 |
 |
 |
Reports & ResourcesThis page provides some helpful resources for individuals and companies within the Whatcom region, as well as people with plans to start a business or move an existing business to this area. Recently published reports, current information on local loan programs, information on correctly completing the Form I-9, sources for free business counseling, information on Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), and links to useful websites for business owners, can all be found in this section. ReportsADO Annual Legislative Report- December 2008 ResourcesARRA Funding UpdatesWondering where Recovery Act money is being spent? Check out the link below to use an interactive mapping tool that tracks ARRA Spending. For a listing of Whatcom County projects that have received ARRA Funding, take a look at the link below. Business Counseling and PlanningThe Small Business Development Centers are an important network of business advisors located throughout Washington State. SBDC Advisors provide vital counseling, guidance and training to businesses. For more information on SBDC services, refer to the link below. SCORE Chapter 591 is located in Bellingham, WA and serves Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan Counties. SCORE offers many services including free, confidential, one-on-one small business counseling. For information on counseling services provided by the Center for Economic Vitality check out the link below. Starting a BusinessThe website for the Department of Licensing provides information about business licensing, how to decide on a business structure, specialty licenses, and more. Washington State Business Resources FinanceThe document below provides a comprehensive list of loan programs and financing options that are available to businesses. This document focuses on programs that are available to Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan County businesses. Are you a rural business in need of financing? The USDA has a variety of programs that might help. Check out this flyer on the USDA Rural Development Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program: USDA Loan Program Flyer. The USDA's website is another helpful resource: www.usda.gov The Northwest Economic Council can assist businesses in need of financing. We operate a Revolving Loan Fund that is available to Whatcom County manufacturers in need of gap financing. For details, click here. NWEC also puts together an Alternative Financing Seminar every March, where presenters provide valuable information on alternative financing options that are available in Whatcom County. For information on this event, click here. Operating a Business in Washington StateBelow is a link to the 2009 edition of CTED's Guide for Small Businesses in Washington State. This helpful directory assembles information on organizations, services, and programs available throughout the State. Below is a link to the U.S. Small Business Administration's website. The State of Washington has put together a very helpful section on their website about doing business in Washington State. The Department of Revenue (DoR) has compiled some resources for Washington State business owners. Information on tax reporting responsibilities, the various tax incentives available throughout the State, and much more can be found on the DoR's website. The document below was designed by the Northwest Economic Council in order to assist businesses when filling out the Form I-9 to verify that new employees are eligible to work in the United States. The U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement requires that the Form I-9 is completed for every individual working within the United States. Operating a Business in Whatcom CountyThe Port of Bellingham operates three Foreign Trade Zones with locations in Bellingham, Blaine, and Sumas. For more information about operating a business in a Foreign Trade Zone or becoming a FTZ operator, please refer to the link below. Below is a link to the Planning & Community Development Department for the City of Bellingham, WA. Below is a link to the Department of Planning & Development Services for Whatcom County, WA. This site provides access to Whatcom County's Comprehensive Plan, information on the County's planning commission, and much more. Demographics and DataThe Center for Economics and Business Research up at WWU is a great resource for research and data on the Whatcom Region. Contact information is available on the website link provided below. Below is a link to the semi-annual newsletter that is published by Western Washington University's Center for Economic and Business Research (CEBR). This issue analyzes economic and demographic changes in our region. Miscellaneous ResourcesThe Washington State Department of Commerce has assembled an agency resource book that provides a succinct overview of available programs. The U.S. Department of Commerce has provided the following document to be used as a tool for companies in the U.S. that are interested in doing business with Canada. The U.S. Department of Commerce has provided the following document to be used as a tool for companies in the U.S. that are interested in doing business with Mexico. Below is a link to the website of the Better Business Bureau for Alaska, Oregon & Western Washington. Below is a link to the website for the WA State Department of Commerce which contains valuable information and resources. |
