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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.
Discover U.
Continuing education organization that offers workshops on various small
business ideas.
Community Capital
Development. Services to small business owners, with a focus on
women, minority, and low-income entrepreneurs at all levels of business
development.
Cascadia Revolving Fund.
Provides financing and business assistance to underserved entrepreneurs,
small businesses, and community-building organizations.
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 if $24,000 gross income or less
annually.
City of
Bremerton. $55 per year.
City of Bainbridge Island. $25-$50 annually, depending
on sales volume.
City of Everett. Call for pricing.
City of Olympia. A fee schedule too complex to list here.
City of
Bellevue. $41 annually. 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.
Provides free civil
(not criminal) legal services to people who are low-income or have special
legal needs throughout Washington State.
Washington Coalition of Citizens for Disabilities.
Provides information and assistance, peer support, independent living skills
training, and advocacy services for people with disabilities.
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