Workforce Development

Many small businesses have trouble finding the skilled workers they need to make their business thrive. OED partners with both the Seattle Jobs Initiative and the Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council to provide training and job placement services.

• More information about workforce development

For additional assistance contact:

Matthew Houghton, Workforce Development Manager
matthew.houghton@seattle.gov
206-684-5596

Licensing, Permits & Taxes

Business License

Everyone doing business in the City of Seattle must obtain and annually renew a business license. If you're doing business at several locations in the City, you'll need a separate license for each venue.

• Download a business license application
• Find out if there are additional licensing requirements for your business
• For more assistance, email rca.bizlictx@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-8484

King County does not require a general business license. However, all businesses operating in the State of Washington must obtain a Washington State Master Business License to register their business for state tax purposes.

• Request an application
• Register a trade name

Building Permits

To get a building permit, contact the Seattle Department of Planning and Development (DPD) - the agency charged with developing, administering and enforcing standards for land use, design, construction and housing within the city limits. First, you'll want to find out relevant policies and codes related to environmental protection, development, housing and community standards.

• More information about building permits

Film Permits

Permits are required for filming city streets, sidewalks, public parking, city parks, and other public property. Film permits are issued by the Mayor's Office of Film + Music.

• Apply for a film permit

Taxes

Anyone doing business within the Seattle city limits whose business generates income above a certain level will have to pay a city business tax. The Guide to Seattle's Business License & Taxes provides answers to many questions. However, to find out about your specific circumstances, consult your tax advisor or the Seattle Municipal Code. Code Section 5.40 is Admission Taxes, 5.45 is Business License taxes, 5.52 is Gambling Taxes, 5.60 is Sales and Use Taxes.

Washington State does not have a corporate tax; however, there is a state Business & Occupation Tax. In addition, new and existing manufacturers, research and development firms and certain high technology companies in Washington can benefit from several tax incentives.

• State Taxes and Rates
• State Tax Laws and Rules
• State Tax Forms
• State Taxpayer Rights and Responsibilities Acrobat PDF 1.7 MB

Back to Top

Doing Business with the City of Seattle

The Purchasing and Contracting Services Division (PCSD) of the Department of Executive Administration provides City departments with assistance regarding the purchasing of goods and routine services and the award and execution of public works construction projects.

• Register as a Vendor/Contractor

Women- and minority-owned businesses can apply for certification from the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE). Certification may help you do business with federal, state, and city agencies as well as private sector entities with Supplier Diversity programs.

• Apply for OMWBE certification

Back to Top

Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities collects garbage and bills customers on a combined utilities bill. Private recycling companies provide commercial recycling services to most Seattle businesses.

• For referrals to private providers and help with setting up commercial recycling services, contact Resource Venture
• Small businesses that generate 96 gallons of garbage or less each week (approximately equivalent to 3 standard 32-gallon garbage cans) may qualify for free recycling through Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle City Light

Seattle City Light provides electricity to Seattle businesses through energy efficiency programs and services that have been nationally and internationally recognized for innovation and excellence. The utility offers financial incentives and technical assistance to help businesses reduce electricity use and costs.

• Energy Smart Services offers financial incentives and technical assistance for both existing facilities and new construction projects

Puget Sound Energy

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) provides all natural gas services to Seattle businesses. The utility offers incentive funding for commercial and industrial natural gas customers who install cost-effective, energy-efficient modifications to existing systems.

• PSE offers grants and rebates for energy efficient projects

Business Advocate

In 2003, the Mayor established and launched the Mayor’s Business Advocate service to assist small businesses. The Advocate acts as a voice for small and medium-sized businesses that need help with City policies and regulations.

In her three years of service, Advocate Kris Effertz has assisted over 500 businesses. Among her accomplishments were the facilitation of the brownfields clean-up of the Despi’s Delite Bakery site on Beacon Hill, and the re-establishment of Charlie’s Produce, for which she was honored by the Manufacturing and Industrial Council (MIC) for her outstanding work.

Kris Effertz, the City of Seattle’s Business Advocate, can be reached at 206-684-BIZZ (206-684-2499) or by email at kris.effertz@seattle.gov. Kris works with businesses on a case-by-case basis to troubleshoot concerns and resolve problems. She is available as your first point of contact to understand and navigate City processes, regulations and policies—and gain access to needed resources.

Back to Top

Additional Resources

• The Seattle Business Assistance Center at Community Capital Development (CCD) provides individualized technical and financial assistance, business development and expansion services and policy advice to many businesses that might otherwise have difficulty obtaining conventional bank financing.
• Seattle Chapter of SCORE is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping small businesses by providing no-fee mentoring and business counseling and low-cost workshops.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers small business loans. Its Seattle district office houses a Business Enterprise Center (BEC) with an extensive resource library and the Seattle Chapter of SCORE. The BEC offers a one-stop location where current and future small business owners can receive assistance and advice.
• The Business and Economic Development Center (BEDC) at the University of Washington Michael G. Foster School of Business assists inner city small businesses grow, create and retain jobs and contribute to the region's economy.
• The Washington Technology Center helps Washington companies overcome the technical challenges of product development by linking them with the scientific and engineering resources of the state's universities.
• The Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (WBBA) is a not-for-profit association of Washington state biotechnology and biomedical companies, research firms and related organizations that provides business and economic development information and marketing opportunities for members.

Back to Top