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Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Small Businesses for Growth
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO Washington), and Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) are offering a webinar event focused on Public Works projects.
When: May 21, 2024 | 2:30PM - 3:30PM
Where: Online via Zoom
In today's competitive engineering landscape, small engineering companies often find themselves facing significant challenges in accessing new markets, resources, and opportunities. However, partnering with a larger company can be a game-changer for your business. It takes a whole village to design and build a public works project. Public sector projects require multiple companies coming together to pursue work as a team.
- Are you prepared?
- What are firms looking for from their DBE participants?
- What gaps are missing in your offering to be a teaming partner?
Learn more about ACEC Washington by visiting www.acec-wa.org
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The 2024 Regional Contracting Forum connects small businesses and contractors to state and local agencies, school districts, transportation agencies, and various organizations. Disadvantaged, minority, small, veteran, and women-owned businesses are encouraged to attend.
When: September 12, 2024
Where: In Person | Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, Seattle
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Access to capital offers business owners the strategic advantage of managing their financial resources prudently, steering clear of the pitfalls of over-leveraging and under-capitalization. Washington African American Chamber of Commerce is offering an opportunity to learn ways to secure funding for your business!
When: Thursday, May 23rd | 5:30PM - 7:00PM
Where: Richland Library - 955 Northgate Drive, Richland, WA
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The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) recently approved $21 million in critical infrastructure projects in 10 communities for broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency funding. Taking action at its May 3, 2024 business meeting, the PWB approved $20 million to expand broadband access in unserved communities, $550,000 for two pre-construction projects, and two emergency infrastructure projects for $514,500.
These broadband projects will expand service in Island, Jefferson, Klickitat, Okanogan, and Spokane counties to an estimated 6,000 unserved end user locations, such as homes, businesses, farms, and community anchor institutions.
Visit the Department of Commerce website, to see which local governments and prime contractors may have contracting opportunities.
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The Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB) is recruiting new members. CPARB reviews alternative public works contracting procedures and provides guidance to state policymakers on ways to further enhance the quality, efficiency and accountability of public works contracting methods.
To apply for a position on CPARB, please go to the Boards & Commissions webpage through the Governor's Office.
Recruitment is ongoing for the following CPARB positions:
- Private Industry (1 position)
- OMWBE
- DES-State
- Engineers
- Construction Trades Labor
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Community Development Block Grant General Purpose Grants for Eligible Communities
The Washington State Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has $2 million in General Purpose grant funding currently available for low- and moderate-income communities. An additional $11 million in funding is anticipated later this year.
Eligibility
General Purpose grants are intended for specific Cities, Towns, and Counties in Washington state and help support capital development of:
- Public facilities, such as water, wastewater, streets and sidewalks
- Community facilities, such as community centers, libraries, food banks and fire stations
- Local assistance programs, such as housing rehabilitation
Special purpose districts, public housing authorities, community action agencies and other non-profit organizations are not eligible to apply directly to the state CDBG Program for funding, but may be partners in projects through an eligible city/town or county applicant.
Funding amounts
Grants will be awarded based on availability and project type. Maximum awards are:
- Up to $2 million for construction and acquisition projects
- Up to $500,000 for local housing rehabilitation and assistance programs
- Up to $250,000 for local microenterprise assistance programs
- Investment limit is $50,000 per household
Questions?
Email Jon Galow, CDBG Program Manager
Public Works Small Business Enterprise (PWSBE) Certification is available! If you are currently certified, and seeking work on public works contracts—opt-in to get PWSBE certified today. All OMWBE certification is FREE through June 30, 2025.
"Public Works" refers to all work, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement paid for by state and local governments, public universities, and other public organizations. Public works projects include road construction, roof repair, HVAC upgrades, building remodeling, or parking meter installation.
View PWSBE eligibility requirements and apply on our website.
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OMWBE now has a team of three administrative assistants, responsible for many tasks that make agency operations run smoothly. We couldn't do this important work without the support of these amazing individuals!
Jenny is our new Senior Administrative Assistant. She moves into this role from her former position with OMWBE where she has provided amazing customer service since March 2022.
Jenny is a transplant from Illinois. She grew up in a suburb of Chicago and graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor’s in American Sign Language to English Interpreting. Her drive to assist underserved minorities and helpful spirit has led her here. She is delighted to continue to assist folx in her new role. In her free time, she likes to craft, read fantasy novels, bake, and embarrass her children with her uncool dancing.
Tasha Schiller received her bachelor’s degree in two years through a dual study course in Munich, German with an exchange semester in Barcelona, Spain and has worked as a paralegal in Nuremberg with a focus on commercial, property, and family law. She found it extremely rewarding to help people from all backgrounds form companies and better understand and overcome legal hurdles.
She grew up in a quaint little village in the Bavarian countryside northwest of Munich, Germany. She immigrated to the US in November 2020, moved to Washington with her two orange cats in October 2021, and welcomed her wonderful little daughter in March 2023. She is passionate about family and personal growth, and enjoys learning new languages, recipes, and ways of doing things.
Tasha chose OMWBE because her values and previous work experience align with the agency. She looks forward to using her skills and perspective as an immigrant to help navigate the challenges of creating a better and more inclusive society.
Melinda McTaggart graduated with a bachelor’s degree as a returning student while raising two sons. While attaining her associates degree, she also worked at the Women’s Center at Clark College where she helped write the first Displaced Homemakers grant that was received by the college. She has extensive experience as an administrative assistant, executive assistant, and a human resource manager.
She has been supporting women in discovering their potential for over 20 years and is very excited to be able to again help women and minorities to be successful. In her free time she enjoys walking, listening to books, helping neighbors, feeding the unhoused community, watching movies and plays, and gardening. Melinda loves helping others and brings a unique perspective to the agency’s work.
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New Certifications
87 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.
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