What Verified means
How PNW Small Business verifies a listing
Business registration, identity and contact information are checked. Licensing and insurance are confirmed when applicable to the service. Paying for a membership never creates a Verified badge.
What we check
Business registration
We confirm the business is registered with the state (Washington UBI, Oregon or Idaho registry) and that the registration is active at the time of the check.
Owner identity and contact
We confirm the person managing the profile is connected to the business, and that the phone number and email reach a real person.
Licensing — when applicable
Trades that require a state license (contractors, electricians, plumbers, tree services and similar) must show an active license. Categories that don't require one — photographers, makers, consultants — are not held to a license they can't legally hold.
Insurance — when applicable
For trades that carry general liability or a contractor bond, we review a certificate of insurance or the state bond record before the badge appears.
What verification does not guarantee
- It is not a guarantee of workmanship, pricing, timeline or outcome.
- It is not an endorsement, warranty or insurance policy from PNW Small Business.
- It reflects what was true on the date of the check — always confirm the license, bond and insurance directly with the business before work begins.
- For work outside Washington, service availability, licensing and the contracting entity are confirmed before scheduling.
Verified vs. Owner Managed
The business passed the checks above. Reviewed by a person, not automated.
The business owner has claimed and actively maintains this profile. It means someone real is reading messages — it does not mean the checks above were done.
How often it is rechecked
Verification is reviewed annually, and immediately whenever a license or insurance document reaches its expiration date on file. A badge is removed if a document lapses or a business stops responding to a recheck request.
Report something inaccurate
If a listing shows the wrong license, an expired insurance certificate, or a badge you believe is not earned, tell us through the contact page and we will recheck it. Badges are pulled while a report is under review.
How requests reach a business
Browse and contact any business directly, or submit one request and we'll match it with up to three eligible local members when available. Category Partners receive the first opportunity in their approved category and region.