A feature of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI) is to provide business assistance and resource referral. This monthly Business Assistance Briefing is to share relevant and timely resources to support your business, regardless of size.

In today’s world it can be hard to navigate the waters when it comes to running your business, gaining access to capital, marketing woes, workforce needs, or just getting started – GGHI is here to assist.

Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute Business and Society Program works with business executives and scholars to align business decisions and investments with the long-term health of society—and the planet. Through carefully designed networks, working groups and focused dialogue, the Program identifies and inspires thought leaders and “intrapreneurs” to challenge conventional ideas about capitalism and markets, to test new measures of business success and to connect classroom theory and business practice.

Click here to find out more.

New and Small Businesses and Compliance Laws

Owning a small business or creating a new business brings many responsibilities, including compliance with various federal labor and employment laws. The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) administers and enforces some of the nation’s most comprehensive federal labor laws. Collectively, these laws cover most private, state, and local government employment throughout the United States and its territories. Some states have labor laws that afford workers additional rights and protections; employers must comply with both federal and state laws.

Click here to learn more and be sure you are adhering to all the laws.

We can never share enough resources about starting a new business or getting help with one you have already started. That is why we always want to share with our partners that have created the tools for you.

Start a Business in WA Workshop

Are you considering starting a business, or did you recently start one and still have lots of questions?

This free, one-hour webinar will give you a strong foundation for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration and licensing, and other regulatory requirements. You’ll connect with business liaisons from the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Innovation and Assistance, the Secretary of State’s Office, and the Departments of Revenue, Employment Security, and Labor and Industries, who will also provide you information about many free or low-cost assistance programs.

Click here to learn more and sign up for webinars or watch recorded videos.

Let’s not forget about StartUp Washington and their Business Startup Playbook.

There’s nothing more exciting than starting or owning your own business. Whether you’re starting an online business in your basement or planning to be a major player in vehicle electrification, being your own boss can be one of the most rewarding career moves you can make.

The purpose of this playbook is to give you all the critical information you need to start and operate a business in Washington State, whether you’re starting out from scratch, buying an existing business, relocating your company, or opening an office or facility within the state’s borders.

Click here to learn more.

Greater Grays Harbor hosts a Business Assistance page on our website that provides a lengthy list of resources related to startups and other business support. We are happy to conduct a meeting with you to discuss business needs and how to navigate the vast resource network.

Please reach out to Loretta Thomas, Program Manager for Business Development at GGHI if you have questions or need some guidance along your business journey.