s entrepreneurship, and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.


* *MBDA – Notice of New Funding Opportunities for 2025 [ [link removed] ]*

FundHubWA connects you to climate and clean energy funding opportunities to help improve your home, business, or community. Together, we can make Washington cleaner, healthier, and more resilient.


* *FundHubWA - Your Gateway to Grants and Incentives [ [link removed] ]*

Grants can greatly benefit your business, but applying for them can be daunting. Where should you begin? How can you make your proposal shine? This guide will help you with essential steps, from finding the right opportunities to submitting a solid application, so you can confidently seek funding.


* *WCWB - Applying for Grants by Ashley Whitley [ [link removed] ]*

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Alliance Northwest [ [link removed] ]

*The Premier Government Contracting Event Returns March 19-20, 2025*

Alliance Northwest, the Pacific Northwest's largest business-to-government conference, will be held on *March 19-20, 2025, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center*. Hosted by the Thurston Economic Development Council [ [link removed] ] in partnership with Washington APEX Accelerator [ [link removed] ], this event connects small businesses with government agencies, prime contractors, and industry experts to foster partnerships and expand contracting opportunities.


* Registration is now open! 
* Visit alliancenorthwest.org [ [link removed] ] for details.
* For sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities, please email Holly House <[email protected]>.

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Tabor 100 Quickbooks Workshop [ [link removed] ]

A Beginner's QuickBooks Workshop for Business Owners

Join *Tabor 100* [ [link removed] ] for an interactive training session led by Abby Joseph of Serenity Financial Services, designed for business owners who are new to QuickBooks or using it for the first time. Learn the fundamentals of bookkeeping and how to effectively manage your finances using QuickBooks.


* Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • 6PM - 8PM
* 7100 Fort Dent Way #100 Tukwila, WA 98188
* Register Here [ [link removed] ]





• Workshops • Training • Events & Calendars •

Women's Business Center  [ [link removed] ]

SCORE [ [link removed] ]

SBA [ [link removed] ]

WSBDC [ [link removed] ]

Dept. of Enterprise Services [ [link removed] ] 

Dept. of Labor & Industries [ [link removed] ]

Dept. of Revenue [ [link removed] ]

Office of Minority's & Women's Business Enterprises [ [link removed] ]






ORIA footer [ [link removed] ]






Stay Connected with ORIA:
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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] ]