Help Resources for Business Owners

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

🗂️ Get Official: Licenses & IDs

💵 Understand Taxes

💳 Build Credit & Find Funding

👷 Hire, Pay, and Classify Workers

✅ Other Business Certifications

🔄 Manage Your Business

⚖️ Get Legal Help & Capacity Support

🌱 Tap into Other Growth Resources

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🧱 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
8 Steps to Starting a Business in WA	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.
Compare Business Structures (WA DOR)	IRS Overview of Business Structures
IRS Overview of Business Structures	Entity types (LLC, Scorp, Partnership, etc.) and tax implications.
Small Business Guide for Washington state	Comprehensive guides and resources to help you plan, start, figure out payroll, run, grow, close, and fund your business.
Corporations & Charities | WA Secretary of State	Official WA State website where you can register your business and access help resources.

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🗂️ Get Official: Licenses & IDs

Secure your licenses, endorsements, and login access to state portals.

RESOURCE	DESCRIPTION
Login.gov	One login to access all Washington state business portals where you register and manage your entities.
WA State Licensing Wizard (WA DOR)	Answer a few questions to see which licenses you're required to obtain.
Business Licensing in WA State (IRS Overview)	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.
Apply for Your Business License (WA DOR)	Get a state business license for a Sole Proprietorship, LLC, or Partnership.
City Licensing thru FileLocal	This is the city business license application and management website for some cities including Seattle.
City Licensing thru WA DOR	For cities that allow licensing through the state.
My DOR Portal Help	FAQ and tutorials for state business management. Collection of links categorized by different business matters related to the Department of Revenue.
My DOR Login Portal	Access your business accounts registered at the state level.
SAW Account Login	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

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💵 Understanding Taxes

Know what to file, when to file, and how your structure affects your taxes.

RESOURCE	DESCRIPTION
IRS Tax Center for Small Businesses and Self-Employed People	Central IRS page for small businesses.
IRS Business Tax Guide	How different entities (businesses, organizations, etc.) are taxed.
Apply for an EIN	Required for hiring, banking, or formal licensing. Request from the IRS.
Recordkeeping for Taxes (IRS)	What to keep, for how long, and why.

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💳 Build Credit & Find Funding

Get access to capital and improve your financial standing.

RESOURCE	DESCRIPTION
Linked Deposit Loan Program	Reduces interest rates by up to 2% for certified businesses.
SBA Guide to Establishing Business Credit	Learn how to apply for business credit and maintain good personal and business credit history.

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👷 Hire, Pay, and Classify Workers

Stay in legal compliance with contractors, 1099s, and employee rights.

RESOURCE	DESCRIPTION
Independent Contractor Definition (IRS)	What is an Independent Contractor?
Do You Need to File a 1099?	Explains when it's required to file form 1099 for vendors or contractors you paid.
When to Send Out 1099s	1099 timelines and process tips.
Labor Standards Info on BUILD206.com	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.

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✅ Other Business Certifications

Federal and state programs for MWBE, SBE, and DBE certification.

RESOURCE	DESCRIPTION	OTHER NOTES
OMWBE Federal Certifications: DBE, ACDBE, SBE	Certifications for minority- and women-owned business enterprises to get federal contracts or funding.	Requires EIN, business details, and financial documents. Application takes ~90 days to process.
OMWBE State Certifications: MBE, WBE, MWBE, CBE, SEDBE	Certifications for minority- and women-owned business enterprises to get state & local contracts or funding.

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🔄 Manage Your Business

Keep your business in good standing and resolve issues if they arise.

RESOURCE	DESCRIPTION
WA Corporations & Charities Filing System	File annual reports, update registration info, and look up entities (business, nonprofits, charities) and trademarks.
Dissolved or Terminated Business FAQ	What to do if your business was shut down by the state for reasons like missing annual renewal payment and reporting due dates.

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⚖️ Get Legal Help & Capacity Support

Affordable or free legal assistance and guidance for community orgs.

RESOURCE	DESCRIPTION
Free Legal Help - Seattle OED	The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) website lists free legal service programs & organizations.

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🌱 Tap Into Other Growth Resources

Tools, events, education, and networks to help you thrive.

RESOURCE	DESCRIPTION
BOBE (Black-Owned Business Excellence)	Collaborative support, education, and growth network.
MBDA Business Centers	Help with funding, contracts, and international expansion.
Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED)	Creative economy support, handbooks, and small business aid.
Seattle Public Library Business & Nonprofit Resources	Free workshops, market research tools, and 1:1 consultations with industry experts and professionals.

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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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