Regardless of the industry - retailers, restaurants or remodelers - state business licensing is required for all businesses. For the first tip of National Consumer Protection Week - or NCPW - Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington reminds consumers to research registrations before doing business.
Valid, current licensing not only shows business accountability, it also reveals company details: ownership, business structures, addresses and business start dates.
Check business licensing. Make sure that licenses are up-to-date and all appropriate conditions have been met; some industries require additional or specialty licensing. To check business licenses, use the following resources:
Alaska: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development at commerce.alaska.gov.
Oregon: Secretary of State Corporation Division at sos.state.or.us or check licenseinfo.oregon.gov for additional requirements.
Washington: State of Washington Business Licensing Service at bls.dor.wa.gov/licensesearch or the Washington Secretary of State Corporations Division at sos.wa.gov/corps.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a comprehensive nationwide database of business licenses at sba.gov.
BBB Business Reviews are continuously updated to reflect business licensing; check akorww.bbb.org/find-business-reviews.
National Consumer Protection Week:
NCPW is a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Working to advance marketplace trust, BBB is a neutral not-for-profit organization supported by BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB provides ethical business standards, BBB Business Reviews, Charity Reviews, complaint handling, marketplace events and tips. For more information, contact BBB or visit www.bbb.org.
