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Office of Minority & Women's
Business Enterprises
omwbe.wa.gov
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Register Now - 2026 Regional Contracting Forum
Don’t miss your chance to attend the 2026 Western Regional Contracting Forum on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Muckleshoot Events Center.
This event is FREE for all to attend and registrations are filling up fast!
Attendees have the opportunity to meet government contracting representatives and network with contractors, consultants, and suppliers all at one event.
Who Should Attend?
Businesses interested in selling products and services, consultants, and contractors. Small, Minority, Women, Disadvantaged, and Veteran-Owned Businesses are encouraged to attend.
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¡RESERVE LA FECHA!
Emprende Washington – Feria de Negocios en Español
El Estado de Washington y la Ciudad de Vancouver le invitan a una tarde completamente en español, diseñada para conectar a empresarios y futuros empresarios con los recursos, información y organizaciones que pueden ayudarles a iniciar, crecer y proteger sus negocios.
Durante el evento encontrará:
- Agencias estatales y de la ciudad que ofrecen recursos e información para negocios en Washington y Oregon
- Seis talleres con información práctica para dueños de negocios
- Presentación de danza cultural
- Cena gratuita para los asistentes
¡Regístrese hoy!
La participación es gratuita, pero le recomendamos registrarse con anticipación para reservar su lugar.
Regístrese aquí para Emprende Washington
Será una tarde para conectarse con los recursos, la información y las personas que necesita para hacer crecer y proteger su negocio.
SAVE THE DATE!
Emprende Washington – Spanish Business Fair
Washington State and the City of Vancouver invite you to an all-Spanish afternoon designed to connect entrepreneurs and future entrepreneurs with resources, information, and organizations that can help them start, grow, and protect their businesses.
During the event, you will find:
- State and city agencies that offer resources and information for businesses in Washington and Oregon
- Six workshops with practical information for business owners
- A cultural dance presentation
- A free dinner for all attendees
Register Today!
Participation is free, but we encourage you to register in advance to reserve your spot.
Register Here for Emprende Washington
It will be an afternoon to connect with the resources, information, and people you need to grow and protect your business.
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Puyallup BizFair is Coming September 19
This free event connects small business owners, entrepreneurs, lenders, agencies, and support organizations through workshops, one-on-one help, and networking. Hear from Lewis Rudd, Co-Founder of Ezell's Famous Chicken, on his entrepreneurial journey. Starting, growing, or just dreaming of a business? Don't miss it!
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Temporary Registration Certificates
Attention: Pop-Up Sellers & Event Vendors
Key Guidelines
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Eligibility: Available for businesses operating no more than two events per year in Washington, with each event lasting under one month (e.g., craft shows, fairs, and boat shows).
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Exclusions: Established Washington businesses, operations requiring permits from other agencies, and closed trade conventions do not qualify.
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Registration: Apply online or via your local office up to six months (180 days) before the event.
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Tax Filing: Complete and return the certificate tax form by mail or in person to a local field office within 10 business days after the event (online return filing is unavailable).
Businesses exceeding two annual events must apply for a standard state business license.
For more information, visit our temporary businesses webpage.
Unclaimed Property Holder Reporting is Due Oct. 31
Did you know?
Businesses and organizations are required to review their records annually to determine if they are holding any property belonging to another. If you have uncashed checks (including payroll) or unused credits and have not been able to return the property to the rightful owner, you have unclaimed property that needs reported to Department of Revenue.
- Annual Reports are due for most businesses on October 31. Insurance company reports are due on April 30. Penalties and interest apply for late reporting.
- The department has several types of online workshops designed to help your organization report unclaimed property. Register for a free workshop on our website.
For more information about reporting or to look for unclaimed property that may belong to you or your business, visit our website at ucp.dor.wa.gov.
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Revised Shoreline Management Rules
Potential Impacts on Small Businesses & How to Comment
The Department of Ecology is proposing changes to state shoreline management rules. Key issues in the proposal include:
- Revised requirements for protecting shoreline areas that frequently flood, are at risk from erosion, or provide important habitat for fish and wildlife
- Revised requirements for shoreline stabilization that emphasize nature-based approaches instead of hard armor structures such as bulkheads
- Clarified requirements for shoreline permitting, compliance processes, and enforcement authorities
- New requirements for cities and counties to follow when they periodically update their shoreline master programs
- Revised vegetation conservation standards and other measures to protect shoreline ecosystems
- A new requirement for local governments to address the impact of sea level rise and increased storm severity in their shoreline master programs
The proposed revisions may affect small businesses. Ecology has prepared a Preliminary Regulatory Analysis (PRA) addressing the potential costs and benefits of the proposed rules, and the proposed rulemaking notice (CR-102 form) includes a Small Business Economic Impact Statement. Copies of the PRA and the CR-102 form, along with more information about the rulemaking, are available on our website.
The comment period is now open! Submit your comments on the proposed rules any time before November 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. You may submit comments online. You may also provide comments orally or in writing at any of our public hearings (see the hearing schedule on our website). Please send questions to shorelinerulemaking@ecy.wa.gov.
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Learn about WA Cares Basics For Employers
WA Cares is the state’s long-term care program. As a Washington employer, you are required to report your employees’ wages and hours and submit their WA Cares premiums every quarter.
