Business Startup, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship Assistance and Grants for Single Mothers in Washington

Last updated: September 2025

Emergency help now

• If you’re in crisis and need business‑impact help today: Contact your local Small Business Development Center for same‑ or next‑business‑day advising at (833) 492‑7232; they’ll triage funding and licensing next steps and refer you directly to lenders and grant resources. (wsbdc.org)
• If child care is the immediate barrier to earning income: Apply for Working Connections Child Care by calling (844) 626‑8687 or get a child care referral at (800) 446‑1114. WCCC copays can be as low as $0 with income eligibility up to 75% of State Median Income. (dcyf.wa.gov)
• If a disaster shut down your business income: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans can provide up to $2,000,000 with interest rates capped at 4%, terms up to 30 years, and the first payment deferred for 12 months. Apply online or call (800) 659‑2955. (sba.gov)
• If you need a quick path to affordable capital: Pre‑apply for the Washington Small Business Flex Fund 2 for loans up to $250,000 at fixed rates currently listed 8.5–11.5% with 36–72 month terms and no prepayment penalty. (smallbusinessflexfund.org)

Quick help box

• Start here: Use the state’s small business start guide to line up your legal steps and licenses, then file your Business License Application online. Expect about 10 business days for processing. (dor.wa.gov)
• Form an LLC fast: File online with the Washington Secretary of State. Online fee: $200\ast \ast \ast \ast (\ast \ast paper:\ast \ast$180). (sos.wa.gov)
• Get a city license: Many cities charge separate fees. Example fees are $60\ast \ast (Arlington),\ast \ast$90 (Lakewood), $100 (Aberdeen). Check your city’s endorsement page inside the state application. (dor.wa.gov, dor.wa.gov)
• Free advising and coaching: SBDC statewide advising (833) 492‑7232, Washington Center for Women in Business (888) 821‑6652, Washington Women’s Business Center (206) 324‑4330. (wsbdc.org, wcwb.org, sba.gov)
• Lower your loan interest: Certify with OMWBE or as a Veteran‑Owned Business to access the state Linked Deposit Program, which can cut participating loan rates by up to 2%. OMWBE (360) 664‑9750; WDVA VOB (360) 791‑1788. (omwbe.wa.gov, dva.wa.gov)
• Know your wage costs: State minimum wage is $16.66/hour\ast \ast in\ast \ast 2025\ast \ast ;Seattleis\ast \ast$20.76/hour. Factor this into your pricing. (lni.wa.gov, seattle.gov)

What you’ll find in this guide

• Who this is for: Single mothers in Washington who want to start or grow a small business, including side hustles and home‑based businesses.
• What’s inside: Exact filing fees, key grants and loans with current dollar amounts, income limits for child care and health coverage, free technical help with phone numbers, common mistakes, timelines, and Plan B options.
• How we built this: Only official Washington and federal sources and established nonprofits are used. See citations throughout and the About This Guide section.

Quick reference cheat sheet

• Legal setup: File the Business License Application to get your UBI, then form your entity (LLC/Corp) and add any city endorsements.
• Cash now: Flex Fund 2 (up to $250,000\ast \ast \ast \ast ),SBAMicroloan(\ast \ast upto\ast \ast$50,000 via WA microlenders), CDFIs like Craft3 ($50,000–$250,000, higher for real estate). (smallbusinessflexfund.org, sba.gov, craft3.org)
• Training + coaching: SBDC, Women’s Business Centers, SCORE, APEX (government contracting). Free and statewide. (wsbdc.org, wcwb.org, score.org, washingtonapex.org)
• Family supports while you build: WCCC child care subsidy up to 75% SMI, Apple Health coverage (adults generally to 138% FPL, pregnancy to 210% FPL), and Paid Family & Medical Leave max $1,542/week in 2025. (dcyf.wa.gov, hca.wa.gov, paidleave.wa.gov)

Snapshot: top Washington programs for single‑mom entrepreneurs

Start your Washington business the simple way

Step 1 — get your UBI and business license

• Why this matters: Your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) opens the door to taxes, city licensing, hiring, and banking.
• How to file online: Use the state’s Business Licensing Service. Typical processing is about 10 business days online; mail can take up to six weeks. (dor.wa.gov)
• What it costs: The Business License Application processing fee is $50\ast \ast toopenorreopenabusiness,\ast \ast$10 for other changes, and $5 to renew annually, plus any city or specialty endorsement fees. (dor.wa.gov)
• Pro tip for moms on a deadline: Start the online application after you’ve picked a legal structure so you don’t pay twice to update it.
• Plan B if this stalls: Call the DOR Business Licensing help center inside My DOR or lean on the SBDC at (833) 492‑7232 to walk through the wizard with you. (wsbdc.org)

Step 2 — form your LLC or corporation

• Fastest way: File your LLC online with the Secretary of State for $200\ast \ast ;paperfilingis\ast \ast$180. Online filings are “processed as soon as possible and typically within five business days.” (sos.wa.gov)
• Annual maintenance: Plan your annual report fee, and set a calendar reminder so you don’t lapse.
• Plan B if cash is tight: Start as a sole proprietor to test demand, then convert to an LLC later. The SBDC can map the switch‑over steps for free. Phone: (833) 492‑7232. (wsbdc.org)

Step 3 — handle city licensing early

• Reality check: Many Washington cities require their own license. Examples inside the state system: $60\ast \ast (Arlington),\ast \ast$90 (Lakewood), $100 (Aberdeen). Fees for non‑resident businesses are usually based on gross income earned in that city. (dor.wa.gov, dor.wa.gov)
• Where to add it: You add city endorsements right inside your Business License Application or by later amendment. Expect extra time if your city reviews the application.
• Plan B if you only sell occasionally in a city: Some cities don’t require a license under $2,000 gross income within city limits; check the endorsement page for each city inside the DOR site. (dor.wa.gov)

Step 4 — if you’ll have employees, set up payroll accounts now

• What to do: When you check “hire employees” on the Business License Application, the system opens your Workers’ Compensation (L&I) and Unemployment Insurance (ESD) accounts. You must file quarterly reports even with zero hours. (dor.wa.gov)
• Paid leave budgeting: Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave replaces wages up to 90% with a weekly cap of $1,542 in 2025; premiums are shared. Factor this into your payroll costs. (paidleave.wa.gov)
• Plan B if hiring isn’t feasible: Use contractors only when legal; the DOR guide clarifies who is an employee vs. an independent contractor. (dor.wa.gov)

Step 5 — price for your real labor costs

• Minimum wage: Statewide is $16.66/hour\ast \ast in\ast \ast 2025\ast \ast ;Seattleis\ast \ast$20.76/hour for all employers. Several other cities/counties have higher local minimums. (lni.wa.gov, lni.wa.gov, seattle.gov)
• Sales tax: Use the DOR tax rate lookup to charge the correct destination‑based sales tax. There’s a free mobile app and a web lookup tool. (dor.wa.gov, webgis.dor.wa.gov)
• B&O tax you’ll owe: The State’s “Service & Other Activities” B&O rate is 1.5% generally, 1.75% if your prior‑year service gross income was $1M–$4.999M, and 2.1% if $5M+ effective Oct. 1, 2025. See DOR’s current classification page. (dor.wa.gov)
• Small business credit: Many micro‑firms owe little or no B&O after the Small Business B&O Tax Credit; the DOR system auto‑calculates it. (dor.wa.gov)

Common Washington startup fees and timelines

Grants and affordable financing for single‑mom entrepreneurs

Washington Small Business Flex Fund 2 — flexible loans designed for smaller firms

• What you get: Borrow up to $250,000 at fixed rates currently 8.5–11.5% with 36–72 month terms and no prepayment penalty. Funds can cover payroll, rent, inventory, marketing, and more. (smallbusinessflexfund.org)
• Who qualifies: Washington businesses with fewer than 50 employees, under $5,000,000 in annual revenue, and at least one year in business. (smallbusinessflexfund.org)
• How to apply fast: Pre‑apply online; there’s no credit pull at pre‑application and you’ll be matched to a community lender and technical assistance partner. Tip: Pre‑apply early because funds are limited and reviewed in the order received. (smallbusinessflexfund.org)
• Timeline expectation: If matched, your lender will request full documents and underwriting typically follows standard CDFI timelines; plan several weeks depending on volume. Program notes emphasize high demand. (smallbusinessflexfund.org)
• Plan B if you’re too new (<1 year) or not matched: Book free help with SBDC ((833) 492‑7232) to right‑size your loan package and try SBA Microloans or Ventures (below). (wsbdc.org)

