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Celebrating 40 Years of Service: Washington’s SharedWork Program
SharedWork is a statewide opt-in program that pays workers a portion of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits when hours are reduced. This gives employers the power to prevent layoffs and a smart method to manage the bottom line. Eligible employers can enroll by submitting a short application and employee list to the SharedWork program. Upon plan approval, eligible employees file claims to receive benefits. Learn more by attending a free statewide or local webinar or visit sharedworkwa.com.
SharedWork Spanish Business Webinars
SharedWork y Permiso de Cuidado Pagado
Martes, 9 de mayo – 2:00 a 3:00 p.m. | Regístrate ahora
Patrocinado por la Cámara de Comercio de Greater Federal Way
SharedWork y Fondos WA Cares
Martes, 13 de junio – 2:00 a 3:00 p.m. | Regístrate ahora
Patrocinado por la Cámara de Comercio de Greater Federal Way
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Save the Date! Regional Contracting Forum September 20, 2023
The 2023 Washington Regional Contracting Forum is a free, in-person event to connect small, diverse, veteran-owned businesses with public agencies that buy goods and services, including architecture and engineering services. Our goal is to connect Washington small businesses and those owned by women, veterans, and people in racial or socioeconomic minorities with public agency purchasers.
When: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
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Why One Million Black Women: Black in Business?
Goldman Sachs has spent the last decade helping small businesses grow with 10,000 Small Businesses. Now, One Million Black Women is taking it further -- reaching Black women sole proprietors with the tools necessary to turn their business potential into business growth.
Through the One Million Black Women: Black in Business program, participants will learn how to better understand their finances, hire their first employee, price their products or services, and much more – at no cost to the business owner.
To learn more about the program, register here for an informational webinar.
Applications are now open. Apply by April 21st to be considered for the Fall 2023 Cohort of OMBW: Black in Business.
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Are you a MWBE/DBE firm in the Construction trades? Join this event to learn about a great way to get your foot in the door on Port projects: Job Order Contracting and Small Works, and connect with:
- Port JOC Prime, Centennial
- Port project managers
- Port contract specialists
- Port DBE Manager
- OMWBE representatives
PortGen Trainings and Events connect minority- and women-owned businesses,
and small businesses, to the right information and the right people so that you can
successfully consider, pursue, and execute on Port contracting opportunities. We
hope to see you at a PortGen session soon!
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On the third Thursday of the month, the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) facilitates an interactive conversation with state procurement professionals who can provide information and insight on how to do business with the state. Join DES for this virtual event where they will discuss a variety of topics, including:
- Introduction to state contracting
- How to find upcoming contracting opportunities
- Where to get technical assistance
- Where to find additional training
And, of course, provide time and opportunity for questions and answers.
Who:
Small, Diverse, and Veteran-Owned Businesses
Where:
This will be a live event hosted on Microsoft Teams.
When:
- Thursday, April 20, 2023 | 3-4 PM (PDT)
- Thursday, May 18, 2023 | 3-4 PM (PDT)
- Thursday, June 15, 2023 | 3-4 PM (PDT)
- Thursday, July 20, 2023 | 3-4 PM (PDT)
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OMWBE has welcomed three new certification analysts to our team!
Joyce Blake is an East Coast girl and was born in Brooklyn, New York where her father attended law school. Her family later moved to Long Island where her parents raised her and her seven siblings to be humble humans. She graduated from Colgate University in NY and later moved to Washington State where she spent several years working in the Aerospace industry as a Contract Service Administrator.
When the economy crashed, Joyce took a job at DSHS to stay afloat and discovered that not only was she good with numbers—she was great with people and found joy in being able to coach, develop, and train clients, helping them on their journey to self-sufficiency and success. Joyce is excited to join OMWBE because, despite experiencing privilege at various times in her life, she knows what it feels like to be treated differently due to race and gender. Joyce is a hard worker and is excited to get started reviewing and certifying applications to help support small, minority-owned businesses on their journey to success. When Joyce isn’t working, she enjoys, hiking, roller skating, going on scavenger hunts, writing, and recently discovered a passion for cooking. She lives in Tacoma and is the proud mom of two amazing sons.
Nereida Avendano is originally from Los Angeles, CA but considers herself a Washingtonian after living in this beautiful state since 2000. She is a single mother to a 14-year-old daughter, and has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in psychology. When Nereida isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, yoga, golf, kayaking and snowboarding in the winter.
Prior to working for the state, Nereida was a Commercial Sales Specialist for Lowe’s working with many types of Businesses such as LLCs, corporations, and partnerships. She left the company in 2014 to work for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) as a Public Benefit Specialist processing applications to establish eligibility for Food, Cash and Medical programs. Nereida comes to OMWBE from the Pierce South Community Service Office in Tacoma most recently, where she was a Social Worker. She is looking forward to joining our team and becoming part of the OMWBE family.
Emman Doctolero joins us from the Lakewood Community Services Office with DSHS where he worked as a WorkFirst Program Specialist. His prior work experience includes 10+ years as a Financial Services Specialist, which has uniquely prepared him for the role of Certification Analyst. Emman is eager to learn and undertake new tasks, and looks forward to getting to know each and every team member at OMWBE. When he isn’t working, Emman enjoys spending time with friends and family and listens to music every day.
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Gross Receipts Cap Increase
In accordance with the SBA's small business size standards, the 3-year average annual gross receipts cap has been increased to $30.4 Million for both federal and state OMWBE certification programs. This cap is adjusted periodically to account for inflation and the cost of doing business.
Businesses Remain Certified Throughout Renewal Period
In order to remain certified with OMWBE, your business must apply for periodic renewal. The renewal period is every three years for State Certification, and annually for Federal Certification. Your business will remain active on our Certified Business Directory throughout the entire renewal process. Businesses are only removed from the directory once they have been issued a decertification letter. This is true regardless of how long it takes to process your renewal application.
Requests to View Certification Letters
Another frequently asked question – Many businesses have reported prime contractors or public agencies asking to see their certification letter to document their OMWBE certified status. All businesses with active OMWBE certification (state or federal) will appear in the Certified Business Directory. The directory is the official record for OMWBE certified businesses.
Please refer any organizations asking to see your certification letter to search our Certified Business Directory to document your active status with OMWBE.
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During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate the Arab American community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.
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New Certifications
37 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in March! 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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