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30th Annual Governor's Employer Awards Program Nominations
Achieved your employment dreams? Nominate your inclusive Employer, Service Provider, or disability Advocate for the GCDE Employer Awards!
The deadline to submit a nomination package is Thursday, August 25th, 2022. Support materials, such as newspaper articles and support letters, may be submitted by mail/email until Thursday, September 1st, 2022. All nominees will receive recognition in an Awards Ceremony hosted by the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE) on October 21, 2022. The venue has not yet been decided.
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PortGen Business Accelerator
Are you the leader of a WMBE or small business who is ready to scale up your
business? Are you ready to accelerate the growth of your business through a
robust development curriculum and one-on-one attention from a mentor who is
an industry expert?
The Port of Seattle is proud to present its second annual Business Accelerator
Program launching on September 7. Through the program, women-and
minority-owned business enterprises (WMBE) and small businesses will build
lasting relationships with industry and agency representatives, while preparing
for contracting opportunities at the Port and beyond.
If you are a WMBE or small business leader who would like more introductory level
information about government contracting, check out the Advanced PortGen Workshop Series. You can also learn more about the differences
between the two training programs here.
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The Washington State Department of Commerce, working in partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) will open applications for Working Washington Grants: Round 5 and Convention Center Grant Programs. Commerce will post information and links to the application portals at commercegrants.com.
Eligible for-profit and non-profit businesses, including tribal member-owned business operating on a reservation with a license issued by a federally recognized tribe in Washington state, may apply. Award amounts will vary and are subject to review and adjustment pending application volume, reported losses, and take into account previous Working Washington grant awards received from Commerce or affiliated partners.
General Timeline:
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August 17th – August 31st: Application portals will open. Application period will remain open for 15 days.
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Early - mid September: Review of applications
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End of September: Commerce will notify grantees and disburse funding
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ScaleUp Business Training was designed to help established businesses increase profitability, build capacity, and spur growth.
- Do you feel like you have no time outside of working in your business?
- Are you spending too much time on low profit activities?
- Have high maintenance clients taken over your schedule?
- Are you thinking of selling your business?
- Need help interpreting your fiscal drivers?
This program which normally costs $1,599 is currently provided at no cost to Washington State businesses through 2022, thanks to ongoing support from the Washington Department of Commerce.
Morning and Evening Sessions available Aug. 24 – Oct. 19, 2022
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What is the Governor's Subcabinet on Business Diversity?
The Governor can direct a Subcabinet made up of appropriate cabinet agencies to address a specific issue. Governor Jay Inslee initially chose 12 agencies to participate in the Business Diversity Subcabinet. Six of the 14 current subcabinet agencies make up two-thirds of the total state spend and includes key partner agencies, such as the state's ethnic commissions.
The Governor's Subcabinet is working toward solutions that are long-term and sustainable. Forming the Subcabinet creates a "community of practice" where agencies can use model policies, practices, and processes to foster, cultivate and share best practices in increasing the use of small and diverse businesses.
Learn all about it at https://omwbe.wa.gov/governors-subcabinet-business-diversity
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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.
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Each fall, the small business ecosystem in WA comes together to put on BizFair, the longest running all government and non-profit run free small business fair in Washington state.
BizFair 2022 will be a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual attendees having the same event experience. NO COST TO ATTEND – Registration coming soon.
For More Information:
info@bizfair.org
(425) 243-2721
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August 1 marks the beginning of Black Business Month, highlighting the vital contributions of Black-owned businesses to the overall economy. You can celebrate and support Black-owned businesses by purchasing their goods and services, and by highlighting their businesses with #SupportBlackBusiness on social media this month and throughout the year.
Follow the link to find an ever growing list of Black-owned businesses in Washington state.
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Registration is still open for 2022 Advanced PortGen Workshop series presented by WA PTAC - Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center and Port of Seattle. This multi-week workshop training program will provide education to small, minority and woman-owned Design and Construction Architectural and Engineering firms.
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New Certifications
46 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in June! We share these monthly lists of newly certified firms with our contract and procurement contacts at State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education.
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