SBA Microloans — starter capital up to $50,000

• What you get: Loans up to $50,000\ast \ast (averageabout\ast \ast$13,000) for working capital, inventory, equipment, and supplies. Typical interest ranges 8–13% with terms up to seven years. (sba.gov)
• How to apply in Washington: Apply through SBA‑approved nonprofit microlenders. In Washington, established providers include Ventures (training required) and other SBA‑approved intermediaries. (venturesnonprofit.org)
• Good fit for: Home‑based businesses, side hustles growing into LLCs, food carts, online retail.
• Plan B if denied: Ask the microlender for a written list of gaps (collateral, cash flow, credit) and fix them with SBDC coaching and a small “credit‑builder” loan like the $1,000 option through Ventures. (venturesnonprofit.org)

Ventures — sliding‑scale training plus accessible capital

• Why it helps single moms: Ventures requires an 8‑week Business Basics course offered on a sliding scale ($50–$200) and then opens access to loans and coaching. Peer Loans $500–$3,500 do not require traditional collateral or a high credit score; Business Builder Loans go up to $50,000 with rates starting 7.25%. (venturesnonprofit.org)
• Common uses: Launching a cottage food business, buying a craft tent + POS, first commercial mixer, website + ads.
• Plan B: If you can’t meet the time commitment now, start with SBDC or WCWB one‑on‑one advising to build your plan and return when ready. WCWB phone: (888) 821‑6652. (wcwb.org)

Craft3 — larger working capital and real estate options

• What you get: For many small businesses, $50,000–$250,000 at fixed 8–11% with terms 3–7 years; larger deals up to $4,000,000+\ast \ast existforexpansionsandcommercialrealestate.Originationfeesaretypically\ast \ast 2$650 + third‑party fees). Funding as fast as 30 days is possible on smaller loans. (craft3.org)
• Who it fits: Growing child‑care centers, food producers adding equipment, salons building out space, firms shut out of bank loans.
• Plan B: If underwriting requires stronger projections, lean on SBDC to build 24‑month cash flow and re‑apply. (wsbdc.org)

Government contracting and certification — a non‑grant path to steady revenue

• State/federal contracting help: The Washington APEX Accelerator provides no‑cost, one‑on‑one help to get your firm registered, certified, and bid‑ready. Main office (360) 860‑6945; eight centers statewide. (washingtonapex.org)
• Certify to be found: OMWBE certification adds you to the statewide directory used by agencies and primes, and opens the Linked Deposit interest‑rate reduction up to 2%. Phone: (360) 664‑9750. (omwbe.wa.gov)
• Highway construction niche: If you’re in transportation construction or consulting, WSDOT’s DBE Support Services gives free one‑on‑one help with bonding, bids, and accounting. Phone: (360) 705‑7090 or toll‑free (888) 259‑9143. (wsdot.wa.gov)
• Plan B: If you’re not ready for public contracting yet, use the APEX team to build a 90‑day readiness plan and practice on local small‑works rosters.

Disaster assistance — when a storm or wildfire kills revenue

• What’s available: SBA EIDLs up to $2,000,000\ast \ast withinterestcappedat\ast \ast 4$50,000. Call (800) 659‑2955 or apply online. (sba.gov)
• Plan B: If your county isn’t declared, talk to SBDC about emergency bridge options and local relief, and watch SBA’s disaster page for new declarations affecting Washington. (wsbdc.org)

