Tuesday this week, the annual Small Business Fair was held remotely. Hundreds, if not over a thousand, participated in the all-day event. Final numbers are still being tallied.

Small businesses owners and people looking into starting a small business were able to attend a wide range of helpful sessions put on by top-notch presenters. The day was kicked off by an inspiring keynote address from Tutta Bella Seattle restaurant owner Joe Fugere. Attendees then were able to choose from a list of breakout sessions which included:

• Funding your new or existing small business.
• How do I write a successful business plan that will help me get the funding?
• What taxes will I have to pay, and how do I pay them?
• What licenses will I be required to obtain?
• How do I market my business for success?
• Using social media for promoting my business.
• Using technology to improve business efficiency and outreach to prospective customers.
• What do I have to do when I hire employees?
• How do I create a diverse workforce, and what benefits come from this?

Speakers and presenters included representatives from the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office, the Department of Labor and Industries, the Employment Security Department, the Department of Revenue, and the Governor’s Office, to name a few.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service and a vibrant core of federal, state, and local agencies have hosted the free event for more than 20 years. Historically, the event has been held in person at the Renton Technical College, and we hope that will be the case again in 2022. WR has long been a participant and promoter of this educational, fun, and free event to help our current small businesses and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.