"Doing Business in Washington" Web site provides one-stop resource for businessesFebruary 2007

"Doing Business in Washington" Web site provides one-stop resource for businesses

Business owners can often feel daunted by the processes involved in working with government. Under the direction of Governor Chris Gregoire, Washington is now working to streamline government-required processes for businesses.

One of the elements of Governor Gregoire's statewide economic agenda is the state's "Doing Business in Washington" Web site, created to make it simpler for business owners to interact with state agencies and several local governments.

The Web site, www.business.wa.gov, also referred to as the Business Portal, is part of Gregoire's The Next Washington plan to build on the economic success in Washington and seize opportunities for Washington-grown companies.

The Web site's growth and development is guided by the business community and helps local and state government provide integrated service to business owners. It is designed to make licensing, permitting, regulatory approvals or filings, and tax collection easier by assembling all of these functions in one spot on the Web.

The "Doing Business in Washington" Web site now includes:

• Detailed information on starting or growing a business
• Step by step instructions for many licenses and permits
• Online reporting for changes in business information
• Online application for state business licenses, and simultaneous city business license applications for Bellevue, Duvall, Gig Harbor, Issaquah, Monroe, Richland, Sammamish, Skykomish, Spokane Valley, Sultan, Tumwater and Zillah
• Licensing and tax regulation information for all 178 cities in Washington
• Comprehensive resources for those seeking to do business with the state, including a more complete list of bidding opportunities.

The site simplifies transactions with government, improves customer service, saves businesses time and effort, improves accuracy and consistency of information, and increases transparency in government. Above all, it makes Washington an easier place to do business.

The Web site also has a section devoted to growing a business. In that section, people can read about getting grants and loans, find market information, and learn about how to take advantage of tax incentives.

Lastly, a section on resources directs current and prospective business owners to laws and rules, training and counseling, and trade associations.

For more information about the "Doing Business in Washington" Web site, please call David Sorrell or Karen Pemerl. David can be reached at 360-902-3495 or by e-mail at davids@dis.wa.gov. Karen can be reached at 360-902-0529 or by e-mail at karen.pemerl@gov.wa.gov.