Business Resources

Small Business Liaison program

The Small Business Liaison helps businesses in Renton grow and succeed. We offer guidance and support to create a strong and inclusive economy where businesses of all sizes can thrive.
Whether you are starting a new business, growing an existing one, or relocating your business to Renton, the Small Business Liaison is here to help. We provide support with finding locations and connecting you to resources with key programs and networks. We are committed to helping your business reach its full potential.

Renton Small Business Empowerment Think Tank

This is a dynamic platform for local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members to collaborate, share insights, and drive innovation. Each session focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities within Renton’s business districts, fostering meaningful discussions and actionable solutions.

Join us as we sit down with the city's Small Business Liaison, Fatoumata Traore, to get all the details about the program.

StartUp425 & Small Business Coworking

Startup425 and Small Business Coworking is designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide valuable resources to help you thrive in your entrepreneurial journey along with fellow entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners. For more information about upcoming coworking sessions, panels and workshops, and networking opportunities, check out Startup425's events section.

Professional services

Renton has a deep professional services base that anchors the regional economy. Firms in finance and accounting, legal, engineering and architecture, information technology, marketing, real estate, and corporate support make services the city’s largest employment sector with 22,270 jobs. 

Manufacturing

Renton is a regional center for advanced manufacturing and logistics.  Boeing assembles the 737 in Renton, and PACCAR maintains parts and engineering operations that support heavy-duty trucks. With broad network to strengthens the regional supply chain, advanced manufacturing accounts for about one fifth of local jobs.

Aerospace

Renton has been an aviation hub for more than 75 years. It combines world class manufacturing capacity, regional connectivity, and a skilled technical workforce. Boeing assembles the 737 MAX in Renton, supported by a strong network of suppliers in tooling, composites, precision machining, electronics, maintenance, and logistics. About one fifth of local jobs are in manufacturing, with aerospace as a leading driver.

 

---

Healthcare

Renton’s healthcare sector is growing, with more than twenty two percent of local jobs in health care. Anchors include Valley Medical Center with a Level 3 trauma center, Providence and Swedish Health Services, Kaiser Permanente Washington, and Seattle Children’s, supported by a skilled workforce and a central, well-connected location.

Experiential 

Renton’s experiential sector blends activities, entertainment, and sports, from downtown events, The Landing, and waterfront parks to Topgolf and community leagues. Regional draw comes from the Seattle Seahawks headquarters at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton and the Seattle Sounders FC training center at Starfire Sports nearby, boosting foot traffic and visitor spending.

A NO-FEE LICENSE: No physical location in Renton, No requirement for any other specialized permit or license and annual Renton revenue of less than $4,000.

THRESHOLD FOR B&O $500,000: Threshold for B&O tax is $500,000 in gross receipts before tax is due (filing a return is always required).

FREE VIRTUAL PERMIT MEETING: 15-minute meeting with City of Renton Permit Center staff from the Planning, Development Engineering, and Building teams.

FREE PRE-APPLICATION MEETING: The pre-application process offers detailed information on zoning requirements, permitting processes, timelines, fees and more.

STATE TAX INCENTIVE  PROGRAMS: 

Washington’s Department of Revenue offers more than fifty business tax incentive programs, including tax deferrals, reduced Business and Occupation tax rates, exemptions, and credits for eligible activities and industries.