All questions

Review the Small Business Resource Guide by Washington State and consider attending free trainings offered by L&I to learn more about employer requirements.

The roadmap indicates 3-6 months once funding is secured, though some organizations may take over a year depending on complexity, industry, and decisions made.

Determine Board of Directors and Legal Officers, Draft governing documents (Bylaws, policies, etc.), Develop Articles of Incorporation, File for 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt status with the IRS, Consider consulting with a nonprofit attorney.

Yes, women and minority-owned businesses can apply for MWBE certification with the Office of Women & Minority Business Enterprises (OWMBE) and explore SBA certifications.

1. Set up accounts with Login.gov and Sam.gov 2. Obtain a WA Statewide Vendor Number 3. Register with Washington's Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) 4. Create a "Capabilities Statement" 5. Register as a vendor with relevant government entities.

When starting a food truck business, it's important to note that while there are many steps involved in launching your venture, this section will focus specifically on the licensing and permitting needs, as well as the importance of food safety management. Ensuring you have the correct permits and certifications is crucial for operating legally and successfully.

Licensing and Permitting Needs for a Food Truck

1. Health Permit:
   • You will need a health permit to ensure that your food truck complies with local health and safety regulations. This typically involves passing an inspection by your local health department.
2. Business License:
   • A business license is required to operate your food truck legally within your city or county. This license registers your business with local authorities and is essential for tax purposes.
3. Food Handler’s Permit:
   • Depending on your state, you and your employees may need to obtain food handler’s permits. This certification demonstrates that you have been trained in safe food handling practices.
4. Fire Permit:
   • If your food truck uses cooking equipment that involves open flames or heat sources, you may need a fire permit. This ensures compliance with fire safety regulations.
5. Vehicle License and Registration:
   • Your food truck must be registered and licensed as a commercial vehicle. This includes obtaining the necessary tags and insurance.
6. Commissary Kitchen Agreement:
   • Some jurisdictions require food trucks to operate from a licensed commissary kitchen for food preparation and storage. You may need to secure an agreement with a local commissary.
7. Local Permits:
   • Depending on your location, you may need additional permits specific to your city or county, such as street vending permits or special event permits if you plan to operate at festivals or markets.
8. Zoning Permits:
   • Check local zoning laws to ensure that you are allowed to operate a food truck in your desired locations. Some areas may have restrictions on where food trucks can park and serve customers.
9. Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM):
   • It is highly recommended that you or someone on your staff becomes a Certified Food Protection Manager. This certification demonstrates knowledge of food safety practices and is often required by local health regulations. Many jurisdictions require at least one CFPM to be present in food establishments during hours of operation. If you do not wish to pursue certification yourself, you can contract with a certified food protection manager to ensure compliance with safety standards.

It is essential to conduct thorough research on the specific requirements in your area, as they can vary significantly by location. Consulting with local health departments and business licensing offices can help ensure you obtain all necessary permits and certifications before launching your food truck.

Conclusion

While this section has focused on the licensing and permitting needs for starting a food truck, as well as the importance of food safety management, remember that there are many other aspects to consider when launching your business, including market research, business planning, and marketing strategies.

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Learn More:

1. Food business permits - King County, Washington
2. Permanent food service business permit - King County, Washington
3. Mobile food service business permit - King County, Washington

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Certified Food Protection Manager status, Certified Booth Operator Permit (for temporary vendors).

Team communication platform (Slack, Discord, etc.), Project management system (Asana, ClickUp, etc.), Password management system, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool, Website domain and hosting, Business email hosting, Social media presence.

1. Purchase a domain 2. Choose a website platform (WordPress, Squarespace, etc.) 3. Set up Google My Business page 4. Create social media accounts 5. Consider appointment/scheduling systems if applicable.

It's crucial to understand this distinction as misclassification can lead to legal issues. For contractors, you'll need W9 forms and should consider written agreements. In Seattle, note the Independent Contractor Protection Ordinance.

