Business Resources
The Spirit of Renton is Inclusive, Informed, and Inventive
Supporting local businesses in Renton and ensuring they have what they need to be successful is our top priority. Through this dedicated support approach, we aim to develop economic activity in the city and strengthen Renton’s tax base while providing a top-notch quality of life for residents.
The Complete Business Package is Renton
Whether you need information on obtaining a business license, are in search of additional space for your existing business, or would like one-on-one counseling to help your business grow, Renton provides the services you need. Below are helpful links in getting started.
- Renton Demographics – Find demographic data, consumer expenditures, and workforce data
- Business Licenses – Register your new business and obtain a UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number
- Available Properties – Locate optimal office, industrial, or retail business locations
- Incentives & Benefits – Find programs that support Renton’s small businesses and primary employers
- Business Taxes & Fees – Learn about taxes and fees that are incurred as a business owner in Renton
Explore these latest funding programs and grants that can provide financial support for your business endeavors. Learning how to access these resources can fuel your growth.
Strengthening Communities and Growing Washington's Economy
The Department of Commerce is the comprehensive agency in state government that supports community and economic development in every aspect. From planning and infrastructure to energy, public facilities, housing, public safety, crime victims, international trade, and business services, we collaborate with local governments, tribes, businesses, and civic leaders across the state. Our aim is to enhance communities, enabling all residents to thrive and prosper.
WA Dept of CommerceBlack Founder Startup Grant: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
The Black Founder Startup Grant by SoGal is set to eradicate low to no funding for black female-owned businesses. Black women founders are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs out of any throughout history. These founders are best equipped to solve some of the world’s largest unmet needs and have a legacy of reinvesting in their communities and creating intergenerational wealth. However, Black women entrepreneurs are met with the greatest barriers to accessing capital.
Black Founder Startup GrantLinked Deposit Loan Program
The Washington State Legislature recognized the capital access challenges faced by minority and women-owned businesses. In response, they enacted the 1993 Minority and Women Owned Business Assistance Act, which established the Linked Deposit Program (LDP). Through this program, state funds are deposited at below-market rates, and the resulting savings are passed on to qualified minority and women-owned businesses as an interest rate reduction of up to two percent. The LDP is operated by the Office of the State Treasurer and the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises.
Linked Deposit Loan ProgramLooking for more assistance? Connect with your dedicated Economic Development team for further support and guidance. Contact us at thrive@rentonwa.gov
Local and regional organizations that offer resources, financing options, and guidance to new businesses in Renton and neighboring communities:
- STARTUP425 – Expands entrepreneurship opportunities across Eastside communities by providing access to tools that experienced workers, students, and entrepreneurs need to go from idea to working business
- Washington Small Business Development Center – Helps address the needs of small businesses, and offers free counseling for businesses looking for new ways to grow
- Renton Chamber of Commerce – Improves business and economic conditions, and offers members leadership development, networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources to promote business prosperity
- Renton Downtown Partnership – Is committed to cultivating a vibrant, social, cultural and economic center by bringing together the community, non-profits, and city center stakeholders
- Business Impact NW – Offers training classes for entrepreneurs, microloans, and small business financing to qualified businesses, and coaching for small businesses that includes marketing, management, finance, and strategic planning
- Ventures – Empowers individuals with limited resources (immigrants, people of color, single parents, women) to improve their lives through small business ownership
- Small Business Administration – Provides a plethora of resources on starting a business, growing an established business, applying to a loan program, discovering research grants, and more
- SCORE – Hosts live small business webinars that are free to attend, offers free business advice, and provides a business mentor program
- CollegeChoice.net – Offer a suite of open-use reference guides to business management degrees. These guides discuss in detail fundamental considerations in the decision process, including job out outlook, specializations, and program options.
- Impact Washington -Impact Washington has helped Washington State manufacturers to become more globally competitive. Manufacturing experts and an industry resource network help create the change that can make the difference between surviving and thriving.
- Veteran’s SMB Guide – In this guide, Digital.com outlines the steps you’ll take to get a successful company off the ground. A dive deep into each step and explanations of exactly what you need are included in the guide. The guide will introduce you to the wide range of excellent resources that can help you turn an idea into a successful business.