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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 23 for Session 3
- 3PM - 4:30PM on October 23 for Session 4
For more information, contact LDP@omwbe.wa.gov.
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Resources for Families Impacted by Immigration-Related Concerns
Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families has published a list of resources for families impacted by immigration-related concerns, with guidance on safety, finance and business transitions, legal supports, immigrant rights, and much more. Please share with your networks to get the word out and help make Washington state a safe and welcoming community for all.
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Together, the Foster School and The Commerce Bank of Washington are investing $1 million to provide growth capital to businesses owned by people of color and others who often face challenges securing loans.
Each year, teams of UW MBA students partner with small and medium sized businesses, many owned by undeserved communities, that have participated in the Consulting & Business Development Center’s programs.
Students then present recommendations to The Commerce Bank of Washington. Businesses that qualify will receive traditional loans, while others may access funding through the newly created Foster Ignition Fund.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates: January 14, 2025 - March 28, 2026
Program Cost: FREE
Questions: Contact Boni Thompson-Kurke at bthomp88@uw.edu
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Are you a small business looking for funding options? BizWa.gov has a search feature to find funding opportunities across Washington from federal and state loan programs to local grants and startup support. Visit their page to learn more about financing opportunities and explore other resources available for Washington state businesses.
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In conjunction with their upcoming presentation at COMTO on building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforce, Strategic Business Solutions and Harborbridge are offering free strategic consultations throughout the month of October exclusively for OMWBE-certified businesses.
SBS and Harborbridge are both Washington-based, women-owned businesses and proud partners in the WSDOT Capacity Building Mentorship Program. Together, they bring expertise in project and change management, leadership development, communication, and career advancement. Their combined experience includes training and consulting engagements with Sound Transit and a wide range of construction and trade companies across Washington State.
If you're like many growing firms, you may be facing challenges like:
- Everyone relies on one person for answers
- No clear leadership or project management structure
- Resistance to new tools or processes
- Constant hand-holding for repeat tasks
- Team leads struggling to step up
- Fear of committing to timelines or making decisions
- Scattered project records and unclear accountability
These roadblocks don't just slow you down, they create bottlenecks that make it hard to delegate, scale, or take on bigger contracts.
This free consultation is your chance to talk with experts in leadership development, project and change management, and team communication. Whether you’re developing your team, managing growing demands, or navigating shifting roles and responsibilities, this is a unique opportunity to access personalized support at no cost.
Schedule your free consultation today.
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DES partnered with the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance (ORIA) and business.wa.gov to create a one-stop resource to help small businesses get started in state contracting. You’ll find information on what the state buys, how agencies make purchases, how to get your business noticed, and links to free training, tools, and videos to support your success.
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The Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS) is administered every fall across the United States as a collaboration of all 12 Federal Reserve Banks. Reporting and data products are released throughout the following year and cover special topics that vary by survey cycle.
Your confidential response to the Small Business Credit Survey will help the Federal Reserve share vital information on the current business climate. The survey takes 10–12 minutes to complete and is open to all for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
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OCTOBER 22 – Bonding Basics for Small Businesses
Construction Contractors, join a practical industry leader for a candid discussion on Bonding requirements for your small business. Understanding the types of bonds and why they are needed will help your firm compete successfully on future contracts. Expert Speaker: Kara Skinner, Integrity Surety
OCTOBER 29 – Advanced Bonding Strategies for your Small Business
Construction Contractors, Increase your bond limits or lower the cost of your bonds! Join us for an interactive session with an expert bonding agent to discover actionable tips for building a stronger relationship with your bonding provider. Learn how to position your firm for growth and unlock new opportunities.
Expert Speaker: Kara Skinner, Integrity Surety
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Join Skanska at the Hoquiam Grand Central Event Center for an engaging afternoon designed to spark new partnerships and open doors to future projects in Gray’s Harbor County.
Whether you’re looking to showcase your expertise, explore upcoming commercial opportunities, or simply expand your professional network—this event is for you!
- Network with fellow subcontractors and industry professionals
- Learn about Skanska’s upcoming projects and how to get involved
- Discover new business opportunities and potential collaborations
- Introduce your business during our Subcontractor Spotlight
Small bites and refreshments provided!
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New Certifications
55 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in September! 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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