Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get additional financing to grow my business?
As your business grows, there are a variety of ways to fund your expenses, ranging from bank loans to microenterprise organizations. For more information about these services, including some loan programs through the City of Tacoma, please visit our financing page.
3. How do you Pay for the Service Monthly Membership Fees?
We have multiple options to pay online. One method is to pay with a credit card visa, mastercard or discover using our payment gateway paymentsphere. Alternatively we also accept payments with your checking account. Simplely pay online easily with etelcharge.
3. What free resources are available to help expand my business and be more successful?
The City of Tacoma offers business coaching and quarterly workshops through our Economic Gardening Tacoma program. To learn more about the City’s free services and services offered by our partner economic development organizations, visit our business assistance page.
4. Even though I’ve been in business for a few years, are there things I can do to save money by making my business more green and sustainable?
Yes, there are a lot of things you can do to make your company more energy efficient. Many of these changes will save you money and help the environment at the same time. Visit our green programs page for details.
5. Where can I find some help marketing my business more effectively?
Through our Economic Gardening Tacoma program, the City offers free business coaching to help you to identify your target audience and help grow your business. We also offer free quarterly business workshops on marketing and branding strategies. Contact Debbie Bingham at 253.591.5117 or dbingham@cityoftacoma.org. Also, make sure to check our business coaching page and classes and training page for services provided by our economic development partners.
6. I am considering establishing a second location for my business. Where should I locate in Tacoma?
When it comes to a commercial lease or rental agreement, it’s important to research the best location before you sign on the dotted line. You want to be sure its zoned appropriately for the type of business you have in mind. Depending on the type of business you plan to open, you also might want to verify the neighborhoods to ensure they support your target market. The city has access to this information and can help provide you with profiles of each district and data about the surrounding communities – for free. Contact Kala Dralle at 253. 573.2523 or kdralle@cityoftacoma.org.
7. I have a current City of Tacoma business license. Can I renew online?
Yes! Businesses can renew their annual City of Tacoma License and Business and Occupation Tax online. To renew, go to www.cityoftacoma.org/business license.
