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Workshops for Businesses in the Transportation Industry
OMWBE is offering FREE workshops throughout the month of June with a focus on blueprint reading, calculating bid estimates, negotiating contract terms and more! There is typically a cost associated with these trainings.
Workshops are grouped by instructor and several workshops are available at multiple times. Use the button below to view the full schedule, with links to see course descriptions for each class and registration details.
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OMWBE is partnering with the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) to create FREE Rosters accounts for certified businesses that may benefit from increased statewide visibility as public works contractors.
Quick Facts from MRSC Rosters:
- Over 650 public agencies and local governments rely on MRSC Rosters to locate qualified businesses for their contracting needs.
- Small Works Roster membership costs $75 annually, but will be FREE for OMWBE certified businesses.
- Accounts will be created automatically for businesses working in specific industries. MRSC to send out free account information in June.
Learn More About This Opportunity at the Webinar on June 27th
Your new MRSC Rosters membership allows public agencies to directly contact your business with contract opportunities. In this webinar, MRSC will demonstrate how to take full advantage of your Rosters account to help grow your business.
Date: June 27th from 10AM-11AM
This webinar will cover:
- Accessing your new account
- Navigating the MRSC Rosters Portal
- The 3 roster types
- Editing account information
- The renewal process
- How agencies search for businesses
- Our new electronic bidding software
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OMWBE Certification Analysts will be on-site to start your application process!
The City of Kirkland in partnership with the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) presents the Summer Certification Series at Kirkland City Hall.
Three workshops are scheduled from June-August. Please note—all three workshops are identical, so you just need to attend one to get started.
- June 14th at 10am
- July 19th at 1pm
- August 10th at 5pm
Learn how you can be awarded contracts from the City of Kirkland in: • Construction • Consulting (Administrative, City Planning, Financial, etc.) • Engineering and Architect • Subcontracting • Many More Opportunities!
OMWBE Certification Analysts will be on-site to start your application process!
The City of Kirkland is committed to creating a procurement environment in which underrepresented business owners are afforded equitable opportunities for business partnerships with the City to create the opportunity to leverage City spending to increase utilization of such businesses.
The City of Kirkland’s Sumner Certification Series is a part of the City’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Five Year Roadmap. To learn more about the roadmap, please visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/DEIB To learn more about The Summer Certification Series, please contact Don Robinson at drobinson@kirklandwa.gov or (425) 587-3011.
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Sign up for the 2023 Washington Regional Contracting Forum!
The 2023 Washington Regional Contracting Forum is a free, in-person event to connect small, diverse, and 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 | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Pacific)
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Are you a small minority business who is interested in getting certified as a DBE or WMBE?
Join the Port of Seattle and the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises (OMWBE) at this event to learn about the benefits of getting certified, and to receive hands-on assistance with the certification application process.
When: Wednesday, June 28 | 10:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 3:00pm (two identical sessions)
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Business Resource Initiative (BRI) grants are available for small businesses in Benton County. The past few years have been incredibly tough on businesses, including those in Benton County. Business Resource Initiative grants help small businesses like yours prepare for a successful future.
You can use this money for:
- Hiring Bonuses
- New or Existing Employee Certifications & Upskilling Costs
- Online Presence, Technology & Software Upgrades
- Payroll Assistance for On-The-Job Training
- Utility and Rent Assistance
- Outdoor Store Improvements
Visit the BRI website to find out if your business is eligible!
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Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (Meso) is a non-profit CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) working with area organizations and government agencies to get reasonable financing in the hands of small business owners.
Meso is building a relationship with the small business communities of Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania County to provide financial assistance to more local entrepreneurs.
All Startups and Established Businesses are Welcome to Apply!
Please reach out to lending@mesopdx.org for more information. You can also visit Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (mesopdx.org) to learn more about classes and other resources MESO offers.
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Astra Collins joins OMWBE from her role as the Office of Strategic Initiatives Program Assistant at the City of Olympia. She has also served at Washington State Department of Health in the Early Intervention Program and the Office of Infectious Disease. Astra has a 5+ year history of AIDS Drug Assistance eligibility and has served as the content expert for eligibility, policy, pharmacy adjudication, and medical coverage. Prior to moving back to Washington in 2010, she was a small business owner in Atlanta, Georgia, and helped small businesses with organization, finding the right accountant, discovering opportunities, and creating structure. Along with her partner, she found a niche in logistics and built a business that doubled gross profit annually.
A California girl at heart, she is an Army brat born in Honolulu, HI, lived in Ft. Huachuca, AZ, and Bitburg, Germany, and grew up in Fort Ord, California, where she returned after graduation. She enjoys spending time with her friends, kids, and grandkids. She likes to hunt Pokémon and build her card collection.
Astra is passionate about growth—inner growth, outer growth, the growth of others, and leaving things in a better state than when she found them. Astra was drawn to OMWBE because she feels strongly aligned with our mission and wants to make an impact in under-represented communities to help them succeed and grow so that they can become financially stable, inspire and lift others up, and become pillars of success that reach back into their communities.
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Juneteenth, a momentous day in American history, commemorates the hard-fought victory against slavery and oppression. Although the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in 1863, it was not until June 19th, 1865, that Union troops arrived in Texas, freeing approximately 250,000 enslaved individuals.
Today, Juneteenth stands as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal rights. It is a time to honor the resilience and strength of the Black community, celebrate their rich heritage, and acknowledge the progress we've made while recognizing the work that still lies ahead.
We are excited to share some events happening in Washington State where you can join in the festivities:
Seattle | June 17 Juneteenth Jubilee
Seattle | June 17 Atlantic Street Center's 22nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Vancouver | June 17: Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Renton | June 25, Renton Juneteenth Celebration, Liberty Park
Auburn | June 18 Auburn Juneteenth Festival
Bremerton | June 17 Bremerton Juneteenth People's March & Freedom Festival
Shoreline | June 19 Shoreline's Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration
Monroe | June 17 Monroe Juneteenth Celebration
Olympia | June 18 Juneteenth Celebration Olympia
Spokane | June 17 Juneteenth Celebration Spokane
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New Certifications
47 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in May! 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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