Show the world that you're a contender: start your business in Seattle. Now is the time to strike it rich, regardless of how strange your idea may be. If you're willing to learn from others, you can make your business in Seattle a success.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a wealth of useful information on their website for those interested in starting a business. By visiting their site, you can access information on establishing a business plan, on forming a corporation, and obtaining capital and funding. If you would like more information or wish to speak to an SBA representative, you can contact the SBA.
While the SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support nonprofit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments.
The SBA does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses (with some exceptions), although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs.
As a new business owner, you will need to understand your federal tax responsibilities. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has devoted a section of their website to tax information for businesses. The IRS also provides resources for starting a business and starting a business in your state.
Another excellent resource to consult is a private organization called the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). SCORE is comprised of retired business executives who donate their services and expertise to people starting or expanding a small business. SCORE has offices all over the country.
There also exists a nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), which is administered by the SBA. This program was developed to provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. There are also Business Development Centers designed specifically to assist women, Native Americans, and minorities.
Partnership for Progress is a Federal Reserve System program created to preserve and promote minority-owned institutions. Partnership for Progress's goal is to help minority businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive banking environment. They provide one-on-one discussions with minority bankers, outreach programs, and technical assistance tailored to meet the needs of minority-owned institutions.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can help a company understand how to raise capital and comply with federal securities laws.
Many states provide resources that can help you start a business. The agencies that provide these resources vary from state to state. To locate one of these agencies, please contact your state government.
The public workforce system is a network of government offices that works in partnership with employers, educators, and community leaders to establish economic development and high-growth opportunities. This system helps businesses find qualified workers to staff their workforce.
Also, you might want to research information on how to incorporate a business or a non-profit organization.
For additional information on starting a business, please visit http://www.business.gov/ and the USA.gov's Business and Non-profit Gateway.
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