Business Resources

Every business has a unique set of needs. Whether you want to know more about starting up a business in the area or you would like more information on how to grow your business, there are a variety of resources to help you find what you are looking for.

General Business Guides for Start-ups and Existing Businesses

Below are links to business guides to help you through the process of starting, maintaining, and growing your business:

Business Training and Consultation

Learn more about how you can become a successful business owner by taking a course or by asking a professional for advice:

  • SCORE is a national nonprofit that provides free business mentoring and low- or no-cost workshops to entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country.
  • Greater Seattle SCORE is the local chapter of the national SCORE organization and is a strong resource for businesses seeking expert advice, local workshops, and/or free business resources.
  • Highline College Start Zone in Des Moines offers affordable training, consulting, and other support for small businesses.
  • WSBDC has a variety of training opportunities through their online training resources, including: instructional videos, export training, specialty training, and many others.
Export Assistance and Contracting

Burien’s proximity to the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma as well as to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport provides local businesses with an opportunity to expand their operations through exports or government contracting. If you are interested in growing your business through exports or by contracting with the government, the following resources may helpful:

Resources for Minority, Women, and Veteran-owned Businesses

Traditionally disadvantaged groups may face obstacles in starting or managing a small business. The following resources are included to help promote equity and participation among small business owners of all backgrounds:

Public Safety and Cleanliness

Maintaining clean and safe streets can help encourage commercial activity and make your business more attractive for your customers and employees. The City of Burien and its partners offer the following programs:

  • The Clean and Safe Streets program is a collaborative effort between Discover Burien and the City of Burien. The purpose of the program is to clean garbage and litter in the downtown commercial area. Litter is removed and public garbage cans are emptied in the downtown area three times a week.
  • Taking Aim at Graffiti (TAG) is a graffiti removal program that is provided to Burien businesses free of charge. Removal services are contracted out to Recology CleanScapes and are typically carried out within one to three business days of issuing a report. Learn more about eligibility for the program under Graffiti Removal.
  • For businesses with an ongoing loitering problem, filing a no trespassing form gives business owners an opportunity to authorize the removal of trespassers without prior notification from the Burien Police Department.
  • Recology's commercial container lock program was created to prevent the rummaging and littering of large waste receptacles. Owners of commercial containers can either rent a lock from Recology, or use their own lock free of charge. For questions related to the commercial container lock program, please contact Recology customer service at (206) 767-3322 or email [email protected]  
Greening Your Business

Saving money and protecting the environment do not have to be at odds. Learn more about how you can cut back on business expenses while promoting environmental sustainability by visiting one of the following resources: