Dept. of Health

COVID-19 case numbers as of 11:59 pm on May 3rd:

- Confirmed Cases: 1,508,065

- COVID-19 Deaths: 12,679

For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

Dept. of Revenue

Understanding Washington’s business tax structure

The Dept. of Revenue provides useful tools & educational resources to help you better understand the tax obligations for small businesses.  Whether you are a brand new business or you’ve been around for a while, check out their industry guides and workshops.

Dept. of Labor & Industries (LNI)

Early Return to Work Consultations

A new service, offered by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Early Return to Work Program, aims to help employers build and implement a return-to-work program in their businesses. Employers can get help from L&I consultants to explore return-to-work opportunities for their injured workers and potentially receive financial incentives.

- How can they help?  Learn more here

- Schedule a no-cost consultation

L&I Essentials for Businesses Webinar

You will learn:

- The essentials about workers' compensation, quarterly reporting, what to do if your employee is injured, workplace safety and health requirements, wage and hour laws, and contractor registration rules.

- How to access a range of L&I resources and services designed to help your business save time and money.

- Various ways L&I partners with you to keep your workforce safe and healthy.

Upcoming webinars:

Tuesday, May 24th, 10:00 to 11:30 AM

Thursday, June 23th, 2:00 to 3:30 PM

Webinars are also available in Spanish:

8 de junio, 10 a 11:30 AM (Miércoles) - en Español

Subscribe to L&I’s Small Business Newsletter

L&I’s Small Business Newsletter specializes in sharing the news small businesses need to know.  Written through a small business lens, it focuses on the regulatory changes, business opportunities, and helpful resources that affect them most.  The newsletter is published quarterly and generously sprinkled with groan-worthy puns and Small Biz Andrew’s Business Jests. 

- View the Spring Edition and subscribe.

Department of Enterprise Services (DES)

Doing Business with Washington state

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) manages more than 200 statewide master contracts, awarded to some 1,500 vendors. More than 1,600 government agencies purchase $1.9 billion in goods and services from these vendors, including state, local and tribal governments, and even some nonprofits. DES offers eligible businesses access to open and competitive contracting opportunities.

DES Public Works provides professional project management and subject matter expertise services on capital design and construction projects to customers across the state. In addition, DES Public Works offers leadership and tools to promote equity in state contracting. 

Find resources on DES’ website about doing business with the state:

Vendor Registration

Bid Opportunities

Business Diversity Advisory Group

Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)

About Our Agency and Certification

The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies small businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged persons. OMWBE certifies businesses to increase contracting opportunities for certified businesses with state and local governments. Certified businesses are eligible to apply for the Linked Deposit Program, and receive our monthly newsletter that includes upcoming events, resources, and opportunities to support you as a business owner. We regularly partner with the local community and business organizations to provide additional opportunities to certified businesses.

Why Certify?

Linked Deposit Loan Program

Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)

Government Contracting Assistance

The Washington State PTAC assists businesses through the government-contracting marketplace. Washington PTAC’s mission is to increase the number of government contracts awarded to Washington firms so that those firms can grow. They provide no cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance in all aspects of selling to federal, state, and local governments.

Learn more here.

Department of Commerce

ScaleUp: Advanced training for companies that have moved beyond startup and launch

ScaleUp Business Training is NOT JUST a 9-week training program, it’s ongoing support and community. Graduates of the ScaleUp program maintain access to all ScaleUp resources and ongoing mentorship through our weekly Study Hall program and Alumni Network.

- This program which normally costs $1,599 is currently provided at no cost to Washington State businesses through 2022

- The path to seven figures starts here

Upcoming sessions:

Wednesdays, 8:30 - 10:00 am, May 18th - July 13th

Wednesdays, 9:00 - 7:30 pm, May 18th - July 13th

Dept. of Veteran's Affairs

Thanks to all that have sacrificed and served for our nation!

WDVA Memorial Day Events & Observances

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC)

VBOC is committed to providing business training, financial opportunities, one-on-one coaching, and entrepreneurial development to the military community.  

Visit Business Impact NW to learn more about business resources available to veterans.

Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance (ORIA)

Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR):  Free Workshops

These free, one-hour webinars will provide a strong foundation of registration, licensing, and other regulatory requirements to start or grow your business.   You'll connect with the Small Business Liaison Team who will also provide information about many free or low-cost assistance programs.

Explore SBRR Workshops 

Upcoming "Start a Business in WA" webinar:

Tuesday, June 14th, at 9:00 am

Tips & Reminders

Stay safe from cybersecurity threats

Cyber-attacks are a growing concern for small businesses.  There are free tools available to small businesses through the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Homeland Security that can help you identify potential vulnerabilities and risks to your business. 

Learn about the threats and how to protect yourself.