Business Development

Prosser EDA recruits new businesses, works with existing businesses on retention and expansion, and strives  to increase the economic vitality of the community. We provide local economic information, supply financial and consulting resources and assist with city/county code compliance and permitting.  Whether a business is encountering financial constraints to grow, working through government restrictions, or employee training, Prosser EDA is ready to assist.

Forbes Magazine ranked Washington State No. 2 in business friendly states. Our state ranked near the top in access to skilled labor, regulatory environment, and growth prospects. Washington also ranks No. 1 in retaining college graduates in jobs, as opposed to the “brain drain” many other states are experiencing where graduates move elsewhere. Positive tax system features:

  • No corporate tax
  • No unitary tax
  • No inventory tax
  • No income tax
  • No tax on interest or dividends

Whether working to recruit new businesses, working with existing business on expansion or retention, Prosser EDA strives to increase economic vitality. We provide important local economic data, supply financial and consulting resource information, and assist with compliance with city/county codes and permitting.

Local Work Force

WorkSource Columbia Basin  WorkSource Sunnyside 
815 N. Kellogg St., Ste. D 1925 Morgan Road
Kennewick, WA 99336 Sunnyside, WA 98944
Business Services Business Services
509-734-5953 509-836-1102

WorkSource Employers Section provides information on posting a job listing, wage and job vacancy information by occupation, writing a job description, and county economies.

Getting Started

The first step for a new business is to contact the Secretary of State office to file for Articles of Incorporation. You may apply online and will be issued a UBI number. You may then apply for a Master Business License from the Department of Licensing.  This business license application registers your business with the Departments of Revenue, Licensing, Labor and Industries, Employment Security, Secretary of State and Washington State Department of Commerce for one-stop coordination through the state’s permitting processes. A federal Employee Identification Number, if necessary for your business, may be applied for from the Internal Revenue Service.  Another great resource to visit is the Washington Small Business Guide, in particular the Start Your Business chapter.

City of Prosser: Benton County: Port of Benton:
Steve Zetz, City Planner Adam Fyall, Sustainable Dev. Diahann Howard, Executive Director
1002 Dudley Av. Prosser, WA 99350 PO Box 190 Prosser, WA 99350 3100 George Washington Way Richland, WA 99354
509-786-8212 509-736-3053 509-375-3060
szetz@cityofprosser.com adam.fyall@co.benton.wa.us dhoward@portofbenton.com

 Business Assistance 

Prosser EDA offers information and referrals to business assistance programs. Local economic information is provided for a new business which can be a deciding factor in location and business direction. Coordination with public entities and help in complying with city/county codes and permitting can speed up this process.

There is a wide variety of loans and financial options available.  Please contact the Prosser EDA office at (509) 786-3600 for additional information.

Prosser EDA has a free program available to all businesses in the 99350 zip code called Prosser Business Spotlight. This program features local businesses through direct email marketing as well as social media posts.  For more information or to have your business featured please contact us at (509) 786-3600 or email info@prosser.org.