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Small Business Resources in Bellingham, WA

Federal, State, and City Offices

Bellingham City Hall

210 Lottie St, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 778-8000 | https://www.cob.org/services/permits

Here you can get the required permits and licenses you’ll need to start up your business. 

 

Internal Revenue Service

114 W Mongolia St, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 752-4361| Available By Appointment Only

We’re lucky to have an IRS office right here in Bellingham. However, the IRS doesn’t accept walk-ins, so make sure to schedule an appointment by calling (844) 525-5640 if you need to meet with an IRS employee.

 

Department of Revenue

1904 Humboldt St Ste A, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 594-4840

If you need to register your business with the Department of Revenue, you can do it using the My DOR online business licensing system, but we also have an office here in Bellingham if you need assistance.  They also hold workshops to help new businesses learn about tax basics.

 

Business Advising

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)

1336 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 685-4259 | https://bellingham.score.org/

Bellingham SCORE provides small businesses with free counseling from retired business professionals. Small business owners and entrepreneurs can request a mentor and take workshops on topics such as starting a business, writing a business plan, and marketing strategies. This is a good resource for new entrepreneurs who are looking for help with planning and getting their business started. 

 

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

1616 Cornwall Ave Ste 199, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 778-1762 | https://sbdc.wwu.edu/

The SBDC is located at Western Washington University and helps small businesses with planning, financing, and managing. You can work one-on-one with their Certified Business Advisors to help you with a wide range of areas including creating a business plan, financing, market research, and HR. Their services are free of charge to Whatcom County small business owners; however, their main client base is established businesses. 

 

Choose Whatcom

1801 Roeder Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 676-2500 | http://choosewhatcom.com/

Choose Whatcom is a project co-funded by the Port of Bellingham, the City of Bellingham, and Whatcom County. They provide small businesses with the information and resources they need to start, grow, and relocate their business.

 

NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC)

2200 Rimland Dr Ste 210, Bellingham, WA 98226 | (360) 255-7870 | https://nwirc.com/

This organization works with entrepreneurs and inventors to help them identify the strategy, tools, and resources they need to develop and launch their idea. Their Just-In-Time Mentorship ™ program matches entrepreneurs with experienced mentors.

 

Business Memberships/Networking

Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce

119 N. Commercial St Ste 110, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 734-1330 | https://bellingham.com/

If you want to connect with local business owners, joining the Chamber of Commerce is a great way to do that. There are different tiers of memberships, which include benefits, such as an online business listing, features on their website and e-newsletter, admission to networking events, and more. 

 

Sustainable Connections

1701 Ellis St Ste 221, Bellingham WA 98225 | (360) 647-7093 | https://sustainableconnections.org/

As the name suggests, this organization is focused on creating a sustainable local economy by encouraging a “Think Local First” mindset. Member benefits include being featured on their local business directory, access to their publications, and invitations to events. 

 

Technology Alliance Group

(360) 312-7105 | https://www.tagnw.org/

TAG is a non-profit organization that aims to foster innovation in technology by holding community networking events. As a Business Member, you will be included on their Business Member Directory, have access to their job board, receive discounted event attendance, and promotion in select marketing.

 

Whatcom Business Alliance

2423 E Bakerview Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226 | (360) 745-0418 | https://whatcombusinessalliance.com/

The WBA aims to facilitate business success and community prosperity in Whatcom County.  As a member, you can network with other local business owners to discuss ideas, trends, issues, and opportunities in the business community. Depending on your tier of membership, you can gain access to their bi-monthly e-newsletter, attend quarterly networking and education events, be featured on their website, and more. 

 

Coworking Spaces

Her Connection Hub

329 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225| https://herconnectionhub.com/

This space provides the opportunity to use professional tools for creative projects including 3D printers, laser machines, milling machines, screen printing presses, etc. You can choose to become a member which grants access to their computers and software, social events, and classes. 

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Bellingham Makerspace

1 Bellis Fair Parkway #618, Bellingham, WA 98225 | https://bellinghammakerspace.org/

This space provides the opportunity to use professional tools for creative projects including 3D printers, laser machines, milling machines, screen printing presses, etc. You can choose to become a member which grants access to their computers and software, social events, and classes. 

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Invent Coworking

725 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (855) 261-9814 | https://inventcoworking.com/

This space offers a lot of help for startups and freelancers. Amenities in this space include a photography studio, executive office, conference room, and high-speed internet. 

 

Helpful Links

Here are some websites that will be helpful when starting your business:

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We know, that’s a lot of information, but we hope that you will find some of it useful in helping grow your business here in Bellingham. If you're a business owner in Bellingham, we’d love to support you! So, here’s one more resource:

 

Summit Bookkeeping LLC

1530 Birchwood Ave Ste C, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 756-5020 | https://www.summitbkpg.com/

We may be a little biased, but that’s because we know how important clear and accurate bookkeeping is for a business. We’re committed to providing business owners in Whatcom County with affordable, friendly, and flexible bookkeeping services.

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