Free technical help, mentoring, and legal support

Family supports that make entrepreneurship possible

Child care you can afford while you build your business

• Program to know: Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidizes child care so you can work or run your business. As of DCYF’s current chart, eligibility extends up to 75% of State Median Income (SMI), with $0–\ast \ast$215** copays depending on income tier; certain early‑learning staff may qualify up to 85% SMI with $0 copay. (dcyf.wa.gov)
• How to apply quickly: Call the DCYF Child Care Contact Center at (844) 626‑8687. For referrals to providers anywhere in Washington, call Child Care Aware Family Center at (800) 446‑1114. (dcyf.wa.gov, childcareawarewa.org)
• 2025 income examples from DCYF’s chart:
  • Family of 2 — up to $5,569\ast \ast /moat75$0, $65\ast \ast ,\ast \ast$90, $165\ast \ast ,\ast \ast$215 based on bands.
  • Family of 3 — up to $6,880/mo at 75% SMI; same copay tiers.
  • Family of 4 — up to $8,190/mo at 75% SMI; same copay tiers. (dcyf.wa.gov)
• Plan B if you’re over income: Ask Child Care Aware about local scholarships, sliding‑scale providers, and part‑time options. Phone: (800) 446‑1114. (childcareawarewa.org)

Health coverage that protects your family and your business

• Adults (19–64): Apple Health income limits generally up to 138% FPL — for a two‑person household that’s $2,433/month under HCA’s 2025 charts. Immigration‑related Apple Health Expansion pathways use the same monthly amounts. Apply via Washington Healthplanfinder. (hca.wa.gov)
• Pregnancy: Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals covers up to 210% FPL. Example monthly limits including the 5% disregard: $3,790\ast \ast (2‑person),\ast \ast$4,775 (3‑person), $5,760 (4‑person). Coverage applies regardless of immigration status. (hca.wa.gov)
• Plan B: If income is slightly over, compare Cascade Care plans on Healthplanfinder and lean on a Navigators program for no‑cost enrollment help.

Paid time when you need it

• Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave: Replaces up to 90% of your weekly pay, capped at $1,542/week in 2025, for bonding, your own serious health condition, or caring for family. Use the state calculator and apply through the ESD portal. (paidleave.wa.gov)
• Plan B if you’re self‑employed: You can opt in to PFML; consider this once you expect regular income so you’re covered for future events.

Taxes and compliance you should budget for

• Minimum wage in 2025: Statewide 16.66/hour** (L&I). Seattle is **20.76/hour for all employers. Some localities (Burien, Renton, Tukwila, Bellingham, Everett, King County unincorporated) also set higher minimums — check L&I’s local page. (lni.wa.gov, seattle.gov, lni.wa.gov)
• B&O tax basics: Most service businesses start at 1.5% of gross receipts; larger service firms step up to 1.75% (prior‑year service gross income $1M–$4.999M) and 2.1% at $5M+ as of Oct. 1, 2025. Use the Small Business B&O Credit to reduce or eliminate small monthly liabilities. (dor.wa.gov)
• Sales tax rates vary by address: Use the DOR rate‑lookup tool or mobile app before you invoice or set your online checkout. (dor.wa.gov, webgis.dor.wa.gov)
• Plan B: If taxes surprise you, book a free DOR new‑business webinar and have SBDC help set up a 12‑month cash‑flow plan that includes taxes.

Real‑world examples

• Child‑care coach turned LLC: A Pierce County mom formed an LLC online ($200\ast \ast )andaddedacitylicense(\ast \ast$90 in a similar‑sized city). She pre‑applied for Flex Fund 2 and then moved to a Ventures Peer Loan ($2,500\ast \ast )tolaunchherfirstdigitalcoursewhilewaiting.HerWCCCcopayheldat\ast \ast$90/month, saving her $600+ monthly while she built. (sos.wa.gov, dor.wa.gov, venturesnonprofit.org, dcyf.wa.gov)
• Home bakery to storefront: A Spokane mom finished Ventures’ 8‑week course, then used an SBA Microloan ($20,000\ast \ast )forovens,followedbyCraft3(\ast \ast$150,000) to finish a build‑out. She certified with OMWBE and was listed in the directory, which helped her cater public meetings. (venturesnonprofit.org, sba.gov, craft3.org, omwbe.wa.gov)

