Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023

Each year on the third Monday in January, we honor the life, mission and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  He visited Washington State for the first time in November of 1961.  Experience the story of his historic visit to Seattle through the digital exhibition provided by the Washington State Historical Society.

Online Exhibition

Office of the Governor

2023 Legislative Session 

For the first time in two years, lawmakers are meeting in person for this 105 day legislative session.  Housing, homelessness and behavioral health top Governor Inslee's budget priorities for the next biennium.

• Review the proposed Budget & Policy Highlights
• Watch TVW 2023 Legislative Session Preview

What's happening on the floor?  Stay up to date at wa.leg.gov 

Dept. of Revenue

A New Tax Credit for Washington Workers

The Dept. of Revenue will begin accepting applications for the Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) on February 1st. The purpose of the program is to stimulate the local economy, promote racial equity and support the well-being of  Washingtonians. The program is perpetual (not only one time) and will provide refunds of up to $1200 to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Learn more about the program:

• Eligibility
• Resources
• Events

Have a question about the WFTC Program?  Contact DOR at 360-763-7300 or complete a contact request form.

Dept. of Labor & Industries

Reminder:  Changes Impacting Workers Effective January 1st

The Dept. of Labor & Industries wants to make sure everyone is aware of the new changes and how they may be impacted. 

Changes include:

• Minimum wage and minimum salary for overtime-exempt employees are increasing.
• Agricultural overtime eligibility is expanding.
• Rideshare drivers are gaining access to minimum trip pay and other rights.
• Job-seekers will see wage transparency in job postings.

Read More

Dept. of Enterprise Services

Planned Procurements

DES is here to help small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses understand and participate in the bidding process so they can do business with the state.

Remember that the first step to doing business with the state is registering in Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS).

Upcoming goods and services contract opportunities:

• Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
• IT Professional Services (ITPS)
• Paint Service
• Portable Sanitation Services
• Process Server
• Spoken Language Interpreter Services - Court Certified

If you have any questions about planned procurements or the bidding process, contact: [email protected] or 360-902-7400.

Learn More

Washington Health Benefit Exchange - WA Healthplanfinder

Don’t Wait—Open Enrollment Ends on Jan. 15th

We’re fast approaching the end of 2023 open enrollment, don’t miss your chance to get the coverage you and your employees need! Washingtonians have until Jan. 15 to sign up for health and dental plans on Washington Healthplanfinder for the 2023 plan year.

There’s still time to save with Cascade Care Savings! Choose a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan and you may qualify for additional savings. Visit wahealthplanfinder.org to learn more about available savings and find the right plan!

Need help getting covered? We have assisters throughout the state available to help at no cost answer questions, understand tax credits, and sign up for coverage. Click here to find an assister near you.

Share this information with your employees and ensure they have the coverage they need for 2023!

Questions on how you can support your employees sign up for health coverage? Contact [email protected].

U.S. Small Business Association (SBA)

New Veterans Small Business Certification (VetCert) Portal Open Now

SBA’s new Veteran Small Business Certification program implements changes from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 which transfers the certification function from the Department of Veterans Affairs to SBA as of January 1, 2023. The transfer will provide veterans with a central support point for their small business certification needs.

Certification with SBA allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified veteran-owned small businesses have additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the Veterans Administration (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program.

As of Monday, January 9, 2023, the new VetCert Portal is live and taking applications.

Learn More

Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance

Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR)

SBRR workshops are provided by members of the Washington state Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT).

Start a Business in WA:  This free, one-hour webinar will give you a strong foundation for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration and licensing, and other regulatory requirements. 

Next webinar is February 7th at 9 am - Register Here

Now available as a pre-recorded video in Spanish - Watch Here

Learn More

Business Resources

UW Michael G. Foster School of Business

FREE Business Certificate Program

This free six week program provides participants an opportunity to learn proven business concepts, expand your business skills and improve your job performance. 

• When?  Feb. 2 - March 9, every Thursday, from 6pm to 9pm via Zoom
• Registration Required

Learn More

SBA: 2023 Small Business Trends

Whether you are starting a business this year or setting your sights for strategic growth, having well-informed expectations can help you make the right moves. While it is impossible to predict exactly what the future will bring, here are the trends the SBA is monitoring as we begin the new year.

Read More

View Workshops, Event Calendars & Training Opportunities:

• SBA Seattle District Wednesday Webinars
• Washington Small Business Development Center
• Dept. of Labor & Industries
• Dept. of Revenue
• Office of Minority's & Women's Business Enterprises
• Washington Center for Women in Business
• SCORE