|
Register Now for the 2025 Regional Contracting Forum
Join us for the 2025 Regional Contracting Forum on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Muckleshoot Events Center. This event is FREE for all to attend!
Introduce your business to prime contractors, prime consultants and the region's largest government entities:
- City of Seattle
- King County
- Washington State Department of Transportation
- Port of Tacoma,
- Washington State Office of Minorities and Women's Business Enterprises
- Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
- Sound Transit
- Port of Seattle
- City of Bellevue
- City of Tacoma
- Department of Social and Health Services
- Department of Corrections, and more.
Attendees have the opportunity to meet government contracting representatives and network with contractors, consultants, and suppliers all at one event.
Who Should Attend?
Businesses interested in selling products and services, consultants, and contractors. Small, Minority, Women, Disadvantaged, and Veteran-Owned Businesses are encouraged to attend.
|
|
|
Join us for the inaugural Central Regional Contracting Forum, the first tradeshow and networking event of its kind in the Central Region!
This FREE event is an incredible opportunity for:
- Contractors
- Architectural & Engineering (A&E) Firms
- Consultants
- Vendors
Our focus is to connect industry professionals and highlight opportunities for Minority-Owned, Veteran-Owned, and Women-Owned Businesses to engage with key organizations and partners in the region.
¡Únase a nosotros en el Foro Regional de Contratación del Centro, el primer evento de exhibición y networking de su tipo en la Región Central!
Este evento GRATUITO es una oportunidad increíble para:
- Contratistas
- Empresas de Arquitectura e Ingeniería (A&E)
- Consultores
- Proveedores
Nuestro enfoque es conectar a profesionales de la industria y resaltar oportunidades para empresas propiedad de minorías, veteranos y mujeres que deseen colaborar con organizaciones clave y socios en la región.
When/Fecha: Tuesday, September 26, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Yakima Convention Center: 10 N 8th St. Yakima, WA
|
|
Short Form for LGBTQ Certification
Are you already certified with OMWBE? We've made it easy to add LGBTQ Business Enterprise certification. Currently certified businesses may apply via short form.
LGBTQBE certification is the direct result of years of advocacy, leadership, and collaboration from the Washington State LGBTQ Commission. Without their vision and tenacity, LGBTQ+ owned businesses would not be recognized by Washington State. Now, thanks to this partnership, the LGBTQBE program allows state agencies and institutions to broaden their supplier networks, support historically underrecognized business owners, and help Washington’s economy reflect the diversity of its people.
Apply Today! LGBTQ-owned businesses can apply to get certified with OMWBE in our State Certification program. If you are already certified, the process is simple. Submit a "short form" application to opt in for free!
Please Note: Businesses without State Certification that applied for Federal Certification as a DBE/ACDBE through the Interstate Certification process must submit a full application. Visit our website to learn more.
|
|
|
OMWBE intends to conduct a competitive procurement to award multiple contracts to consultants with expertise in construction, professional services, bonding, and maritime bonding as well as other construction related topics to provide technical training and assistance to OMWBE certified firms through various workshop topics as outlined in this solicitation.
Competitive Solicitation 55889
Solicitation documents, contacts and bid instructions are available in WEBS https://pr-webs-vendor.des.wa.gov/. (Ref. No: MWBE-2025-K12)
Deadline for submitting bids: 09/15/2025.
|
|
|
MRSC Rosters will continue to offer FREE membership to OMWBE certified businesses until October 1, 2025. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
MRSC Rosters is a roster service that provides a membership database used by participating 783 Washington public agencies to efficiently and affordably contact registered businesses about small public works construction projects, consulting opportunities, and contracting of goods or services.
|
|
|
OMWBE is seeking public input about the Linked Deposit program.
