The Mama’s Guide to Legally Starting a Business in Washington State (With Babies on Your Hip)

For so many of us mamas, the dream is simple: we want to be there for the giggles, the sticky-finger hugs, and the little moments that matter most. We’re juggling babies on our hips, wiping noses, and kissing boo-boos while also facing the reality that making money isn’t optional, it’s necessary.

That’s where starting your own business comes in. It gives you flexibility, purpose, and the chance to actually pay for all those snacks your toddler is inhaling.

So, grab your coffee (that’s been reheated three times already), and let’s walk through how to legally start a business in Washington State with tips that actually make sense for mamas here in Castle Rock, Longview, and Cowlitz County.

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Step 1: Pick Your Business Structure (Like Picking a Stroller, but Way Less Expensive)

Do you want to be a sole proprietor, an LLC, or a corporation?

Sole Proprietor: Cheap, simple, but zero protection if something goes wrong. Like walking barefoot on Legos, just don’t.

LLC (Limited Liability Company): The mom-favorite. Protects your personal assets while still being easy to manage. Think: the minivan of business structures—practical, reliable, and gets the job done.

Corporation: Best for giant companies with shareholders, boards, and way more paperwork than any sleep-deprived mama needs.

Spoiler: Most mamas around here go with an LLC.

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Step 2: Get an EIN (Because Using Your Social for Business is Sketchy)

An EIN is like your business’s Social Security Number. You’ll need it to open a bank account, file taxes, and look like a legit grown-up when people ask for it.

It’s free, it’s easy, and you can apply online through the IRS website. Ten minutes later bam, you’re official. And yes, we highly recommend it even if you’re a one-woman show.

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Step 3: Get a UBI (No, Not the Baby Sling—a Unified Business Identifier)

Every business in Washington gets a UBI number. This is your state’s way of saying: “Congrats, you’re in the system. Please pay taxes.”

You’ll get it when you apply for your state business license (next step), or you can reserve one early through the Business Licensing Service.

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Step 4: Apply for Your Washington State Business License (The Real Deal)

This is the big one. Apply online through the Business Licensing Service. You’ll need your EIN, your business structure, and your chosen name.

When approved, you’ll get your UBI if you haven’t already. This is when you can officially say, “Yep, I own a business.” Cue the confetti (or Goldfish crackers, whichever’s handy).

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Step 5: Register Your Business Name (Because “Mom Doing Stuff” Won’t Cut It)

If you’re running your business under anything other than your legal name, you’ll need a trade name (DBA). Example: If your name is Sarah Johnson but you want to operate as “Sweet Pea Creations,” you’ll have to file it.

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Step 6: Don’t Forget Local Licenses (Castle Rock, Longview, or County Life)

This one’s easy to miss. On top of your state license, you might need a city license:

Castle Rock: Yep, get a city license.

Longview: Same deal, get a city license.

Bottom line: if you’re within city limits, assume you need a city license.

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Step 7: Taxes (The Part Nobody Loves, but Hey, It Pays for the Parks)

Washington has no income tax (yay!), but we do have the Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax. And if you’re selling goods, you’ll need to collect sales tax too. All of this happens through the Department of Revenue.

Got employees? Then you’ll also need to register with Employment Security and Labor & Industries (L&I).

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Step 8: Open a Business Bank Account (Because Mixing Funds is a Hot Mess)

Do not—I repeat—do not run your business out of your personal checking account. Open a separate business bank account using your EIN and UBI. It keeps things clean, professional, and way less stressful at tax time.

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Step 9: Get Insurance (Optional Until It’s Not)

Business insurance isn’t required for everyone, but if customers will ever set foot in your space or you’re offering a service where something could go wrong, it’s a lifesaver. Think of it as the car seat of business.

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Step 10: Build Your Support System (Because Doing It Alone is Overrated)

Here’s the truth: starting a business as a mama is hard. Between nap schedules, snack demands, and the mysterious ability of toddlers to interrupt at exactly the wrong time, it can feel impossible. But you don’t have to figure it out solo.

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Your Next Step

Come build your empire with other like-minded mamas at The Nook in Castle Rock while the kids play in our playrooms. Because chasing your dreams doesn’t have to mean missing out on the giggles and boo-boo kisses. And you don’t have to do it alone.