Getting your business up and running can seem like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be complicated! In this blog, we review the simple steps you’ll need to take as a new business owner in Seattle, including registering your business, securing your business licenses, and applying for any additional licensing.
- Register your business. If you’re a new business owner in Seattle, the first thing you need to do is register your business entity (learn about the different types of business structures here).
Once registered, you’ll receive a Washington state Unified Business Identifier (UBI), which is a nine-digit number used by the state to identify your unique business entity.
Register your business with the Washington Secretary of State here.
- Apply for your business licenses. Seattle business owners must apply for—and be approved for—two primary licenses: the Washington state business license and the City of Seattle business license.
The Washington state business license application covers state licenses and permits but it also allows you to set up a taxpayer account, register a trade name, hire employees, add endorsements, and more. If you have additional questions, check out this list of state business licensing FAQs.
Next, you can apply for the City of Seattle business license. We love this helpful guide for how to navigate the King County business licensing process.
- Apply for additional licensing. If you’re a Seattle business owner, you may need additional licensing that’s specific to your industry, otherwise known as endorsements. To learn more about the endorsements you may need, visit this website.
Following these steps not only ensures you’re compliant with the business licensing requirements of Washington state and Seattle, but it enables you to access grants and loans that are only available to registered business owners with active licenses. Such grants and loans—like Seattle’s COVID-19 Small Business Grants during the pandemic—can help keep your business resilient, while affording you more opportunities to grow and diversify your business.
Have additional questions or don’t want to manage the process on your own? Schedule a consultation with our team.
