Starting a small business in Washington is an exciting process, and understanding the key steps can set you up for success from day one.

Starting a small business in Washington is an exciting process, and understanding the key steps can set you up for success from day one. Begin by choosing a business structure — like an LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship — and making sure your business name is available through the Washington Secretary of State. Next, register your business and obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number by filing a Business License Application with the Department of Revenue. Depending on what you do, you may also need local city licenses or specialized state permits. Don’t forget to set up a separate business bank account, register for state taxes if required, and consider obtaining liability insurance. Finally, create a solid business plan and bookkeeping system to help keep you organized and compliant as you grow.

If you’re thinking about starting a new business in 2026 and need some advice, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment today.