Business Resources

Washington EDGE is Live!

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is excited to announce the launch of the Washington Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE) pilot program—a new initiative supporting small businesses! Whether you’re looking for resources or new public works contracting opportunities, Washington EDGE is here to help your business grow and succeed.

What does Washington EDGE offer?

• Exclusive training: Access to valuable training to help your business navigate the complexities of state public works contracting.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with DES to grow your business and expand your reach.
• Resources for success: Tools and technical assistance to help your business thrive in the competitive procurement process.

Why it matters:

Washington EDGE is part of the state’s commitment to creating an inclusive economy. By supporting diverse businesses, we are building a stronger, more resilient state.

Apply by May 7, 2025 to make it into the first training sessions!

Public Works Contractors:
Join MRSC Rosters Today

Want to be seen by Public Agencies?

If your business is OMWBE State Certified, you are already halfway there. Take the next step to join the Statewide Small Works Roster for FREE! State agencies and local governments use this roster to find qualified vendors to work on small public works contracts.

How will I benefit?

The more OMWBE certified businesses listed on MRSC’s statewide small works roster, the more small business owners will get job opportunities. This includes direct contracting opportunities and a chance to be selected for projects up to $150,000. Small works projects may be larger than the direct contracting threshold as well, up to $350,000 for competitive bidding. Getting PWSBE certified and joining the small works roster opens the door to opportunity.

Am I eligible to join MRSC Rosters?

The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) provides detailed instructions on business eligibility requirements, so you can view this information before creating your account. This covers the following information:

• Which roster to join – Small Works, Vendor, and Consultant Rosters
• How to categorize your business, based on services provided
• Unified Business Identifier (UBI)
• Required licenses with L&I

LNI Construction Contractor Webinar

Learn what it means to be a registered contractor in Washington State, why it's important, and how to get started. This session will walk you through the registration process, from filling out paperwork to following the rules that protect your status. Topics include:

• What you need to do to register
• Rules for advertising as a contractor
• How to report fraud and avoid violations
• Special rules for plumbing and electrical work

You’ll also have a chance to ask questions and get helpful resources.

For more information, contact LniTraining@Lni.wa.gov, Julie at (360) 628-4142, or Britt at (564) 669-9117.

LGBTQ Certification Public Hearing

OMWBE is preparing to launch Washington state's first ever LGBTQ certification program for small businesses! This new program will go live on July 1, 2025. In order to implement LGBTQ Certification, OMWBE is proposing a rule change and will gather comment via a public hearing. To learn more and provide feedback, register for the public hearing today.

When: Thursday, May 29 |10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Where: Virtual on Microsoft Teams Webinar

BOI Reporting Update

As of March 21, 2025, the BOI reporting requirement no longer applies to U.S. companies and persons.

On March 21, 2025, FinCEN issued an interim final rule that removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act. 

Día del Fundador Latino / Latino Founder Day

Te invitamos a atender al Día del Fundador Latino el jueves 17 de abril. Este evento GRATUITO ofrece educación, presentadores y recursos para los emprendedores latinos principiantes, los ya establecidos y para los que quieren expandir su negocio.

Tendremos presentaciones con conferencistas exitosos que tanto emprendedores como profesionales querrán atender, de 10:00 AM a 1:00 PM. Luego, de 1:00 PM a 3:00 PM, ofreceremos educación más detallada para emprendedores. Los temas incluyen: finanzas, marketing, inteligencia artificial, medios, práctica de presentaciones y más. Todas las presentaciones serán en español.

Durante todo el día, disfruta de nuestra Exposición de Negocios Latinos. ¿Estás interesado en tener un stand gratuito? Llama a Rosie al (509) 881-7543 para inscribirte y hacer preguntas.

Día del Fundador Latino is on Thursday, April 17. This FREE event offers education, speakers, and resources for Latino entrepreneurs to start, grow, or expand their business. 

We have presentations with exciting speakers that both entrepreneurs and professionals will want to attend from 10:00AM - 1:00PM. Then from 1:00PM - 3:00PM we have in-depth education for entrepreneurs. Topics include: financials, marketing, AI, media, pitch practice, and more. All presentations are in Spanish. All day, enjoy our Latino Business Expo. 

When: April 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Where: Wenatchee Convention Center
121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA

Latino Founder Day is presented by NCW Tech Alliance. Supporting organizations include the Washington State Microenterprise Association.

Legislative Corner Update

Sine Die (last day of Legislative Session) is April 27th, which is less than a month away. OMWBE is tracking the following bills:

Earth Day 2025 Events

Tacoma: Parks Appreciation Day | April 19
Issaquah: Celebrate Earth Day at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery | April 19
Leavenworth: Earth Day Fair | April 27
Tri-Cities: Tri-Cities Earth Day 2025 | April 19
Puyallup: Earth Day Celebration | April 12
Yakima: Earth Day Yakima | April 26
Seattle: Earth Day Cleanup 2025 at Freeway Park | April 22
Spokane: Earth Day River Cleanup | April 19

New Certifications

February 2025

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

March 2025

100 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.