Start a Business
Start a Business in Langley
Small businesses are the foundation of a thriving local economy, and Langley values, supports, and encourages these entrepreneurs in our community. Each year, business owners develop new and exciting offerings for Langley and we’re thrilled to watch these businesses come to life.
Supporting our local small businesses is crucial to foster economic growth within the Island community and to preserve the unique character and charm of our local neighborhoods and towns. Additionally, it creates job opportunities and allows for personalized customer experiences that cannot be replicated by larger corporations found in larger cities. The Langley Chamber of Commerce is here to help with resources to start your business and we look forward to supporting your new business dreams.
With its perfect outdoor destination for visitors and known for its stunning water and mountain views, Langley is the ideal location for your new business. We’re a thriving community with art galleries, wine tasting, antiques, restaurants and more. Find out what makes Langley unique and how to start your business in the “Village by the Sea.”
To help your business get started on the right track, we’ve created a compact downloadable version of the Langley Small Business Resource Guide. This guide provides information on many of the key services, programs, and resources available to help your small business get started, and succeed. We also provide information about what makes Langley a unique “Village by the Sea.”
Understanding your demographics through market research, writing a business plan, and creating a sustainable foundation for your business are all vital aspects to the health of your new business and an essential first step. There’s plenty of help out there, here’s a few to get you started:
Writing Your Business Plan Basics
Every business starts with a vision, which is distilled and communicated through a business plan. In addition to your high-level hopes and dreams, a strong business plan outlines short-term and long-term goals, budget and whatever else you might need to get started. Here’s some basics of writing a business plan with resource links below for guidance :
- Brainstorm an Executive Summary
- Create a Company Description
- Brainstorm Your Business Goals
- Describe Your Services or Products
- Conduct Market Research
- Create Financial Plans
- Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions
Economic Development Council
Economic Development Council of Island County
Economic Reports and Demographics
Market Research & Demographics Size-Up Tool
WA State Dept. of Commerce – Industry Business Data Tool
Washington Dept of Commerce, StartUp Washington
Experts walk you through the various aspects of entrepreneurship that you’ll want to master, from business structure and marketing to supply chain and avoiding common mistakes.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
Small Business Guidance Washington State
Goosefoot
Starting a Business Workshop YouTube Video
Sno-Isle Library
Sno-Isle Library Business Research
Washington State Small Business Training & Education Center
There’s different types of business entities, each with unique benefits and limitations. Get to know the business structure options to determine which will be optimal for you before heading to apply for your business license. Also, see our list of real estate entities to help you find the perfect Langley location and available leases. Knowing your business structure is essential before moving to the next step in the process, Step 3.
Business Structure Resources
Small Business Administration Guide to Business Structures
Washington State DOR Business Structures
IRS Guide to Business Structures
WA Secretary of State Business Structures
WA Secretary of State Non-Profit Structures
Real Estate Companies in Downtown Langley
WA State Dept. of Commerce
If you run a business in Washington, you’ll need a Washington State business license, permit, or certificate of some kind in order to operate. Here’s some steps to help you.
- First you must register with the Secretary of State for UBI issuance (wait for this before applying for next step)
- Apply for WA State Business License and Langley Business Endorsement with the DOR (requires you to create account–you must have UBI from Step 1) (resident or non-resident business license)
- State Professional License may be necessary depending on your profession
- Reseller’s Permit – For retailers and wholesalers to purchase items for resale without paying sales tax
Other businesses that have different application processes:
Contractor’s License–City of Langley
Temporary Vendor License–City of Langley
WA State Alcohol Licenses: Liquor License, Banquet Permit, Private Event Special Occasion License, Outdoor Alcohol Service
Local Permitting & Signage
If you’re leasing space in Langley, the City of Langley has a process for leasehold improvement permits and building signage, which is listed on their website. The friendly folks at Langley City Hall are willing and able to help demystify this process and we’ve outlined it below. Make an appointment with a staff member for further assistance.
City of Langley Signage Process
- New signs require a sign permit
- Sign permits require Design Review Board decision
- Sign regulations including size, location, and type
City of Langley Tenant Improvements
- Any work requiring a building permit is considered a Tenant Improvement and requires drawings from a registered design professional and improvements to accessibility.
- Changing the use of an existing space requires a building permit (example: changing a space from a retail shop to a restaurant). Use changes may also require the installation of fire suppression equipment and/or fire alarms.
- Work such as painting, removing cabinets, or replacing flooring do not require permits, however ALL mechanical, plumbing, electrical work require permits. Call or email the City of Langley office to verify: building@langleywa.org (360) 221-4246.
- All electrical permits are issued through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
- Exterior improvements such as: fixtures, landscaping, lighting, site screening, parking, street furniture, changes to exterior structural components, or changes to the size of existing buildings requires Design Review.
- Here are the design standards that the City uses to review applications
Design Review Board
- Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 5pm
- Permit application must be submitted 8 days prior
- Required forms:
Whether you are starting your own business or need help in expanding or strengthening your existing business, here’s a list of organizations and resources to help you:
Economic Development Council Island County Resources
Heritage Bank Community Development Entity
The Northwest Business Development Association (NWBDA)
Washington State’s Clean Energy Fund
Washington State Dept of Commerce
Knowledge Base, Workshops, & Training
Careful planning and research will improve your chances of success and we’re invested! Here’s a list of workshops, training, and resources to lift your new business. Please feel free to reach out to the Langley Chamber of Commerce if you have questions. We’re happy to help. CONTACT US
Training & Workshops
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Training Events
Washington State’s Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) Workshops
Whidbey Island Chambers of Commerce
Expand your network with other Island businesses and join our local community of Chambers:



