Steps for Successful Startups

Young mixed race woman standing in doorway of a clothes shop
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Love What You Do!

Step 1:  Prepare for Washington State Business Success

Do you love this business idea?  Are you good at what you do?  Do you have the time to dedicate to the business?  Do you have supportive friends and family?  These are important considerations as you prepare for starting a business.  Your passion for this business is going to sustain you through the late nights and early mornings as you grow your small enterprise.

 Step 2:  Plan Your Business

Is there a market for your products and services?

Do you have the time in your week to develop your business idea, track your revenue, do your bookkeeping and get your products to your customers?  Good business planning keeps you focused, and can be the difference between failure and success.

 Step 3:  Learn the Landscape

Step 4:  Register and License Your Business

You’ll need to go through several steps to make sure your business can operate legally.  Local, state and federal laws apply to businesses.  Get the help you need to take each step as it comes so you are not wasting your time and you are getting where you want to go, without putting yourself under too much pressure.

Step 5:  Get Support from Technical Assistance Partners

Check out these resources for more information about Washington state providers to get started.