Small business
Boeing 767 chief foresees opportunity, uncertainty
LYNNWOOD -- The Boeing Co. is in a growth mode, but how that growth will change the jetmaker in the years ahead remains to be seen.
Date: 05/17/2012 | Business
U.S. economy perks up after early spring slump
WASHINGTON -- Maybe the U.S. economy's strength this winter wasn't just weather-related after all.Home construction is near a three-year high. And factory output has risen in three of the year's first four months.
Date: 05/16/2012 | Business
State warns consumers about crowdfunding
The state Department of Financial Institutions today issued a warning to consumers about the emerging practice of crowdfunding. We've written about it before, but the state news release below lays it out pretty well,...
Date: 05/15/2012 | Bizblog
Small businesses cope with low staffing
If you work for a small business there's a good chance that, since the recession, you have taken on additional responsibilities and are working longer hours. Some of the work that used to be done by fellow employees may be getting farmed out to freelancers or other independent contractors.
Date: 05/14/2012 | Bizblog
Market and cellars in Snohomish closed
The Washington Public Market and Wine Cellars of Washington in Snohomish are closing. Twenty-five wine vendors and more than 100 other market vendors have been told by owner Scott Swoboda via email to vacate the buildings at 1011 Second St.
Date: 05/10/2012 | Bizblog
Three keys to Silvana
Town's historic general store, tavern, gas station for sale
Date: 05/07/2012 | Local News
Budding entrepreneur has thoughts on finding success
State Farm is certainly a name many will recognize. Monte Cain? Probably not. That is the biggest challenge for Cain, a small-business owner who recently opened an independent State Farm insurance office in south Everett.
Date: 05/07/2012 | Business
Why small-business owners are hesitant to hire
Ken Levien has no plans to hire more people for his real estate project management company in New York. He says his business has only about 85 percent of the amount of work it can handle because the building industry is still hurting from the recession.
Date: 05/03/2012 | Bizblog
Forecast for slow but steady economic growth
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. economy grew more slowly in the first three months of this year. Governments spent less, and businesses cut back on investment. But consumers spent at the fastest pace in more than a year.
Date: 04/27/2012 | Business
2 Everett liquor outlets to close this week
EVERETT -- Two state liquor stores here are among 14 statewide that will close Thursday because of dwindling staffing during a transition to privatization, which commences June 1.
Date: 04/24/2012 | Bizblog
Winning bids for 19 Snohomish County liquor stores
The Washington State Liquor Control Board on Monday announced the winning bidders for the rights to operate 167 state-run outlets, including 19 in Snohomish County. The auction, which raised $30.7...
Date: 04/23/2012 | Bizblog
State sells rights to liquor stores for $30.7 million
Kulbir Singh was in Seattle visiting friends in February when he heard the state might be privatizing the liquor sales it has tightly controlled since the end of Prohibition.
Date: 04/23/2012 | Business
Crowdfunding 101 for small businesses
Finding investors is probably the biggest challenge that business startups and small companies face. But small businesses are looking forward to a new way of attracting investors now that
Date: 04/23/2012 | Bizblog
Sultan looks to lure outdoors firms to Sky Valley
SULTAN -- City officials are doing all they can to make the surrounding recreational opportunities an attraction to recreational-equipment manufacturers.
Date: 04/23/2012 | Business
Survey finds cautious optimism among small businesses
Small business owners are slowly growing more confident about their companies and the economy — but they're also still cautious about hiring and expanding.
Date: 04/20/2012 | Bizblog
Inbox: States ranked by biz taxes; asteroid-mining in Seattle
Noteworthy on the Web
Date: 04/19/2012 | Bizblog
What bankrupt pro athletes can teach us about business
Looking at former NFL star Warren Sapp's bankruptcy filing, it's hard not to focus on the Florida mansion he owns (18,000 square feet, according to property records) or the number of pricey athletic shoes he's purchased (240 pairs, many still in the box unworn).
Date: 04/19/2012 | Business
Survey: Tax burden on small businesses grows
Taxes are a painful subject for small businesses. It's not just paying them that hurts — record-keeping, visiting accountants and preparing tax forms pose an administrative and financial burden for companies. And it's a burden that's growing.
Date: 04/18/2012 | Bizblog
Northwest Entrepreneur of the Year candidates announced
Ernst & Young today announced Northwest semifinalists for the annual Entrepreneur of the Year award. Regional winners will be announced June 15...
Date: 04/17/2012 | Bizblog
Financial literacy at core of good small business
Perhaps you're aware that April is Financial Literacy Month. It certainly seems appropriate, given that many of us have been pouring through receipts, tax forms and reconstructing our personal finances from 2011 recently -- a reminder why most Americans dread accounting.
Date: 04/17/2012 | SCBJ Business News
Petosa's grocer reopens after sprinkler malfunction
EDMONDS -- Petosa's Family Grocer, which closed down just before Easter after a malfunctioning fire sprinkler flooded the store, reopened over the weekend.
Date: 04/16/2012 | Local News
IRS webinar: small-business contract workers
The Internal Revenue Service is holding on online seminar to help employers understand the tax issues about hiring independent contractors. Many small companies hire workers as contractors rather than employees because they can save money on benefits. But the government...
Date: 04/16/2012 | Bizblog
Financial literacy at the core of good small business
Perhaps you're aware that April is Financial Literacy Month. It certainly seems appropriate, given that many of us have been pouring through receipts, tax forms and reconstructing our personal finances from 2011 recently -- a reminder why most Americans dread accounting.
Date: 04/16/2012 | Business
Learn from the pros
Everett Home & Garden Show puts ideas on display
Date: 04/12/2012 | Home and Garden
Grocer working to reopen
Sprinkler malfunction closes Petosa's grocery in Edmonds
Date: 04/10/2012 | Business
Plant Shack pops up
Quartet opens seasonal garden shop at former Emery's site
Date: 04/09/2012 | Business
Obama signs small business legislation
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama signed bipartisan jobs legislation Thursday that will help small businesses and make it easier for startups to raise capital, saying it could be a "game-changer" for entrepreneurs dreaming of founding the next Microsoft or Facebook.
Date: 04/05/2012 | Business
Service firms grow at steady pace, boost hiring
WASHINGTON -- U.S. service companies expanded at a healthy pace last month and stepped up hiring, more evidence that the economy is growing and adding jobs.
Date: 04/04/2012 | Business
Winemakers play a name game with regulators
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Pimpnho raspberry wine is not, perhaps, everyone's picture of good taste.Still, regulators gave the sassy beverage label out of Lodi, Calif., a go-ahead several years ago. Much tamer names, too, win approval, such as the green light that Wavelength got in January.
Date: 03/29/2012 | Business
A cure for the common vacant storefront
Seattle Times deputy business editor Rami Grunbaum writes about a program that arranges for arts groups to temporarily occupy vacant retail spaces to keep them active and spified-up:
Date: 03/26/2012 | Bizblog
Business Q&A
When he's not leading meetings of the Edmonds City Council, businessman Strom Peterson is the city's Resident Cheesemonger. Peterson opened the downtown shop in 2005 and carries more than 100 varieties of cheese, as well as fresh eggs and homemade pasta.
Date: 03/26/2012 | Business
Tracking the hot-wing index
Some diners at Hurricane Grill & Wings had been limiting themselves to a small order of the chain's saucy chicken wings and a glass of tap water. These days, many of those people are upgrading to a bigger order of as many as 15 wings and a soda.
Date: 03/24/2012 | Business
Banks are lending again, but businesses are wary
NEW YORK -- Since the credit crisis of 2008, everyone has been waiting for the banks to start lending money again. It's finally happening, but there's a catch: Businesses are afraid to spend it.
Date: 03/23/2012 | Business
Senate passes small business investment bill
WASHINGTON -- Legislation to help startup companies raise capital by reducing some federal regulations won easy passage in the Senate Thursday despite warnings from some Democrats that less government oversight would mean more abuse and scams.
Date: 03/22/2012 | Business
Edmonds Chamber cuts executive director job
EDMONDS -- As it has for many of its members, the sluggish economy has forced the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce to scrutinize its finances and reduce its expenses.
