Business Resources

2022 Regional Contracting Forum

This FREE in-person event is taking place September 21st, 2022 at Muckleshoot Casino Resort. Regional Contracting Forum attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Network and meet government and regional contracting representatives in the areas of contracting, architecture and engineering, and procurement
• Learn about doing business with the government
• Get information regarding upcoming contracting opportunities
• Ask questions and leave contact information with agencies for future conversations
• Receive information regarding mega projects in the regions
• Sign up for one-on-one interviews with representatives from local government, state agencies, county jurisdictions and prime job contractors
• Receive assistance and information from business resource organizations that will help grow your businesses

Minority, Women, and Veteran business owners are encouraged to attend.

L&I Ergonomic Assessment

Looking to make your business and workplace safer? Labor and Industries (L&I) offers free ergonomic consultation services to businesses in Washington State. Consultants can provide expert advice in setting up your workplace to prevent injuries. For more information on getting help with ergonomics at your business, visit their website or email: Ergonomics@Lni.wa.gov.

2022 PRIDE

Happy Pride Month! Remembering that Pride started as a protest reminds us of how Pride today can continue the fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ people across the globe. Check out Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's list of Pride events for Washington State! RAIN also has a downloadable toolkit available filled with information and ideas to celebrate.

T.H.R.I.V.E., an executive-level training series designed to develop leadership and advance growth of small businesses across the US, is now accepting applications for their next cohort. This training is provided by the Small Business Administration. For more information on the training series, visit their information page and to apply, select here.

WEBS Training Resources

If you are looking for help in using the Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) portal, the Department of Enterprises Services provides a WEBS Vendor User Guide and WEBS Vendor Training. If you experience any problems or have questions with using WEBS, you can email WEBSCustomerservice@des.wa.gov or call (360) 902-7400.

Juneteenth Events

Even though the Emancipation Proclamation came into effect in 1863, it would be more than two years before Union troops arrived in the westernmost Confederate territory of Texas and 250,000 enslaved people were made free by executive decree on June 19th, 1865. Today, this anniversary, known as Juneteenth, is a time to celebrate hard won victories against slavery and oppression while also acknowledging that the fight for equal rights is far from over.

Communities all over the United States come together to hold festivities in honor of our nation's second Independence Day. Here are some events in Washington State where you can join in the celebration!

Vancouver, WA Juneteenth Freedom Celebration | June 17, 2022 1PM - 7PM

Lacey, WA 41st Juneteenth Celebration | June 18, 2022  12PM - 4PM

Seattle, WA Juneteenth and Community Health Fair | June 19, 2022  11AM - 3PM

Yakima, WA Juneteenth Events | June 17-19, 2022

Spokane, WA Juneteenth Weekend | June 17-19, 2022

Absher Construction Diversity Scholarship

This year Absher is launching a diversity scholarship for graduating BIPOC students to cover full tuition & books for a 2-year construction degree and other costs like transportation. To be eligible, students must identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color, be graduating seniors with a demonstrated financial need, and plan to study Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or Safety. Follow the link below to learn more and apply!

New Certifications

76 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in April! We share these monthly lists of newly certified firms with our contract and procurement contacts at State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education.