Business Basics: Starting a Business in Spokane

Business Basics
Written By Empower Spokane

Whether you're launching a passion project, a consultancy, or a scalable startup, Spokane is an increasingly vibrant place for entrepreneurs. This guide walks you through everything you need to start a business in 2025—from legal basics to smart tech tools, startup costs, and funding options.

Foundational Setup Checklist

1, Write a Business Plan That Actually Works

  • Focus on problem-solving, not just products.

  • Include customer profiles, market validation, competitive landscape, and a 12-month financial forecast.

  • Use free tools like SCORE Spokane, LivePlan, or templates from SBA.gov.

2. Choose Your Legal Structure

  • Sole Proprietor: Fast and simple, but no legal separation.

  • LLC: Most common choice for liability protection and tax flexibility.

  • Corporation (C or S): Ideal for high-growth startups or raising capital.

  • Use the Washington State Business Licensing Portal to register.

3. Register Your Business

  • Get your UBI number (Unified Business Identifier).

  • Apply for a City of Spokane business license at my.spokanecity.org.

  • File for a DBA if using a trade name.

4. Zoning + Permits

  • Check zoning for your business location (especially for brick-and-mortar or home-based businesses).

  • Special permits: Health, signage, fire safety, alcohol, etc.

5. Get Your EIN from the IRS

  • Needed for taxes, payroll, and opening a business bank account.

Technology Stack for New Businesses

Don’t overcomplicate it. Here’s what you’ll need out of the gate:

  • Domain & Website: Use Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress. Cost: ~$12–$30/month.

  • Business Email: Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. Cost: ~$6–$12/user/month.

  • Project Management: Trello, Asana, or Notion (free for small teams).

  • Accounting & Invoicing: QuickBooks, Wave (free), or FreshBooks.

  • CRM: HubSpot CRM (free version available).

  • Online Payments: Stripe, Square, or PayPal.

  • Marketing Tools: Canva (for branding), Mailchimp or ConvertKit (email), Meta Ads or Google Ads (for promotion).

💡Pro Tip: Don’t buy big software right away. Most startups only need 5–7 tools to get going.


Path 1: Self-Funding & Bootstrapping

Ideal for: Side hustles, service businesses, creatives, or small consultancies.

Tips:

  • Start lean: Use personal savings, 0% APR credit cards, or microloans.

  • Use Spokane-based coworking spaces or home office setups to save on overhead.

  • Offer pre-sales or beta products to generate early cash flow.

  • Use free or low-cost tools, and build sweat equity before outsourcing.

Local Resources:

  • SNAP Spokane: Small business microloans.

  • Craft3: Community lender for underserved entrepreneurs.

  • SCORE Spokane: Free business mentorship.

Path 2: Raising Capital or Finding Investors

Ideal for: Startups with a scalable product/service, tech ventures, or social impact companies.

Types of Funding:

  • Friends & Family

  • Angel Investors (check Spokane Angel Alliance)

  • Seed Funding / VC (less common in Spokane, but growing)

  • Grants & Pitch Competitions

  • Crowdfunding: Kickstarter, iFundWomen, Wefunder

How to Attract Investors:

  • Have a clear problem and unique solution.

  • Show traction (early users, revenue, partnerships).

  • Create a pitch deck (10–15 slides max).

  • Know your business model and growth plan.

Grow and Stay Compliant

  • File your state taxes and renew your business license annually.

  • Track expenses and revenue monthly. Use a bookkeeper or accounting software.

  • Continue learning: Join women’s groups like Empower Spokane, attend local workshops, and find a mentor.

Final Thoughts

Spokane has a growing ecosystem for business owners and startups—but success still comes down to strategy, consistency, and community. No matter how small you start, if you’re clear about your goals and stay connected to resources, you’ll build something meaningful.


Disclaimer

The information provided in this article and accompanying checklist is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, business regulations and requirements can change.

Empower Spokane makes no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided. Before making any business decisions, we encourage you to consult with qualified professionals, such as an attorney, accountant, or licensed business advisor, and to verify requirements with official state and local agencies.

Use of this content is at your own risk. Empower Spokane assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or any outcomes resulting from its use.

Empower Spokane
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