Doing Business in Blaine

The City of Blaine requires all businesses located within the city limits, or who conduct business within the city limits, to be licensed with the city. City approval is required for initial issuance.

How To Apply for a City of Blaine Business License?

1. File a Master Business Application Online

OR

2. Mail the appropriate fee (see below) with the following completed forms to the City of Blaine:

 Master Business Application

 City Business License Addendum

Fees
City of Blaine General Business License: $65
City of Blaine Non-Profit Business License*: No Fee

Other Fees That May Apply
State Tax Registration: No Fee
Registering your business name as trade name: $5
Master Business Application fee: $15

*Businesses qualify for the nonprofit license if they are registered with the Office of the Secretary of State as a nonprofit corporation.

Mailing Information
Please remember to enclose all necessary documents and fees with your completed application. Incomplete submissions will result in a delay in your licensure. Mail to:

Master License Service
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Phone: (360) 664-1400
Email: mls@dol.wa.gov
Fax: (360) 570-7875

Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check the status of a business or professional license 
Use the above link to find out if a person or business has a professional license, if a business is licensed with a city or state, if your business or professional license is active, or when a business or professional license will expire.

City of Blaine Rural Economic Development (R.E.D) Revolving Loan Program
The purpose of this program is to establish and offer loans at below market interest rates to existing businesses and to encourage new business start-ups in the City of Blaine. The source of funds for this loan program is a contribution from the City of Blaine Electric Utility and a Public Utility tax credit authorized by EHSB2260 and enacted by Blaine City Council Ordinance No. 99-2430.

The Rural Economic Development (R.E.D) Loan Program Application

The Loan Process
Process for the RED Loan starts with the City of Blaine. Please contact (360) 332-8311 for more information.

Additional Business Resources
There are several excellent organizations that serve businesses in Whatcom County and businesses looking to relocate or expand in the area. The organizations described below not only have outstanding track records for helping businesses succeed, but they also work together in an integrated way to save owners time and money.

Small Business Development Center
115 Unity Street
Suite 101
Bellingham , WA 98225-4455
(360) 778-1762
eric.grimstead@wwu.edu
www.cbe.wwu.edu/sbdc/

The Small Business Development Center offers no-cost, one-to-one confidential customized business counseling and technical assistance to businesses in Whatcom County . Utilizing formal business education and years of practical business experience, each certified business advisory understands what it takes to successfully manage a business in today’s competitive world. The SBDC offers assistance in developing business and marketing plans, financial analysis, market research, buying & selling a business, hiring and motivating staff and preparing loan packages if a business owner is looking to access capital to launch or grow a business.

Northwest Workforce Development Council
101 Prospect Street
P.O. Box 2009
Bellingham, WA 98227
(360) 676-3206
www.nwboard.org

The Northwest Workforce Development Council assists employers prepare a skilled, successful workforce that is aligned with specific needs of a business or industry. A primary goal is to be a One-Stop career center system which integrates and streamlines education, employment and training services for youth and adults.

SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business
SCORE Chapter 591
101 East Holly Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 676-3307

SCORE, the Service Corp of Retired Executives Association, is a volunteer program sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE volunteer counselors are members of locally organized and self administered chapters. They work in their home community to provide management counseling and training to small businesses or to those thinking about going into business. Counseling is confidential and person-to-person.