10 Steps to Starting a Business

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Where do I Start?

Our services include advising clients in the completion of the business and financial plan which are crucial to the successful start-up, financing and sustainability to their new business.

The key to starting a relationship with your SBDC Certified Business Advisor is to have the business concept out of your head and on paper.

Steps to get ready to meet with an SBDC Advisor:

  • GET READY

    You are thinking about owning your own business. What do you need to consider?

    This Start-up Guide will take you through assessment tests to help you decide whether becoming an entrepreneur is for you. Topics include: choosing a business, feasibility of your business idea, research tools and financing.

    Obtain Small Business Training – Note: online training, training calendar  and other workshop links.

    Look through the SBA Business Guide: Plan and Launch your business web pages. You will find an abundance of useful information and tools.

    Training, counseling, and resources for Start-ups

  • GET SET

    You are going into business and you are ready to begin taking the steps to launch your idea.

    This Going into Business Checklist will help you think about the big picture and determine the feasibility of your idea based on your aptitudes, market, product, operations and finances. The start-up assessment in “GO”  is taken from a portion of this document. The remainder of the ‘Going into Business Checklist” will provide talking points.

    Prepare a draft plan. Use our Business Resources: Market Research; Business Planning Resources; Business Plan Video

    Look at the SBA Launch and Manage your Business for more information

  • GO!!!

    You have done your research, tested the feasibility of your idea, drafted a business plan, know approximately how much capital you need, have some finances to get started and you are ready to launch.

    Take our Business Readiness Survey. This covers the four most critical areas of: Market, Product, Operations and Finance.This will help you and our advisor effectively determine your next steps. Answers are emailed to you to share with an advisor and remain confidential.

    Business Advising

The licensing and permitting issues facing new businesses can seem overwhelming. Licensing requirements differ by city, county and business type, but all new businesses need to obtain a Washington state business license and a Unified Business Identification Number (UBI). You can get the Master Business Application forms from the Department of Licensing in Olympia online or by calling 360-664-1400.

In addition, certain business activities require special registration or agency authorization such as selling liquor, cigarettes, and lottery tickets.

Business owners are encouraged to seek professional legal, tax, and/or accounting advice as appropriate for more detailed explanations.

The Small Business Guide: Start your business – Business Structure Information; Business Name Registration; License and Permit information

New Business Tax Workshop – by Washington Department of Revenue at various locations

Employer’s Introduction to L & I – a must for new employers at various locations

IRS Small Business Taxes: The Virtual Workshop – Nine Lessons regarding your federal taxes and your new business

IRS Resources For Small Business Owners – Portal to links for Tax Calendars, Educational Products, Starting a Business: Selecting a Business Structure, EIN, Recordkeeping, etc.

License and Tax Resource Page – Links to more information

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Business Advising
The Washington Small Business Development Center, hosted by Washington State University, is an accredited member of America's SBDC. Funded in part throurgh a coppperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, institutions of higher education, economic development organizations and other public and private funding partners.