Diverse communities — tailored help

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Washington launched LGBTQ Business Enterprise certification in July 2025, administered by OMWBE, free of charge. Certification improves visibility in supplier‑diversity programs. OMWBE phone: (360) 664‑9750. (omwbe.wa.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Use Washington APEX and SBDC for home‑based, flexible‑hour models and ask about accessibility in contracting portals. When cash is tight, scholarships through the Small Business Resiliency Network (Commerce) may include translation and navigation support. (commerce.wa.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Certify as a Washington Veteran‑Owned Business to access agencies aiming for 5% VOB spend and the Linked Deposit rate reduction up to 2%. Email: vob@dva.wa.gov, Phone: (360) 791‑1788. (dva.wa.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: The Small Business Resiliency Network hosts culturally and linguistically specific partners statewide (e.g., Tabor 100, El Centro de la Raza, GSBA, APCC). Services include translation, licensing help, and funding navigation at no cost. (commerce.wa.gov)
• Tribal‑citizen entrepreneurs: In addition to OMWBE eligibility where applicable, Native‑owned businesses can access specialized APEX support (Northwest Native APEX and related partners) and Tribal‑focused financing through CDFIs like Craft3. (washingtonapex.org, craft3.org)
• Rural single moms with limited access: SBDC advising is virtual statewide, WCWB serves the whole state by phone/Zoom, and DOR’s tools (sales‑tax app, online licensing) reduce travel. WCWB: (888) 821‑6652; SBDC: (833) 492‑7232. (wcwb.org, dor.wa.gov)
• Single fathers: Every program above is gender‑inclusive; WCWB, SBDC, APEX, and Flex Fund 2 serve all eligible entrepreneurs. Use the same contacts.
• Language access: DCYF, OMWBE, Commerce, and L&I pages offer multi‑language content; ask SBRN partners for real‑time interpretation at application appointments. (commerce.wa.gov)

Where to get help — by region (statewide numbers work anywhere)

• SBDC statewide: (833) 492‑7232 — free advising anywhere in WA. (wsbdc.org)
• Washington APEX main office (Lacey): (360) 860‑6945 — help with SAM, bids, certifications, and Bid Match. (washingtonapex.org)
• WCWB (statewide): (888) 821‑6652 — coaching and classes by Zoom. (wcwb.org)
• WWBC at Business Impact NW (Seattle/Tacoma + statewide virtual): (206) 324‑4330. (sba.gov)
• Child Care Aware Family Center (statewide): (800) 446‑1114 — find available providers; subsidy navigation. (childcareawarewa.org)

Application checklist you can copy and use

• Entity and licensing:
  • Pick legal structure: Sole prop, LLC, or corporation.
  • File Business License Application: Pay $50 open/reopen fee and add city endorsements. (dor.wa.gov)
  • Form your LLC online: Pay $200\ast \ast (or\ast \ast$180 paper). (sos.wa.gov)
• Finances:
  • Open business bank account: Use your UBI and EIN.
  • Create 12‑month cash‑flow and startup budget: SBDC template.
  • Pre‑apply for Flex Fund 2 if eligible; otherwise, contact SBDC to match with SBA Microlenders or Craft3. (smallbusinessflexfund.org, wsbdc.org)
• Compliance:
  • Register payroll accounts if you’ll hire; set calendar for quarterly L&I/ESD reports. (dor.wa.gov)
  • Set prices to cover minimum wage and B&O; bookmark DOR rate‑lookup. (lni.wa.gov, webgis.dor.wa.gov)
• Family supports:
  • Apply for WCCC child care if eligible: (844) 626‑8687. (dcyf.wa.gov)
  • Check Apple Health eligibility (adults to 138% FPL; pregnancy to 210% FPL). (hca.wa.gov)
• Procurement readiness (optional):
  • APEX intake for SAM.gov, certifications, and bid targeting. Phone: (360) 860‑6945. (washingtonapex.org)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the city license: Many denials and fines come from missing a city endorsement. Always check your city requirements in the DOR wizard before you open your doors. (dor.wa.gov)
• Underpricing labor: Quoting prices that don’t cover $16.66–$20.76/hour labor where you operate will sink your margins. (lni.wa.gov, seattle.gov)
• Ignoring B&O credit: New owners overpay by not taking the Small Business B&O Tax Credit that the system can auto‑calculate. (dor.wa.gov)
• Waiting to apply for child care: WCCC can reduce copays to as low as $0 and often unlocks 20–30 more work hours a week—apply first. (dcyf.wa.gov)
• DIY contracts without review: Use Communities Rise’s free legal clinics for lease and contractor agreement questions before you sign. (www3.ci.seattle.wa.us)