Consider: Lines of credit, Bank loans, Merchant funding, Credit cards, Grants, Personal loans, Investor options.

W4 Forms, I9 Forms (identity verification), New Hire Report with WA DSHS, WOTC tax credit forms (optional).

Many professions require specific licenses. Determine if your profession requires additional licensing and obtain any necessary endorsements.

Set up payroll account (e.g., Gusto), DOR will open accounts with WA Labor & Industries (L&I) and Employment Security Department (ESD), Create a Workplace Safety Plan as required by L&I, Prepare hiring materials (job descriptions, handbook, etc.).

Once you have your business license and EIN, you can open a dedicated business bank account with a financial institution of your choice.

The roadmap recommends: Bookkeeping system (QuickBooks, Wave, etc.), Merchant credit card processing (Stripe, Square, etc.), Spending tools for expense management, Payroll system if hiring employees.

Depending on your location and changes needed, you may require: Change of Use permit, Electrical work permits, Plumbing work permits, Mechanical (HVAC) work permits.

Yes, this is recommended to determine all necessary licenses, permits, and endorsements for your specific business type.

This is a Beneficial Ownership Information filing required for most businesses except sole proprietorships and nonprofits.

After filing with the Department of Revenue, it typically takes 1-2 weeks to receive your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number.

1. Decide on your business structure 2. Determine trade name(s) if different from legal name 3. Obtain an EIN from the IRS 4. File for a WA State Business License with Department of Revenue (DOR) 5. File your entity with Secretary of State (for LLCs, corporations, etc.) 6. File for applicable city licenses

In addition to your state license, you'll need to obtain local business licenses for each city where you operate. Some cities allow you to file simultaneously with your DOR application.

Depending on ownership and goals, options include: Sole proprietorship (one owner), Single-member LLC (one owner), Multi-member LLC (multiple owners), Partnership, Corporation, or Nonprofit organization.

Tailored training sessions are available to help your team effectively use new software. We also optimize software configurations for maximum productivity and offer ongoing troubleshooting and support [1][5].

CRM tools that allow for CSV file exports and data integration with other systems are highly recommended. These tools are cost-effective and valuable for managing and evaluating services [3].

We provide end-to-end support for software setup, installation, and integration into existing workflows. This includes native app integrations for web-based tools to improve productivity and collaboration [1][5].

Harvest is an excellent option for time tracking and invoicing. It helps businesses track project hours, generate invoices, and manage budgets effectively [4].

Jotform is a versatile tool for creating forms and managing e-signatures. It is user-friendly and integrates well with workflows requiring data collection and digital signatures [4][6].

Our software evaluation service helps assess your business needs, research suitable tools, and recommend software that aligns with your goals. It ensures compatibility and seamless integration into your existing tech stack [1][5].

LivePlan is a top choice for business planning. It includes over 500 sample plans and assists with financial planning, making it an ideal tool for creating robust business strategies [4].

For HR and payroll management, platforms like Gusto are highly recommended. Gusto offers comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR solutions, making it an efficient choice for managing people operations [4].

Tools like Zapier are highly recommended for workflow automation on MacOS. They allow you to connect various applications, automate repetitive tasks, and streamline processes [1][6].

Getting started with our services is simple and tailored to meet your unique business needs. We offer several flexible options to help you begin, whether you’re a startup, an established business, or a nonprofit looking to optimize your operations. Below are the steps and options to get started:

Step 1: Choose the Right Service Plan

Step 2: Schedule an Introductory Appointment

Step 3: Complete the Onboarding Process

Step 4: Start Using Our Services

Book a call to Zoom with us and say hi! Get a free consultation.

https://calendly.com/launchindustries/introductory-meeting

Additional Contact Options

If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us directly:

• Email: hello@launchindustries.biz
• Phone: +1 (206) 552-0380

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During the onboarding process, we collect detailed information to ensure that we can fully set up and tailor our services to meet your business needs. Below is an overview of the information we request:

Basic Contact Information:

• Your Name (First and Last)
• Your Email Address
• Your Phone Number
• Your Title (e.g., Founder, Executive Director, etc.)

