Business Resources and Information

It takes the right mix of tools, networking and know-how for small businesses to succeed in today's competitive environment. Entrepreneurs now have a place they can turn to for help in getting their business off on the right foot: The Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce.

The Issaquah Chamber provides valuable services to business owners, including referral sources, business education (seminars and workshops), member-to-member mentoring, and networking opportunities. Contact the Issaquah Chamber at 425-392-7024 to find out about the multitude of resources available to you as you start and develop your business.
 
Issaquah Officials Establish Impact Fee Reduction to Support Business Expansion
On January 3rd, the City Council extended City payment of a portion of the transportation impact fee for new commercial development for another year. Under this Ordinance the City, rather than the developer, pays the transportation impact fee for the first 10,000 sq. ft. of gross commercial floor area.

The City Council began this program in 2009 in response to the impact of the national economic downturn on our community’s economic vitality and the economic future of Olde Town. As a result, the private sector has saved approximately $590,000 in transportation impact fees over the last three years. Most projects using this provision were small, 5,000 sq. ft. or less, and the average savings per project was just over $15,000.

The City Council intended this to be a temporary measure and originally scheduled it to sunset on March 2, 2010. However, the provision has been extended three times since the economy has remained slow. The current extension is scheduled to expire on March 1, 2013. For more information, please contact the City of Issaquah at http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/



 

Business Licenses & Permits

City of Issaquah
The Citys’ Permit & Information Centers will explain which permits or certifications are required for the construction or operation of your business.
 

Business Registration

Washington Corporate Division
Contact the Washington Secretary of State Corporation Division to register a business name or for information on corporations. Explore the on-line business registry database. Access forms and fees.
 

Resources

City of Issaquah Business Page
Business is important to our quality of life here in the City of Issaquah. This section is dedicated to providing links to resources inside the city government as well as the community to make it easier to do business in the city.

Washington Department of Commerce
The Washington State Department of Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several boards and commissions, all focused on achieving one clear and simple mission: to grow and improve jobs in Washington.

Search Tool for Resources Available to Small Businesses
Small businesses face challenges locating the technical assistance, training, and capital assistance they need. A new search tool from the Department of Commerce aims to help them easily find the resources that can make a difference to their success. The site allows users to search for many types of assistance, including microloans, business training, and one-on-one counseling.

SCORE
SCORE is a national organization that has counselors available for one-on-one sessions to help emerging business people with almost any aspect of getting a business started or helping an existing business become even more successful. To learn more about the Seattle branch, please click the link above.

Small Business Administration
The federal government has one agency dedicated to helping small businesses become and stay successful. It has one website with many resources to help get your business off the ground or provide existing business owners with information to help them become more prosperous.

National Federation of Independent Businesses
This group's name says it all. In addition to providing resources, it also lobbies Congress to ensure the best possible environment in which to do business.