The Linked Deposit program was established in 1993 to create access to capital for minority- and women-owned businesses. The program allows business owners to reduce interest rates on business loans, with the goal of stimulating economic development and job creation within underserved areas of the state. Over time, the $175 million fund has allowed hundreds of state-certified businesses to save money on business loans and build relationships with participating lenders. After 20 years of operation, it is time to review the program and gather feedback to see if any changes should be made.
We are asking for a few moments of your time to provide OMWBE with valuable feedback and input. This survey will ask about your experience with the program, suggestions, and concerns. What we do not know, we cannot address. Our goal is to ensure the program serves our state certified businesses now and in the future.
|
|
|
BizFair is the must-attend event for current and aspiring small business owners! As the longest-running government and nonprofit-run small business fair in Washington State, BizFair is always FREE and open to everyone.
-
Connect
Network with fellow business owners, state, local, and federal agencies, business banking programs, and more. Explore our Exhibition Hall, featuring over 40 organizations ready to support your business journey.
-
Learn
Gain valuable skills through free workshops led by experts. Get one-on-one technical assistance from trusted small business supporters — all in a no-pressure, no-sales environment.
-
Grow
Discover funding opportunities by attending our lending panels and speaking directly with local financial institutions.
September 20th, 2025 | 9AM - 3PM
|
|
This series is an on-going effort to address access to capital for small businesses. Connect with small business lenders participating in the Linked Deposit and other loan programs.
Why should you attend?
- Learn about loan programs for your stage in business.
- Access to capital for early-stage businesses and those thinking about starting a business (Session 3).
- Access to capital for established businesses to fund business growth, mobilize new project(s), or stabilize cashflow fluctuations (Session 4).
Join us from:
- 10AM -11:30AM on October 23rd for Session 3
- 3PM - 4:30PM on October 23rd for Session 4
For more information, contact LDP@omwbe.wa.gov.
|
|
|
Applications are open for Emerald Cities' Fall 2025 HVAC Career Preparation Academy! Now hosting our 11th cohort, we welcome all applicants -- including women, Black/Indigenous/other people of color (BIPOC), and Veterans. Our trainees never pay for training or job search support. Our 12-week Academy now offers training in both technical and "soft skills" needed to enter and succeed in residential heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) roles, building operations, apprenticeships in commercial HVAC, and allied fields. We provide case management, connections to industry partners/employers, and funded support services for those who qualify.
-
Career Advancement Skills Training is included, covering workplace professionalism, job search, effective interviewing, customer service, and much more.
- Hands-on, skill-building exercises with every technical class in a laboratory setting.
- Classes meet August 18th to November 3rd, 2025.
- Learn more and share this link with your clients: HVAC Career Prep Academy Website
- Encourage interested clients and friends to apply now.
For more information or to make stronger referrals, please call Roz Jenkins at (360) 970-3591 or email her at rjenkins@emeraldcities.org.
|
|
|
Washington State Department of Commerce is excited to announce that the Qualified Contractor Network (QCN) is now accepting applications!
This initiative provides an opportunity for contractors across Washington State to participate in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Home Energy Rebate programs that will launch later this summer.
The QCN application is now available online, and Commerce is actively reviewing contractor submissions. To assist with the application process, they have developed several helpful resources, including:
-
QCN Contractor Requirements – a clear guide of the acceptable licenses, insurance, and surety bond levels required for each trade to participate in the QCN.
More information about the IRA Home Energy Rebate programs can be found here: www.commerce.wa.gov/ira
|
|
Lacey MakerSpace is thrilled to announce the launch of two scholarship opportunities, made possible through the generous support of the City of Olympia and the City of Lacey.
These scholarships offer a free 12-month membership to Lacey MakerSpace (a $660 value) for residents of either Olympia or Lacey who demonstrate financial need and a passion for creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning.
Learn more about Lacey MakerSpace: https://laceymakerspace.org/
|
|
New Certifications
46 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in July! We share these monthly lists of newly certified firms with our contract and procurement contacts at State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education.
|
|
|
|
|