Billing Information:

• Is there a different contact person for billing/invoicing purposes?
• Billing Contact Name, Email, and Phone Number (if applicable)

Business Details:

• Name of Legal Entity
• Trade Name/DBA (if different from the legal entity name)
• Legal Mailing Address (Street, City, State, Postal Code)
• Street/Physical Address (if different from legal address)
• Type of Legal Entity (e.g., Limited Liability Company, Nonprofit Corporation)
• WA State UBI Number and Federal Tax ID (EIN)

Marketing and Visibility:

• Marketing and Advertising Channels: Where do you currently market or advertise your business? (e.g., website, social media platforms, newsletters)
• Social Media Handles and Links (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Permission for Promotion: Do we have your permission to welcome your business on our company’s LinkedIn and Instagram pages?
• Logo for Promotion: Can we add your logo to our website’s “Client Page”? If yes, we request a high-resolution logo file.

Workforce Details:

• Do you currently have contractors (1099)? If yes, how many?
• Do you currently have W2 employees? If yes, how many full-time and part-time employees?
• Are any owners also W2 employees?
• Staffing Changes: Are there any staffing changes in progress?

Tools and Technology:

• Software Tools Used: Details about the accounting software, payroll system, email hosting, CRM, POS system, website host, HRIS system, and other technology platforms currently in use.
• Automations and Integrations: Are you using any automations between tools (e.g., native automations, third-party integrations like Zapier)?
• Payment Methods: How do customers pay you (e.g., credit cards, online transactions)? Which tools do you use to process payments?
• AI Tools: Any AI tools or systems with built-in AI features you currently use.
• Tech Stack Improvements: Opportunities for improving your software tools if support and pricing were aligned with your needs.

Additional Information:

• Special Endorsements on Business License: Any endorsements, such as Beer/Wine Specialty Shop.
• Other Important Notes or Files: Any additional files or insights you would like to share with us to streamline onboarding.

This comprehensive information allows us to set up your account and services effectively, tailor solutions to your business, and establish a collaborative relationship for long-term success.

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We assist with certifications such as OMWBE, organic, gluten-free, certified woman-owned business, and disadvantaged business enterprise certifications. We also clarify specific requirements for each certification, including ownership, operational, or product-related criteria.

We provide expert guidance to navigate complex certification processes, such as OMWBE (Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises), organic, gluten-free, certified woman-owned, or disadvantaged business enterprise certifications. Services include eligibility evaluation, documentation preparation, application guidance, and post-certification compliance and renewal assistance.

We offer a comprehensive suite of services to help businesses set up, optimize, manage their operations, and build capacity. Our goal is to support business owners, workers, and stakeholders in achieving long-term success. See our Services page for comprehensive information.

We provide high-touch, one-on-one experiences to meet clients where they are. This personalized approach helps cultivate the growth of knowledge, skills, and capabilities.

Our Managed Bookkeeping Services include transaction categorization, bank and credit card reconciliation, accounts payable and receivable management, financial forecasting, and monthly financial reviews. These services are designed to help businesses maintain accurate and well-organized financial records.

Transaction Categorization is the process of accurately assigning each financial transaction to a specific category (e.g., income, expenses, assets) based on your business's chart of accounts. This practice provides you with a clear, organized view of your income and expenses, which is essential for maintaining accurate financial records and making informed business decisions.

Why Does This Matter for New Business Owners?

