Starting a Business

Advantages for Entrepreneurs and Start-Ups

Spokane Valley recognized the critical role small businesses and entrepreneurs play in the economy. The  check list below identifies the necessary steps to get a business started on the right track. For additional assistance, contact Spokane Valley staff at (509) 720-5240 or economicdevelopment@spokanevalley.org.

Opening a restaurant? For additional guidance with restaurants, visit the city’s Regulatory Roadmap – Restaurant roadmap.

1) Prepare your business plan

Business planning, advice and research is extremely valuable when starting a new business. The following partners offer resources that could help during this process.

• Avista Center for Entrepreneurship at Spokane Community College
• Greater Spokane Incorporated Small Business Help
• SCORE Spokane
• Small Business Administration
• Spokane Regional Business Library
• Startup Spokane
• Washington Small Business Development Center
• SNAP Financial Access – Women’s Business Center

2) Register the Business

Spokane Valley requires every person engaged in business or continuing business during the calendar year to register with the city. Log in using your Secure Access Washington (SAW) user ID to register your business online at Washington State Business Licensing Service.

3) Check Zoning Regulations

To determine the areas of the city where your business type can operate, review the SVMC 19.60 Permitted Uses and the city zoning map.

4) Identify a Location

The Spokane Valley Site Selector allows you access to available commercial properties and business locations. It also provides data on important factors such as labor force, demographics, consumer spending and housing.

5) Apply for a Permit

Once a location is selected, check the approved occupancy for an existing building and research building code requirements for renovations or new construction.

Contact the permit center at (509) 720-5240 or permitcenter@spokanevalley.org for questions or to apply.

Online permitting is also available for some permits.

6) Choose a Tax Structure

The business structure will have legal and tax implications. Learn about the different types of business structures and find the right fit at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Seek professional legal, tax or account advice as appropriate.

7) Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number

Register with the IRS before opening a business bank account, hire employees or owe taxes. Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number and enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.

8) Obtain a Business License

Visit Washington’s Business Licensing Service to learn more about the different licenses available.

9) Apply for Financing or Grants

For information on available financing and grants, visit the Financial Opportunities webpage.

10) Hire Employees

When ready to hire, learn more here about Washington’s requirements.

11) Apply for Incentives

A wide variety of incentives are intended to encourage the creation and retention of Washington jobs.