Published November 26 2025
To increase support for local businesses and fuel a thriving, inclusive economy, the City of Bellevue has launched a new suite of services and partnerships designed to better support small business owners, entrepreneurs and other local businesses.
These enhanced services will bolster current resources offered by the city and provide small businesses with access to free, personalized business development and growth support that is strategically coordinated through the city’s economic development team and development services department, in partnership with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Bellevue.
“Starting and growing a business can be difficult to navigate, but we know small businesses are vital to Bellevue’s economy, making up 97% of all business in the city," said Mayor Lynne Robinson. “Our goal is to make it easier for small business to thrive by integrating city resources and efficiently connecting business owners to support from additional partners.”
Bellevue will soon provide a total of three key resources to small businesses. Starting in January, the city’s Development Services Department will begin offering support for small businesses to “Start Smart in Bellevue,” with free, individual consulting and assistance to help businesses navigate the city’s development permitting process. From final site selection and due diligence to grand opening, this concierge service is designed to provide clarity and confidence in the permitting process, reduce risk by helping businesses avoid costly missteps and improve overall experience for entrepreneurs and city staff alike.
The city’s cultural and economic development team currently offers proactive, one-on-one support to businesses of all sizes, as they navigate city processes and available resources. Backed by expertise and a deep understanding of the Eastside’s unique economic development landscape, this team is able to directly support small businesses through organized walks, regular in-person visits, and frequent updates on relevant programs. Bellevue’s creative economy division offers competitive grants for artists and cultural organizations, tailoring their guidance to the needs of individual cases. Businesses interested in Bellevue as a future location are able to access assistance in identifying potential site options that meet their needs.
This year, Bellevue expanded its partnership with the Washington SBDC to provide a dedicated role offering no-cost advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners in a wide variety of areas, including business planning and strategy, market research and financial analysis, and funding readiness and operational support. A Bellevue office is hosted by Washington State University and partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the city as local funding and program partners.
Thinking of starting or expanding a business in Bellevue? We want to hear from you and encourage you to reach out early. Contact the city’s cultural and economic development team at bizsupport@bellevuewa.gov.