1. Improves Financial Clarity:
   By categorizing transactions, you gain a clear overview of your cash flow. This helps you monitor how money moves in and out of your business, allowing you to identify trends, control expenses, and plan for growth effectively.
2. Enables Better Decision-Making:
   Organized financial data enables you to generate accurate reports, such as profit and loss statements and cash flow summaries. These insights help you make informed, strategic decisions about your business operations.
3. Streamlines Tax Preparation:
   Properly categorized transactions allow you to easily identify deductible expenses, ensuring you claim all applicable tax benefits. Additionally, this practice reduces the time and effort required to gather supporting documentation during tax season, making the process smoother and less stressful.
4. Leverages Historical Data:
   Tools like QuickBooks Online provide features such as "Categorization History," which lists how previous transactions with the same vendor or customer were categorized over the past 12 months. This helps maintain consistency in your financial records.

How It Helps at Tax Time

When your transactions are accurately categorized:

• Generating tax reports becomes faster and more reliable.
• You minimize errors and reduce the risk of missing deadlines or paying penalties.
• Working with your CPA or tax preparer becomes more efficient as they can directly access well-organized financial data

For example, QuickBooks Online uses your categorized transactions to summarize income and expenses in your financial statements. This ensures that your tax filings are accurate and complete, providing peace of mind at tax time.

Conclusion

For new business owners, Transaction Categorization is not just a bookkeeping task—it’s a crucial foundation for understanding your finances, maximizing tax benefits, and fostering long-term business success. By keeping your financial data organized and accurate, you’ll be better equipped to handle tax preparation and make strategic decisions to grow your business

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Sliding Scale Pricing is available for pre-revenue startups and early-stage entrepreneurs with financial needs. Eligible clients can request a 20% discount for their first six months of services under Pay-As-You-Go, Hourly, Flex Plans, and Managed Service Plans. However, this discount does not apply to one-time services, technical assistance pools, or project-based pricing.

If you have questions or need assistance, you can contact our team member, Megan Lemieux by clicking Book Now or emailing megan@launchindustries.biz. You can also visit the City of Seattle's ABC Program website for more information. The website also provides detailed consultant profiles and resources to help you get started if you want to work with some of the other consultants.

Of course!  View the full Consultant Roster here.

At this time, the following Launch Team members are approved for offering ABC Program Services:

• Monica Colgan - Startups, HR, Operations, Payroll, & Software
• Stacia Weller Clarke - Food Business Specialist
• Liberty Tanghal - Software Training
• Libby O'Malley - Nonprofits, grants & government contracting
• Omar Alshahar - Data Wizard
• Kayla Zehner - Small Business Consultant
• Ezra Davis - Business Formations
• Laurel Martin - Operations & Process Improvement

Yes! The ABC Program works with community organizations, including chambers of commerce, business associations, libraries, and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), to promote the program. If your organization is interested in partnering, schedule a call to discuss collaboration, or contact the ABC Program Manager at the City of Seattle, Robyn Duckett, at robyn.duckett@seattle.gov.

Yes, nonprofits can participate in the ABC Program if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Participants must use all 10 consulting hours per category within six months of starting services with a consultant. If the hours are not completed within this time frame, participants may need to reapply to the program.

Businesses must have a Seattle business license to be eligible. However, if you’re just starting out, the program may connect you with a business development consultant to assist with obtaining your license as the first step.

There is no cost to participate in the ABC Program. All consulting services are provided free of charge to eligible businesses and nonprofits. This program is funded by the JumpStart payroll tax.

Consultants are pre-approved professionals with expertise in areas like accounting, marketing, business lending, and business development. A full list of consultants and their contact information is available on the ABC Program website.

If you don’t complete your hours within six months, you may need to reapply to the program. If you need additional hours beyond the allocated 10 hours per category, this may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on program funding and availability.

Yes, you can modify your Flex Plan subscription level based on your business needs. Contact our support team for assistance in adjusting your plan.

The Flex Plan is designed to offer unparalleled flexibility and on-demand access to a versatile business services team. It enables you to address your unique challenges, customize solutions, and drive measurable results, all with the convenience of a single subscription.

The Flex Plan is a subscription-based service designed to supercharge your business by providing access to a diverse range of subject-matter experts and consultants. With one contract, you can fulfill nearly all your business development and operational support needs.