Attend the “WA Cares Basics for Employers” webinar to learn more.
Presenters from Employment Security and the Department of Social & Health Services will cover:
- Who contributes to the fund
- How workers meet contribution requirements
- Who can get an exemption
- Tracking employee exemptions
- Employer reporting requirements
- What kinds of benefits will be available
Webinar Details
Updated Wage Data Now Available
Find helpful wage estimates and data for more than 800 occupations on Employment Security’s website. The figures compare wages regionally and by occupation, and show the estimated total number of workers in each field.
These are available via the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) page on our website—select the 2026 report link.
For broader market trends, unemployment rates, and job market data, visit the Labor Market Information page on our website.
For national-level data and maps, see the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
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Return to Work Virtual Office Hours For Employers
Join us for our monthly informal interactive session for employers. Feel free to come and go or stay the full hour. Bring your questions and take advantage of this valuable learning opportunity. Get answers to your questions about light duty options and Stay at Work program and learn how to better support your employees while keeping your business running smoothly.
View flyer for details: RTW Virtual Office Hours For Employers
Next Session:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15th from 12 p.m to 1p.m.
- Via Teams | Register Now
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2026 Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Are you a diverse or small business in the construction or architecture and engineering (A&E) field? Come and hear from the Port of Seattle, Sound Transit, and WSDOT on upcoming projects!
- Hear about upcoming construction and A&E opportunities
- Network with decision-makers and potential business partners
- Speak with the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises (OMWBE) and other technical assistance agencies
Event Details
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When: Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Where: Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
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 Get Ready to Shakeout!
After a major earthquake or tsunami, help will arrive in the form of first responders and assistance coming from across the country. But in the immediate aftermath, you and your neighbors and co-workers will be the first responders. You're the ones best suited to connect with the people around you.
This year, Washington's Great ShakeOut earthquake and tsunami drill takes place at 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15. Register yourself or your business and learn more at www.shakeout.org/washington.
Here are some things to consider about connecting with your business after an earthquake:
- Do you know your co-workers?
- Who might need extra help, and what kind?
- What skills or tools do you and your co-workers have that could help in an emergency?
- Do employees know how to stay safe?
- Do your communications and continuity plans account for earthquake damage?
- What happens next?
The Washington Emergency Management Division is hosting two webinars on maximizing the benefits of a ShakeOut drill for your workplace:
Click the dates to register, and please feel free to share. American Sign Language (ASL) accommodation is available.
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Washington Saves Releases RFP
Governing Board seeks a Program Administrator and Investment Manager
The Washington State Governing Board is seeking proposals from qualified bidders to provide Program Administration and Investment Management Services as it prepares to implement Washington’s new retirement savings program. Washington Saves is scheduled to open in July 2027 and will provide workers who do not have access to a workplace retirement plan with a simple way to save for retirement through payroll deduction.
Qualified bidder(s) may submit proposals for:
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Program Administrative Services, including recordkeeping, IRA administration and custody, customer service, website and platform operations, reporting, data security, compliance support, and marketing and communications support.
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Investment Management Services, or
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Integrated Program Administration and Investment Management Services.
To review the RFP, visit: Washington's Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) and select: “Washington Saves Governing Board” from the drop-down menu. Registration is required to download the full RFP.
For more information, please contact the Procurement Coordinator, Jonathan Herrera at info@wasaves.wa.gov.
Key Dates for the RFP
- Deadline for Submitting Bids: October 9, 2026
- Competitive Solicitation Posted: August 24, 2026
- Pre-Bid Conference: September 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
- Requested Notice of Intent to Submit: September 3, 2026
- Question-and-Answer Period
- Question due date: September 15, 2026
- Anticipated Posting of Answers: September 23, 2026
- Questions or concerns about the solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Procurement Coordinator at info@wasaves.wa.gov.
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Small Business Resources & Requirements (SBRR)
The Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) is a partnership of 31 state agencies working to improve access to regulatory information, education, and agency resources for business communities across the state. Our mission is simple: Working together to provide resources and know-how to small businesses to operate in Washington State. And our vision? To establish Washington State as a leader in support, and empower small businesses to thrive.
As part of that commitment, the Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR) Free Workshops provide vital information on regulatory requirements, state permits, business structures, employee hiring and retention, and available resources to help businesses grow and thrive.
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Starting a Business in Washington - Live Webinar
Join this free, one-hour webinar to gain essential knowledge for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration, and licensing requirements.
Webinar Details
Now Available in Arabic: The Small Business Guide
We're pleased to announce that our Small Business Guide is now available in Arabic!
The guide offers helpful information, links to valuable resources, and clear step-by-step guidance for starting and operating a business in Washington state.
Its content is organized into six sections based on your stage of business. Whether you're launching a new venture, managing an existing business, or planning to expand, you'll find information and resources tailored to where you are and where you want to go.
The guide joins an already extensive collection of translated versions, available in English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, Samoan, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Farsi—with the new Arabic edition rounding out the list. Two Braille Ready Format volumes are also available.
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TRAINING & EDUCATION
Click the buttons below to explore event calendars, find workshops and webinars, access on-demand training and view upcoming opportunities.
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