How to Start a Food Business in Washington State
The food industry offers many varied opportunities to start your own business. The choices range from a small market to bakeries to fast-food restaurants and even manufacturers and distributors. The industry is regulated by federal, state and local governments. To start a food business in Washington you must apply for several permits and licenses.
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Instructions
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Determine if the name you want for your business is available. You can do this at the Washington License Query System website. See Resources, below.
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Decide what kind of business you want to start. Washington has several types of business structures including sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company and corporation. The Washington Department of Licensing website has information on each type of business including comparisons for how they work and tax laws. See Resources.
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You need to register corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies with the Washington secretary of State. You can find the forms and fees at the Secretary of State's website.
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Most counties in Washington require a license for food preparation and or sale. Visit the county health department's website for information. The Washington State Local Health Departments website has a list of county health departments with links to their websites. See Resources.
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In Washington cities have the right to collect a sales tax. You need to contact city hall to find out the pertinent information about taxes, collection of taxes and disbursement to the city.
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When you first start a business you must report all of the company's property to the county assessor. The Washington County Assessor and Treasurer website has a list of assessors with links to their websites. See Resources.
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Check with the zoning board to insure your type of food business can legally operate within the city. You can do this through city hall.
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File your Master Business Application. You can do this online at the Washington State Department of Licensing website. You can apply online and pay the fee with a credit card. Alternately you can print the form and then mail it or deliver it in person to the nearest business licensing office. Forms filed online will be processed the most quickly.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit restaurant image by dani kreienbühl from Fotolia.com
