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Small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs are the engines that power local economies throughout the state. To support them every step of the way, the Washington State Department of Commerce has a suite of programs and services that meet their diverse needs, from education and training to business loans and export assistance.

WASHINGTON STATEHELPING SMALL BUSINESSES GROW

EXPORT ASSISTANCE: Exporting products overseas is a natural growth strategy, but figuring out how to navigate the export market can be difficult. Commerce’s team of export experts can assist you with setting up your exporting operation, including providing technical assistance, research, matchmaking, trade show exposure and trade missions to key markets around the globe.

GROWING RURAL ECONOMIES: Great communities need successful, growing businesses. One can’t exist without the other. This program connects small businesses and entrepreneurs to a wealth of services, including workshops, business plan competitions, mentoring, education and training.

REGULATORY ROADMAP: The Department of Commerce partners with local and state agencies to streamline the regulatory process for businesses so they can open or expand in cities throughout Washington State more easily. Initial projects are focused on the restaurant and manufacturing sectors.

SMALL BUSINESS RETIREMENT MARKETPLACE: When fully operational in 2017, the Small Business Retirement Marketplace will offer low-cost retirement savings plans via qualified financial services firms to businesses with less than 100 employees, sole proprietors and self-employed individuals.

ECONOMIC GARDENING: Designed for second-stage companies, economic gardening focuses on overcoming strategic growth challenges, such as developing new markets, refining business models and gaining access to competitive intelligence. Specially trained economic gardening specialists help CEOs utilize sophisticated, proven tools and information to take the company to the next level.

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SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT INITIATIVE: The Department of Commerce works with private financial institutions to offer three small business loan programs – Craft3, the W Fund and Collateral Support Program – to fill funding gaps in traditional loan strategies. These programs have delivered millions in new capital to Washington State small businesses since their inception.

FUND LOCAL: Fund Local allows established small businesses to borrow up to $50,000 to expand and grow through community crowdsourcing. Participating businesses pitch their campaign to their community over a 30-day period and customers who want to support their local business can lend funds in $50 increments called “Squares.” Once funded, you have three years to pay “Squareholders” back interest-free.

EXPORT VOUCHER PROGRAM: Qualifying small businesses in Washington can be reimbursed up to $5,000 for export-related activities, including trade show and trade mission fees, travel, interpreter and translation services, training, international certifications and more.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL

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STARTUP WASHINGTON: Located at Startup.ChooseWashingtonState.com, this online resource contains in-depth information and resources for entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses, including funding resources, training and technical assistance, mentorship, education and information.

GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Each November, the Department of Commerce works with local economic development organizations to host hundreds of events throughout the state that help entrepreneurs explore their potential, connect to resources, engage in networking, refine their ideas and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Washington’s economy and builds quality communities.

CREATING EXPORT SUCCESS: This 1½ day seminar covers everything you need to know to begin exporting. The content of the course is customized to match the profiles of those attending and is hands-on, so you get real-world examples and advice from experts in exporting. On the second day, you meet directly with representatives in round tables that focus on your specific business issues.

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BUSINESS CONSULTING: The Department of Commerce offers a range of consulting services designed to help small businesses grow and prosper throughout the state. Understanding that every business is different, Commerce has a team of business experts who can provide you with real world solutions to pressing business issues, from expansion strategies and financing to customized workforce training and export training.

INTERAGENCY PARTNERSHIPS: Commerce works closely with other government agencies to clear roadblocks and create opportunities for business growth and expansion. This body of work includes partnering with cities and counties to improve the regulatory experience for starting and operating restaurants and manufacturing facilities as well as working with the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Small Farm Direct Marketing and Farm to School team to connect rural farms and food entrepreneurs with local markets for their products. The Department of Commerce also worked with 11 regulatory agencies to develop the Washington BusinessHub website (http://business.wa.gov/) which is a one-stop shop for information about starting and operating a business in the state.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: To connect Commerce’s programs and services to communities throughout Washington, the agency fields three outreach specialists who work directly with local leaders, economic development organizations, tribes and small businesses. These specialists are available to help communities, regions and businesses achieve their strategic goals and connect to nearly 100 Commerce programs and services designed to strengthen communities, build infrastructure and grow the economy.

STARTUP 365 CENTERS: Created by the Washington State Legislature in 2015, Startup 365 is a partnership between the Department of Commerce’s entrepreneurial program and local economic development organizations. Centers in Thurston, Asotin and Whitman counties provide entrepreneurs and small businesses with information, resources and onsite assistance. This includes finding funding sources, receiving training and technical assistance, securing local mentorship and providing access to resources, education and information to help them grow. The centers are part of a growing mentor network developed by Commerce, Greater Spokane Inc. and the Business and Innovation Center in Lacey.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

TRADE SHOWS: Businesses interested in expanding their markets can partner with the Department of Commerce at tradeshows throughout the world. Supporting the state’s key sector focus, these shows allow you to participate in high profile shows at a fraction of the cost, exposing your company, products and services to decision makers worldwide.

TRADE MISSIONS: Led by officials from state agencies and occasionally, the Governor or his staff, trade missions allow businesses to establish key relationships and engage in business-to-business and business-to-government meetings that can greatly reduce the sales cycle. Many cultures require government-level introductions and these missions open doors that are otherwise closed to businesses.

MARKETINGSMALL BUSINESS PLAYBOOK: If you’re thinking about starting a business, relocating your operations to Washington State or planning to invest in an existing business, The Small Business Playbook is for you. Filled with real-world insights, information and lessons learned, the guide was written by Washington State small business owners.

WHEN TROUBLE STRIKES - Natural and manmade disasters are inevitable. While you can’t prevent every disruption in your business, there are things you can do to either reduce their likelihood or their impact. When Trouble Strikes gives you proven ways to identify and neutralize potential disruptions as well as tips you can use to get back up and and running in their aftermath.

HOW-TO GUIDES

“The Department of Commerce offers an incredible service to the startup tech community and there’s no doubt that their efforts with Mobile World Congress have not only helped drive revenue for our business, but have opened the door to new business that would have otherwise not been there at all. We hope to have the opportunity to work with them again on future collaborations.”

Red RussakBusiness Development for Apptentive

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness (OEDC) was formed to help your business succeed. If you have questions about any of these services or programs, contact us at moreinfo@choosewashingtonstate.com or call us at (206) 256-6100.

You can also visit us on the web at www.commerce.wa.gov or Startup.ChooseWashingtonState.com.

CONTACT US TODAY!