Help Resources for Business Owners
- AK Project Management
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Curated by AK Project Management --- last updated July 2025
Your guide to trustworthy links, tools, and support for your business from registration to taxes all in one place.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by forms, filings, or compliance steps, you’re not alone. This guide organizes everything from registrations and taxes to hiring and funding - all in one place.
Click what you need and skip the rest.
Jump to Specific Help Categories
🧱 Start & Structure Your Business
Choose your business type, get registered, and set the foundation. Expand each link to see its description and more info about the resource.
RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
From business name to licensing, a road map for opening a business in the state of Washington.
A guide from the Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) - a partnership of 29 state agencies supporting small business communities in WA state. | |
Entity types (LLC, Scorp, Partnership, etc.) and tax implications. | |
Comprehensive guides and resources to help you plan, start, figure out payroll, run, grow, close, and fund your business. | |
Official WA State website where you can register your business and access help resources. |
🗂️ Get Official: Licenses & IDs
Secure your licenses, endorsements, and login access to state portals.
RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
One login to access all Washington state business portals where you register and manage your entities. | |
Answer a few questions to see which licenses you're required to obtain. | |
Instructions for getting a business license in Washington State. You may also need an additional city license endorsement for each city you wish to do business in. | |
Get a state business license for a Sole Proprietorship, LLC, or Partnership. | |
This is the city business license application and management website for some cities including Seattle. | |
For cities that allow licensing through the state. | |
FAQ and tutorials for state business management. Collection of links categorized by different business matters related to the Department of Revenue. | |
Access your business accounts registered at the state level. | |
Secure Access Washington State portal, needed for many business functions. | |
📞 Phone Support - DOR Licensing | Call 360-705-6741 Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm PT; closed Wed 8–9am |
💵 Understanding Taxes
Know what to file, when to file, and how your structure affects your taxes.
RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Central IRS page for small businesses. | |
How different entities (businesses, organizations, etc.) are taxed. | |
Required for hiring, banking, or formal licensing. Request from the IRS. | |
What to keep, for how long, and why. |
💳 Build Credit & Find Funding
Get access to capital and improve your financial standing.
RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Reduces interest rates by up to 2% for certified businesses. | |
Learn how to apply for business credit and maintain good personal and business credit history. |
👷 Hire, Pay, and Classify Workers
Stay in legal compliance with contractors, 1099s, and employee rights.
RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
What is an Independent Contractor? | |
Explains when it's required to file form 1099 for vendors or contractors you paid. | |
1099 timelines and process tips. | |
Know your rights and responsibilities in Seattle.
BUILD (Brothers United in Leadership Development) is a grassroots organization in Seattle. Visit their website to learn more. |
✅ Other Business Certifications
Federal and state programs for MWBE, SBE, and DBE certification.
RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION | OTHER NOTES |
|---|---|---|
Certifications for minority- and women-owned business enterprises to get federal contracts or funding. | ||
Certifications for minority- and women-owned business enterprises to get state & local contracts or funding. |
🔄 Manage Your Business
Keep your business in good standing and resolve issues if they arise.
RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
File annual reports, update registration info, and look up entities (business, nonprofits, charities) and trademarks. | |
What to do if your business was shut down by the state for reasons like missing annual renewal payment and reporting due dates. |
⚖️ Get Legal Help & Capacity Support
Affordable or free legal assistance and guidance for community orgs.
RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) website lists free legal service programs & organizations. |
🌱 Tap Into Other Growth Resources
Tools, events, education, and networks to help you thrive.
RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Collaborative support, education, and growth network. | |
Help with funding, contracts, and international expansion. | |
Creative economy support, handbooks, and small business aid. | |
Free workshops, market research tools, and 1:1 consultations with industry experts and professionals. |
Need support setting up an LLC, organizing your business records, or navigating compliance? AK Project Management offers expert, community-centered services to help you build with confidence. Reach out to get started!
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