Our Cultural and Economic Development Team is available to welcome and assist local and global businesses and art organizations – from one-person startups, artists, restaurants and other small businesses to Fortune 50 corporations. Our team works to provide proactive and personalized support and navigation of available resources to meet your unique business needs.
Site Planning and Development Assistance
Our team can assist with site selection, commute planning, business development introductions, right of way questions and more. Connect with us!
Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Resources
Bellevue is home to many small businesses, with 97% of firms employing 100 or fewer workers. A healthy and vibrant economy in Bellevue depends on the success of startups and small businesses. Bellevue is committed to providing the resources that your business needs to start, grow and thrive on the Eastside. Explore some of the available resources below and reach out for assistance in discovering the best tools for your unique business needs.
Startup 425 Training and Resources
Startup 425 is a collaborative effort to expand entrepreneurship opportunities across Eastside communities. Programming provides access to tools entrepreneurs across industries need to go from idea to successful operating business. No-cost Foundations programming lowers the barriers to entry for non-traditional and first-time founders.
Evergreen BizLink
Evergreen BizLink (from the Washington State Microenterprise Association) is a supportive platform that connects entrepreneurs to a network of Washington state resource partners to foster innovation, growth and prosperity.
Small Business Development Center Advisor
Bellevue businesses have access to a small business development advisor who provides no-cost, one-on-one, confidential advising to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow or buy/sell their businesses.
OneEastside SPARK
OneEastside SPARK provides recovery assistance and resiliency building programs and tools to address key areas of need amongst small businesses and nonprofits in East King County.
Small Business Education HUB
Seattle Business Education Hub is a business development and resource center in Bellevue whose mission is focused on assisting women, minorities, veterans and other business owners in the startup or growth stage with financial literacy training and small business education.
King County Library Business Resources
Find free market research tools and tips in this list of library and community resources curated by a KCLS librarian. These resources are for both startup businesses and businesses looking to grow. Market research can help you determine if there is a need or demand for your business. Resources also can help you learn more about your target audience, identify your competition and where to locate your business.
Accelerators & Incubators
5G Open Innovation Lab
Located in Bellevue is a global ecosystem of developers, start-ups, enterprises, academia and government institutions working together with startups to fuel the development of new 5G capabilities.
Venture Capital
New Tech Northwest
New Tech Northwest has an list of financing option for businesses on the Eastside.
SBIC through SBA
Connect to an investor for your business through a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Regional Resources
King County REACH (Retention, Expansion, and Collaboration Hub): The King County REACH program offers assessments, connects businesses to information and resources, and acts as a matchmaker for businesses within King County. Bellevue Businesses have access to SizeUp, a business intelligence tool with the data needed to find potential customers, and marketing investments.
King County Library System: At every stage of your business the King County Library System can connect you to the people and information you need.
Greater Seattle SCORE: Whether you’re just starting out in business or ready to sell or retire, you can get no-cost, confidential, business advice from expert advisors committed to helping you succeed. Find a Mentor.
Startup Washington: The State of Washington has a wealth of resources and tools to help small business and entrepreneurs thrive.
Green Business Resources
Digital Capacity Resources
Small Business Digital Alliance: The US Small Business Administration recently set up an online portal to provide small businesses with access to free digital tools to expand their e-commerce footprint. Verizon is participating in this program and working with City and Community advocates to increase awareness of these resources for small businesses.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program: This is a free online program designed to give small businesses more tools to succeed in today’s digital world. Developed in partnership with small business owners who are succeeding in the digital economy, the program provides resources, networking and coaching which are tailored to the specific needs of small businesses.