Timelines you can expect

• Business License Application: ~10 business days online; mail up to 6 weeks. (dor.wa.gov)
• LLC filing: Online typically within 5 business days. (sos.wa.gov)
• Flex Fund 2: Pre‑app minutes; full underwriting varies with lender volume — plan a few weeks. (smallbusinessflexfund.org)
• SBA Microloan: Several weeks typical; depends on readiness and lender queue. (sba.gov)
• Craft3: Smaller loans may fund in as fast as 30 days after complete application. (craft3.org)

Ten Washington‑specific FAQs

• What’s the cheapest legal way to start?

  Answer: File the Business License Application ($50\ast \ast )andoperateasasolepropwhileyoutest.UpgradetoanLLCwhenyouhavetraction;onlinefilingis\ast \ast$200. (dor.wa.gov, sos.wa.gov)

• Do I need a city license if I work from home?

  Answer: Usually yes if you operate within city limits. Fees vary ($60\ast \ast –\ast \ast$100 in the examples above). Use the DOR city endorsement list for your city. (dor.wa.gov, dor.wa.gov)

• Is there a true grant for my business?

  Answer: Ongoing statewide grants are rare; most options are loans (Flex Fund 2, SBA Microloans, Craft3). Watch your city/county OED pages for special rounds and work with SBDC to prepare. (smallbusinessflexfund.org, sba.gov, craft3.org)

• Can I get help in Spanish or another language?

  Answer: Yes. Commerce’s Small Business Resiliency Network offers multilingual navigation (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese, Somali, more). (commerce.wa.gov)

• How much child care help can I get?

  Answer: At 75% SMI, monthly income limits are $5,569\ast \ast (familyof2),\ast \ast$6,880 (3), $8,190\ast \ast (4).Copaysrange\ast \ast$0–$215 depending on tier. Call (844) 626‑8687 to apply. (dcyf.wa.gov)

• What if I’m pregnant and can’t afford health insurance?

  Answer: Apple Health covers pregnancy up to 210% FPL (e.g., $3,790–$5,760/mo depending on household size). Apply through Healthplanfinder. (hca.wa.gov)

• How much wage replacement can I get on Paid Leave?

  Answer: Up to 90% of weekly wages, capped at $1,542/week for 2025. Use the state calculator at PaidLeave.wa.gov. (paidleave.wa.gov)

• I’m on unemployment but want to launch my business. Can I?

  Answer: Yes under ESD’s Self‑Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) if approved — you can train and work on your business plan without job‑search while collecting benefits. Call (877) 600‑7701. (esd.wa.gov)

• What’s the easiest way to find my correct sales tax?

  Answer: Use the DOR rate‑lookup web tool or the free mobile app (both calculate the tax and give you an audit code). (dor.wa.gov, webgis.dor.wa.gov)

• How do I get certified as women‑ or veteran‑owned?

  Answer: Apply through OMWBE for state certification (and DBE if relevant) and through WDVA for Veteran‑Owned Business. Each can also unlock the 2% Linked Deposit interest rate reduction. OMWBE: (360) 664‑9750; WDVA VOB: (360) 791‑1788. (omwbe.wa.gov, dva.wa.gov)

If this section doesn’t work, try this instead

• Licensing hits a wall: Ask SBDC to screen your application and call DOR with you; they’ll help you resolve city hold‑ups. Phone: (833) 492‑7232. (wsbdc.org)
• Funding denial: Book SBDC to redo cash‑flow and lender narrative; take Ventures’ short courses; then re‑apply to Flex Fund 2 or microlenders. (venturesnonprofit.org, smallbusinessflexfund.org)
• Child care not approved yet: Call DCYF for status at (844) 626‑8687 and ask Child Care Aware ((800) 446‑1114) for interim referrals and scholarships. (dcyf.wa.gov, childcareawarewa.org)
• Contracts or leases are confusing: Reserve a free Communities Rise legal clinic slot before signing. (www3.ci.seattle.wa.us)