Date: 03/22/2012 | Local News
Senate votes to move ahead on small business bill
WASHINGTON -- Legislation making it easier for small businesses to raise money survived a test vote in the Senate on Wednesday, increasing the chances it could emerge as one of the few bipartisan bills to pass Congress during this election year.
Date: 03/21/2012 | Business
Small business bill bogs down in Senate
WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans on Tuesday thwarted a Democratic attempt to add investor protections to legislation aimed at helping small businesses, leaving Democrats scrambling to find their next course of action.
Date: 03/21/2012 | Business
Groupon launches appointment scheduling tool
Groupon is launching an online scheduling tool so small businesses can let customers book appointments more easily.
Date: 03/19/2012 | Business
Post Office program your business should know about
Recent headlines about the erosion of mail business at U.S. Postal Service have left many wondering how much longer it can operate under the status quo.
Date: 03/19/2012 | Business
McClain Insurance wins Better Business Bureau award
McClain Insurance Services of Everett has won this year's Torch Award for Western Washington, presented by the Better Business Bureau for community service. Here's the news release:BBB UPDATE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/16/2012 | Bizblog
Stores thank veterans
Edmonds businesses are county's first in discount program
Date: 03/06/2012 | Business
Tight focus on job, client base key to success for Edmonds small business
Specialization is a great strategy with which to build a small business.
Date: 03/05/2012 | Business
GOP promotes plan to help small businesses
WASHINGTON -- House Republicans on Tuesday unveiled a package of largely uncontroversial measures they said will help small businesses raise capital and create jobs while showing that Congress can put aside its partisan differences and act in the country's economic interests.
Date: 02/29/2012 | Business
County small business owners tell officials what they need to help economy
EVERETT -- Local small-business owners are ready to lead an economic recovery, if only the companies they supply and the federal government would pay their bills faster.
Date: 02/23/2012 | Business
SBA official, Larsen to visit and discuss small businesses
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., and U.S. Small Business Administration Associate Administrator Calvin Goings on Wednesday will tour small businesses in Arlington and Everett and...
Date: 02/21/2012 | Bizblog
How a Northwest pizza chain made a successful change in our diet
We've seen many small businesses struggle in this recession, and pizza chains are no exception.
Date: 02/20/2012 | Business
In Everett, Obama to announce export help for small businesses
With President Barack Obama visiting the Boeing factory in Everett today, the White House has issued
Date: 02/17/2012 | Bizblog
Don’t underestimate the value of introverts in the workplace
Is it possible that the long-held belief among corporate chiefs and entrepreneurs that creativity and innovative ideas are best generated by collaborative teams is just plain wrong?
Date: 02/06/2012 | Business
5 websites with tax tips for owners of small businesses
Whether operating a small retail shop on main street or running an Internet business from home, every owner of a small business faces the same challenges when it comes to paying taxes and staying abreast of the latest federal tax information.
Date: 02/05/2012 | Business
Website offers tax help for small businesses, self-employed
Small business owners and self-employed people seeking help with federal tax information should visit the IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center, now available online. You'll find answers to questions, tools and educational material.
Date: 01/31/2012 | Bizblog
Shop fits to a tea
Edmonds couple researched culture before opening tea room
Date: 01/27/2012 | Business
Small businesses comprise half of state's private-sector workforce
The U.S. Small Business Administration just released an annual report, "2011 Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories," although much of the most-recent-available data are from 2009 and 2010.
Date: 01/26/2012 | Bizblog
Small-business advocates to lobby Olympia lawmakers next week
The National Federation of Independent Business, the Association of Washington Business and the Washington Policy Center have scheduled a news conference next week in Olympia to announce ways state lawmakers "can improve Washington's small business climate and spur economic recovery in the state."
Date: 01/20/2012 | Bizblog
30 chambers of commerce take their agenda to Olympia
The state's chambers of commerce, including Economic Alliance Snohomish County, issued a news release today urging state lawmakers in Olympia to raise taxes only after they "reduce spending to the greatest extent possible" and "focus on job creation, education and transportation."
Date: 01/19/2012 | Bizblog
Three local business owners found effective ways to attract customers
As the new year begins, many small-business owners are looking to grow their enterprises by attracting new customers. You'll probably find that business growth and sustainability are on the New Year's resolution lists of many entrepreneurs. Yet it takes time, effort and often money to promote and...
Date: 01/16/2012 | Business
A sweet deal in Everett
Hispanic bakery popular for its ‘conchas' and weekly sales
Date: 01/16/2012 | Business
New pizza Hubb in Arlington
ARLINGTON -- Hubb's Pizza & Pasta is scheduled to open in late January in downtown Arlington, breathing new life into the former Eagle Crest restaurant at 67th Avenue NE and 211th Street NE.
Date: 01/09/2012 | Business
Where vinyl still lives
Who still buys records — and what they're buying in Everett
Date: 01/08/2012 | Local News
Governor proposes centralizing B&O tax collection, business licensing
The governor yesterday announced steps to streamline payment of state business-and-occupation (B&O) taxes and to obtain business licenses by centralizing the system at the state level. Today, local governments collect those taxes and issue licenses.
Date: 01/06/2012 | Bizblog
This blog under new management
I am not a small business owner. I am merely a small business customer and someone who has written a fair amount about big business. But after the retirement of Mike Benbow, The Herald's venerable business editor, I will be...
Date: 01/05/2012 | Bizblog
Tablets loom large for small businesses
About 73 percent of small and medium-sized businesses will buy a tablet in the next year, according to a survey by market research group NPD. The survey was aimed a companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.
Date: 12/30/2011 | Bizblog
2011 ending on 'up note,' economists say
WASHINGTON -- The long-suffering job market is ending the year better off than it began.
Date: 12/30/2011 | Business
Unemployment claims rise after steady declines
WASHINGTON — The number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose last week after three weeks of decline.
Date: 12/29/2011 | Business
SBA seeks nominations for innovation awards
The U.S. Small Business Administration seeks nominations for small business innovation and technology awards. The SBA is honoring small businesses and their role in the nation's economy.
Date: 12/27/2011 | Bizblog
A farmers market at the mall
New shop at Everett Mall offers locally made products
Date: 12/20/2011 | Business
Website gives iPad innovation a kickstart
SAN FRANCISCO -- Even if you love the iPad, you're probably not keen to write your next novel using the screen's virtual keyboard. You may not be thrilled to type up a lengthy email with it, either.
Date: 12/20/2011 | Business
Downtown Snohomish limits on parking put on hold
SNOHOMISH -- People still can shop downtown without worrying about parking fines.That's because there won't be three-hour parking limits for the 425 stalls on First Street, between Avenue D and Cedar Avenue.At least for now.
Date: 12/19/2011 | Local News
Second-stage businesses in the spotlight
BELLINGHAM -- Western Washington University is launching a statewide recognition campaign called Washington Companies to Watch to honor what it calls second-stage businesses.
Date: 12/12/2011 | Business
Tow truck driver 'would drop anything to help somebody'
If Matt Pitts was on the job, the people he met were likely having a rotten day. Their car was broken down, or they had just been in a traffic accident.Pitts drove a tow truck. Those who knew him say he was perfectly suited to helping out in a jam.
Date: 12/09/2011 | Local News
New role for teacher: selling lesson plans
A trained teacher, Rachel Lynette no longer spends her days in a classroom. Even so, she's hard at work on lesson plans.Those work sheets, it turns out, are valuable commodities.
Date: 11/30/2011 | Local News
Biz Bits: People
PeopleBrandon Houskeeper, Courtney Barnes and Tom Layson have joined the staff of the Association of Washington Business. Houskeeper and Barnes are part of the government affairs team and Layson is a communications specialist.Events
Date: 11/28/2011 | Business
Flower shop can rebuild
Everett Floral gets the permits it needs to rebuild after fire
Date: 11/25/2011 | Business
Breakfast buzz
A Marysville couple is selling waffles with a shot of caffeine
Date: 11/21/2011 | Business
Small businesses can benefit from the flubs of big businesses
Recent actions by big business have made national headlines and caused us to reflect on the new consumerism: power wielded by customers who choose to change how and where they spend their money.
Date: 11/21/2011 | Business
Be sure to patronize the small guy, too
I've been in journalism for nearly 40 years and very few have gone by without someone telling me I couldn't possibly write about (insert topic here) because I hadn't actually done it myself.
Date: 11/21/2011 | Business
Banks need to ease lending, Fed Chairman Bernanke says
WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday that small businesses are still struggling to get loans more than two years after the recession ended.He said that banks could help them by easing what he called overly tight lending standards.
Date: 11/10/2011 | Business
How should businesses balance obligations to shareholders, employees, community?
Do small businesses have a moral responsibility to create jobs?Is a company's social responsibility to community more important than the profits a company makes?
Date: 11/07/2011 | Business
Whiz kid's biz: longboards
Kamiak senior Sherman Belfry is a successful entrepreneur
Date: 11/07/2011 | Life
Advice on starting your own business
Has the time come for you to become your own boss?Starting a home-based business may be the answer.
Date: 10/23/2011 | Business
Trade shows can provide good leads for small businesses
Trade shows, fairs and other special events can be a cost-effective way for small businesses to introduce products to new customers.Recently, more than 250 businesses participated in the Everett Fall Home and Gift Show at Comcast Arena. Most were local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Date: 10/17/2011 | Business
Everett insurance business keeps its independence for 120 years
EVERETT -- Petershagen Insurance is celebrating a milestone: 120 years of continuously serving the area.Perry Pearson has been the steward of the independent insurance broker for the past 25 years, serving an equal mix of commercial and personal clients.
Date: 10/17/2011 | Business
$8 million project about done
Oak Harbor street work aims to revitalize downtown
Date: 10/15/2011 | Local News
Congress passes 3 free trade agreements
WASHINGTON — Congress approved free trade agreements Wednesday with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, ending a four-year drought in the forming of new trade partnerships and giving the White House and Capitol Hill the opportunity to show they can work together to stimulate the economy and put...
Date: 10/12/2011 | Nation & World
Service to a T
At Marysville silk-screening firm, one size doesn't fit all
Date: 10/10/2011 | Business
Sterling adds business banking
EVERETT -- Sterling Savings Bank is expanding its three-branch presence in Snohomish County with a push into commercial banking.
Date: 10/05/2011 | Business
Small business owners give their take on tough times
Three years and counting of a struggling economy and no improvement in sight has to make people hesitate about starting a new business, doesn't it?Not surprisingly, there has been a steady decline in business starts over the past three years.
Date: 10/03/2011 | Business
Pawnshop caters to high end buyers
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Natural light streams through the store's windows to settle on an abstract painting stretching across the back wall. A diamond-studded Hublot watch, which rappers Kanye West and Jay-Z name-dropped on their recent album, sparkles inside a low-slung jewelry case.
Date: 09/30/2011 | Business
Monroe looks to sell its new image as a recreation destination
MONROE -- Potential.
Date: 09/30/2011 | Local News
They don't make furniture like they used to
MARYSVILLE -- Sometimes it takes a bad economy for people to learn an important secret about buying furniture. The secret is that you can buy higher quality furniture for a lot less through consignment.
Date: 09/26/2011 | Business
Lifelong learning sets successful entrepreneurs apart
Lifelong learning sets successful entrepreneurs apart from those who dabble in small business and fail to move a business to its greatest potential.We visited with Bob Maphet, local entrepreneur and co-founder of Diamond Knot Brewing, to gain insight on why he's always learning.
Date: 09/19/2011 | Business
President Obama pushes his jobs bill
RALEIGH, N.C. -- President Barack Obama urged enthusiastic college students Wednesday to join him in his fight to get Congress to act on his new jobs bill. "Every single one of you can help make this bill a reality," the president called out at a hot and noisy rally at North Carolina State...
Date: 09/15/2011 | Nation & World
Snohomish artists get a new home downtown
SNOHOMISH -- Arts of Snohomish has left its Carnegie Library annex home of seven years and has taken up residence in the heart of downtown Snohomish.
Date: 09/15/2011 | Business
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