Assistance and Counseling
A number of organizations provide counseling, seminars and other assistance for new businesses. Many of the services provided are free or low cost.

• Small Business Administration
  Provides business start-up assistance with access to state, local and federal resources.
  
  
• SCORE, Service Core of Retired Executives
  Provides business counseling services from season experts who have retired.
  
  
• Small Business Development Center at Edmonds Community College
  
  
• Northwest Washington's Women's Business Center
  
  
• Community Capital Development

Internet Resources
Many websites provide extensive information about starting a business. Check out the following:

• CCH Business Owner's Toolkit
  Total know-how for small business owners.
  
  
• Entreworld Starting your Business
  Starting Your Business guide
  
  
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  
  
• Washington Secretary of State
  Comprehensive information about operating a business in Washington, including a business resource guide.
  
  
• AccessWashington
  Official Washington State Government Website with online resources to help in starting a business.

Choosing the Structure of Your Business of Organization
You may operate your business or organization under any one of several organizational structures. Each type of structure has certain advantages and disadvantages that should be considered.

• Washington Secretary of State  
  Guide to types of organizations

Taxing Agencies
New businesses must file applications with various government organizations. Forms are available from the following sources for Snohomish County businesses.

• Washington State Department of Licensing, Master Business Application   
  Services include:

• Master Business Application. Used to apply for United Business Identifier and various business licenses. Includes instructions for starting a business.
  
• Lists of required licenses
  
• Business license and trade name FAQs    

• Washington Secretary of State Corporations Division
  Services include:

• Registers corporations, partnerships and trademarks
  
• Information on choosing the structure of your business
  
• Corporations search

• Washington State Department of Revenue  
  Services include:

• Forms, information and tax advice for State of Washington taxes
  
• Industry specific guides   

• Internal Revenue Service
  Services include:

• Forms, information and tax advice
  
• Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Required for all new businesses.)

Licenses and Permits
Various licenses and permits are required by state and local governments. Below are sources of information about required registrations

• Washington State Department of Licensing
  Listing of required state licenses, registrations and permits
  
  
• City of Everett
  Application for City Business License
  
  
• City of Edmonds
  Application for City Business License
  
  
• City of Mill Creek
  Application for City Business License
  
  
• City of Marysville
  Application for City Business License
  
  
• City of Bothell
  Application for City Business License
  
  
• City of Mukilteo
  Application for City Business License