Yes, we can provide notary services (specifically in West Seattle) for a wide range of business and personal documents, including contracts, agreements, and affidavits.

Absolutely!

We assist a variety of business structures, including sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, corporations, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and more.

Depends on the software, but in most cases we can! We love sharing our knowledge and helping small business owners build their capacity to grow, learn, and self advocate. Please reach out to us so we can help!

The best way to talk to us is through this link. You’ll see our Calendly scheduler and you can book a call with us directly!

We have one small business attorney contracted on our team.  Her services are often available to Flex Plan clients, but she does not participate in litigation and is more focused on business transactions and contracts.  Clients can talk with their Client Success Manager about how it works with our legal services as this is one of our premium categories.

Launch can help you run your business better by offering a range of services designed to optimize operations, improve processes, and provide unmatched flexibility through our innovative solutions.

Process Improvement Consulting
Our expert consultants specialize in analyzing your existing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing scalable solutions to streamline operations. This ensures your business can grow sustainably without compromising quality, customer service, or profit margins. Whether you're tackling bottlenecks or looking to enhance productivity, Launch provides tailored solutions to meet your unique needs.

The Flex Plan
Our Flex Plan is a revolutionary approach to service delivery that provides unparalleled flexibility and adaptability for your business. By purchasing a monthly bucket of hour credits, you can allocate these credits across our comprehensive range of services as your needs evolve. For example, you might focus on marketing and HR support one month and shift to process improvement and software training the next. This model is cost-effective, ensures a cohesive strategy across all operational areas, and eliminates the need for multiple specialized consultants, saving both time and resources.

What Sets Launch Apart
Launch is more than just a service provider—we are your true partner in success. With a diverse team of over 50 consultants bringing hundreds of years of collective experience, we deliver high-touch, personalized services tailored to your business needs. Our expertise ranges from financial management and marketing to creative projects like branding and website development. We’re committed to creating tech-enabled learning organizations that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, with a strong focus on serving BIPOC and woman-owned enterprises.

By leveraging Launch’s expertise and innovative offerings like the Flex Plan, you can overcome challenges, optimize processes, and scale your business effectively while staying adaptable in a dynamic market.

We absolutely love working with established businesses to build capacity and help them achieve their goals. At Launch, we specialize in supporting entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, including those whose businesses are already a few years old. Our focus is on partnering with organizations that are committed to social change and fostering strong, collaborative working relationships.

For established businesses, we provide tailored solutions to optimize operations, streamline workflows, and implement best practices that improve efficiency and profitability. Whether you're looking to enhance your financial strategies, adopt new processes, or overcome operational challenges, our team has the expertise to meet your unique needs.

We tend to work with small businesses and organizations that already have a team in place, no matter how small, to ensure they have the support structure necessary to scale effectively. By partnering with Launch, you'll not only gain access to our extensive experience and resources but also a trusted advisor dedicated to your success.

If your business is values-driven and ready to grow sustainably while making a meaningful impact, we’re here to help you reach your goals!

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Absolutely! Launch is here to help you turn your vision into reality, and we specialize in supporting entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, including those just starting out. Whether you’re building your business from the ground up or need guidance to take the first steps, we’re here to provide the tools, expertise, and personalized support you need.

We can assist with key startup essentials, such as obtaining licenses and certifications, creating business plans, developing strategies, and setting up your business infrastructure. Our team will guide you through everything from company formation to designing operational structures that position your business for long-term success.

For entrepreneurs with financial constraints, we’re proud to offer Sliding Scale Pricing to ensure equitable access to our services. Pre-revenue startups and early-stage entrepreneurs with financial needs can receive a 20% discount on Pay-As-You-Go, Hourly, Flex Plans, and Managed Service Plans for the first six months. Additionally, eligible clients in the early stages of their business journey can access discounted services at $85/hour, capped at 100 hours, making it more affordable to get the support you need to succeed.

No matter your starting point, we’re committed to helping you build a strong foundation for your business. Let Launch help you bring your vision to life!

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