Washington: Resources
Impact Washington is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to aiding and advancing smaller manufacturers in Washington State to make them globally competitive. Aside from providing consulting services, it also conducts programs on employee training and certification, how to start your own business, and developing sustainable strategies.
Access Washington provides a wealth of information on government, business, education, living, visiting, and working in the state. The site features a state data portal, directories, links to government agencies, and news. Business links include resources for starting a business in Washington, licensing information, and state laws and regulations.
The Association of Washington Business (AWB) functions as Washington State’s chamber of commerce, as well as a manufacturing and technology association. The AWB has a substantial member base, of which the majority are small and medium-sized businesses. The site provides business advising and assistance services, accompanied by various web resources focusing on topics such as human resources, laws, healthcare, and the environment.
The Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW) helps small and medium-sized companies to export by providing free export finance advice and counseling assistance. Aside from these services, the center also offers various export finance seminars for new and experienced exporters as well as training events. The EFACW site contains information about the center, services provided, as well as a listing of upcoming events and seminars.
The U.S. Commercial Service of Commerce for the State of Washington specializes in helping small to medium-sized companies develop and execute exporting strategies. There are multiple export assistance centers within the Washington state area to connect Washington exporters with international partners. General services provided by the department include trade counseling, business matchmaking, and market intelligence. Fees vary and are based on the service being provided.
This document provides a brief description of the Washington Sales Representative Statutes along with many of the common issues that arise such as wholesale agreements, commission deadlines, and post-termination commission contingencies. It also touches on several other potential issues such as noncompetition provisions, franchise or business opportunity possibilities, tax implications, and Washington antitrust laws. Prepared by: Ater Wynne LLP Attorneys at Law.
The Global Business Center is maintained by the University of Washington's Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER). It aims to promote international business through various programs and educational initiatives. The site also provides a series of links to international organizations and resources.
The Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT) is devoted to advancing global opportunities for businesses in Washington State. Services that it provides include international trade updates, networking opportunities, as well as company advocacy. Its website offers a range of resources that focus on various international business topics, data and publications, and links to other resources.
The Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) is a non-profit organization of private businesses, economic development councils, ports, and governments that aim to increase economic development in Washington. WEDA provides a number of educational events and conferences where members can discuss how to improve the local economy as well as gain access to potential resources. Its site details the functions of the association and also provides a resource directory with links to economic development websites and consultants.
A collaborative project by the University of Washington and other colleges and economic development organizations, the Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) provides assistance and training for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Services the WSBDC offers include business advising, management training, and market research as well as FAQs and interactive counseling sessions.
Washington State - Export Assistance is a service of the Washington State Department of Commerce Business Services Division that is the main source for businesses located in Washington that wish to begin exporting. The site contains information regarding why a company should export and also provides services such as building an export plan, finding export grants and loans, consulting with a trade specialist, and getting connected. A newsroom of Washington-related economic articles is also available.
Washington State Department of Commerce specializes in assisting both local and out-of-state companies who wish to establish themselves in the state of Washington. Its website offers an extensive pool of business resources, including economic data, state industries, and a location search. The team also provides its business assistance services for free.
The World Trade Center Tacoma aims to increase international trade between the state of Washington and other countries. The center provides assistance in trade research, targeted counseling, and matchmaking with local and global partners in order to stimulate trade. Trade and business resources are available on the center's website covering topics such as getting started, how to import/export, trade agreements, and legal services.