Doing Business in Anacortes
Anacortes is an excellent business location, with affordable utilities, ample water infrastructure, a ready labor supply, and accessible marinas. Anacortes receives more than two million visitors per year due to its ferry connections. Doing business is convenient because it is only 20 minutes from the I-5 corridor, making logistics a breeze. Anacortes is 90 minutes from two major metropolitan areas and their markets: Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Most importantly, Anacortes provides a relaxed lifestyle, with a low crime rate and plenty of forestlands, that many successful businesspeople miss. We’re an excellent location for relocating a business or establishing a new one.
Anacortes also has a strong, sound infrastructure – we have an award-winning wastewater treatment plant, abundant water for industrial uses, and plentiful power for future growth.
Anacortes Business Licensing
Anacortes Municipal Code requires that every person engaging in business within the city limits of Anacortes register their business with the state and include a City of Anacortes Endorsement. Businesses from outside city limits with a gross annual income of $2,000 in Anacortes are also required to obtain a city endorsement. Non-resident businesses under $2000 in annual sales are not required to have a city endorsement. Apply for a license here.
Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County
EDASC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports existing Skagit companies, and works with prospective companies on site location, workforce training, identifying incentives and access to capital, permitting, research, and other forms of assistance. In addition, EDASC’s strategies focus on improving assets and amenities within Skagit County, strengthening communities, and working to make Skagit County more prosperous, successful, diversified, and sustainable. We are supported by EDASC’s business advisers – call 360.336.6114 to learn more.
Small Business Administration SCORE Business Mentor
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that is driven to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops. Find a mentor near you.
Small Business Development Center
The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a network of more than 30 expert business advisors working in communities across the state to help entrepreneurs or small business owners start, grow or buy/sell a business. Contact an advisor.
The ABCs of starting a business in Anacortes
Looking to start your own business? Learn the steps to take to create a successful vision and plan for your new vocation. Can’t find the answers you need? Contact your Anacortes Chamber of Commerce for more information on other resources and services.
Business Compliance Information
- IRS Small Business & Self Employed Tax Center – Offering a broad range of resources across federal and state agencies, as well as industry/profession-specific information for self-employed entrepreneurs, employers, and businesses. You will also find links to starting and operating a business, employment taxes, tax law changes for business, business-related forms and publications, and online learning options
- Starting a Business in the State of Washington – Links to resources from the State of Washington Business Licensing Service
- Washington State Small Business Guide – The Small Business Guide provides helpful information, links to valuable resources, and outlines the steps for starting and operating a business in Washington
- Free Business Resources to organize and prioritize your employment needs from the Economic Development Association of Skagit County
Licensing, Permits, Incentives
