This page contains links to public and private services intended to benefit Chamber Members and business serving our community. However, please note that Chamber does not control the information appearing on these web sites and makes no representations, implied or otherwise, as to the accuracy thereof.
Washington State - Office of Trade and Economic Development
The Office of Trade and Economic Development (OTED) offers a variety of programs providing technical and financial assistance to support new and existing businesses within Washington. These programs include Business Retention and Expansion, Business Finance, Child Care Advantages and Minority and Women Business Development assistance. Additionally, OTED offers assistance to businesses that are considering a new or expanded location in Washington State. OTED's International Trade Division provides import-export assistance to Washington businesses.
Small Business Solutions (bCentral)
Checklist for Starting a Business
Registering Your Business
The state of Washington provides one-stop business registration to assist in understanding and meeting federal, state, and local licensing requirements. The process includes obtaining a Master Business Application and UBI number and registering a Trade Name. Applications for a Master Business License can be obtained in Bremerton at:Dept of Revenue
1-800-647-7706 (automated)
http://dor.wa.gov;or: Dept of Labor & Industries
500 Pacific Ave, Suite 400
Bremerton, WA 98312
360/478-4923.Request a new Master Application if you are changing your business, structure, name, ownership, product or service, etc.. For more licensing information, call 360/753-4401 or visit the Department of Licensing web site at http://www.wa.gov/dol.
Obtaining a City License
All businesses located on Bainbridge Island or doing business in the City of Bainbridge Island must apply for a city business license. Forms can be obtained at City Hall (280 Madison Ave N) Monday thru Friday, 8 am-4 pm, 206/842-7633.Obtaining a Specialty License
Many times a business owner may need additional licenses for landscaping, painting, shipbuilding, or other purposes. For more information on specialty licenses, contact the Business and Professions Division at 360/753-4401, or on the Department of Licensing web site at http://www.wa.gov/dol.State and Federal Tax Requirements
These vary with the form and nature of your business. For state tax assistance, contact the Department of Revenue at 1-800-647-7706. The IRS can assist you with federal forms, information, and publications. For general information, call 1-800-829-1040. For IRS forms and Business Tax Kits, call 1-800-829-3676.Wage Regulations
For questions concerning wage regulations, call or write to the Department of Labor & Industries at:Department of Labor & Industries
Employment Standards
P.O. Box 44510
Olympia, WA 98504-4510
360/956-5316
Industrial Health & Safety Regulations
For information on health and safety rules, contact:Division of Industrial Safety & Health
P.O. Box 44600
Olympia, WA 98504-4600
1-800-423-7233 or
360/956-5500Industrial Insurance
For information on hiring employees, on insurance, and on tax withholding for employees, contact:Division of Industrial Insurance
Employer Services
P.O. Box 44144, MS-4144
Olympia, WA 98504-4144
1-800-547-8367 or
360/956-4817Environmental Regulations
For guidelines or permits concerning air/water quality, shoreline protection, waste disposal, etc. contact:Washington State Department of Ecology
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600Employment Security
Call 360/902-9551 for information.Local Fire Regulations
Bainbridge Island Fire Department 842-7686Business Assistance
For general business information, start-up information or business assistance, contact the CTED Business Assistance Center’s Hotline at 1-800-237-1233.Small Business Development
Washington’s Small Business Development Centers provide one-on-one counseling to small businesses. The centers help businesses develop a business plan, map out a business strategy, develop a bookkeeping system, and assist with business start-up at no cost. Also, at no cost, the centers help businesses with research and market analysis. Furthermore, through a statewide network of community colleges, the centers sponsor education and training workshops. For more information, call 360/586-4854 in Olympia or the Small Business Development Center and Innovation Assessment Center in Seattle (180 Nickerson, Suite 207), 206/464-5450.