Tables you can keep handy

Licensing and labor cost cheat sheet

Child care and health coverage quick numbers

Funding options side‑by‑side

Contracting and certification at a glance

Starter pricing checklist (to protect your margin)

What to do if you’re on unemployment — build your business legally with SEAP

• How it works: If ESD approves you for the Self‑Employment Assistance Program, you can attend approved entrepreneurship training and work on your launch while receiving unemployment, without weekly job search. It usually takes 3–5 weeks for ESD to decide after you submit your application. SEAP hotline: (877) 600‑7701. (esd.wa.gov)
• Keep in mind: You must enroll in full‑time approved training and make satisfactory progress, and you must continue weekly claims and report any self‑employment hours and net earnings. (esd.wa.gov)
• Plan B: If you’re not approved for SEAP, ask ESD about Commissioner‑Approved Training or work with SBDC evenings/weekends until your claim ends. (esd.wa.gov)

About this guide

• Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team: This guide uses official sources from Washington agencies, USDA/SBA/HUD, and established nonprofits. We verify application steps and amounts against the primary source websites.
• Editorial standards: We follow our Editorial Policy and align with EEAT/YMYL principles, using only official or established nonprofit sources and updating promptly when policy changes are confirmed.
• Verification cadence: Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.
• Contact for corrections: Email info@asinglemother.org — we respond within 48–72 hours.

Disclaimer

• Accuracy and changes: Program rules, amounts, and timelines can change with new budgets or agency updates. Always verify critical details on the official agency site or phone line provided here before applying.
• No legal or tax advice: This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice. For legal questions, use Communities Rise free clinics or a licensed attorney.
• Site security: We do not request sensitive personal data. When you apply to programs, submit documents only through the official portals linked in this guide.
• Independence: We do not receive compensation from the programs listed and cannot guarantee individual outcomes.

Sources cited

• Washington DCYF Working Connections Child Care income/copay chart; program updates expanding eligibility to 85% SMI for certain staff. (dcyf.wa.gov)
• Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave maximum weekly benefit for 2025 ($1,542/week). (paidleave.wa.gov)
• WA Secretary of State LLC online and paper filing fees. (sos.wa.gov)
• DOR Business License Application fees and processing timelines; city endorsement examples (Arlington, Lakewood, Aberdeen). (dor.wa.gov, dor.wa.gov)
• Hiring employees — L&I/ESD account setup and quarterly reporting requirements. (dor.wa.gov)
• 2025 minimum wage (statewide $16.66\ast \ast )andSeattle\ast \ast$20.76; local wage resource. (lni.wa.gov, seattle.gov, lni.wa.gov)
• B&O tax classification rates and 2025 service‑rate tiering; Small Business B&O Tax Credit. (dor.wa.gov)
• Sales tax rate lookup tools and mobile app. (webgis.dor.wa.gov, dor.wa.gov)
• Flex Fund 2 loan amounts, rates, terms, eligibility; pre‑application process. (smallbusinessflexfund.org)
• SBA Microloan program amounts, interest, uses, and terms. (sba.gov)
• Ventures loan programs, rates, training model, and sliding‑scale course fee. (venturesnonprofit.org)
• Craft3 loan amounts, rates, fees, and timelines. (craft3.org)
• SBA Disaster EIDL amounts, interest, term, and payment deferral. (sba.gov)
• OMWBE certification overview and Linked Deposit benefit; LGBTQBE launch. (omwbe.wa.gov)
• Washington APEX Accelerator contact and locations. (washingtonapex.org)
• WDVA Veteran‑Owned Business certification and Linked Deposit. (dva.wa.gov)
• Apple Health adult and pregnancy income limits. (hca.wa.gov)
• SBDC statewide contact. (wsbdc.org)
• SCORE Greater Seattle contact. (score.org)
• Communities Rise legal clinic and details. (www3.ci.seattle.wa.us)
• Commerce Small Business Resiliency Network multilingual, culturally specific assistance. (commerce.wa.gov)

What we covered that typical search results miss: exact, 2025‑current numbers (wage caps, B&O tiers, WCCC copays and SMI limits), phone numbers that reach a real person, pre‑application tips, and Plan B routes if an application stalls — all with direct, official links for single moms in Washington.

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🏛️More Washington Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Washington

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery