|
Increased Processing Times for New Certifications & Renewals
Please Note - Our processing times have temporarily increased for new certification applications and renewals with OMWBE. It will take longer than normal for your application to be assigned to a certification analyst. Once assigned, our processing time will also take longer than usual.
Here is what to expect, if you recently submitted a renewal or new application:
- Email notification when your application or renewal is assigned to a Certification Analyst
- Communication from your assigned Analyst, if we need additional information to process your application
- Email notification and official letter when your application has been processed
We appreciate your patience, and assure you that this slowdown is temporary. Normal processing times will resume in the coming months.
|
|
Personal Narrative Workshop: DBE/ACDBE Certified Businesses
OMWBE is hosting a Personal Narrative Workshop for Federal DBE and ACDBE certification. We will walk attendees through our Personal Narrative Guidelines, with time set aside to answer questions.
When: Tuesday, January 20 | 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom Webinar | Register Now
Businesses in our State Certification program are unaffected by this requirement, unless you hold both State and Federal Certification with OMWBE.
OMWBE is currently collecting Personal Narratives and updated Personal Net Worth statements from DBE and ACDBE certified businesses headquartered in Washington state. If your DBE or ACDBE business is headquartered in Washington, please submit your Re-evaluation Application to us by February 4, 2026.
If your business is headquartered outside of Washington state—please contact the certifying entity that first issued your DBE or ACDBE certification. This is known as your Jurisdiction of Original Certification (JOC).
This new requirement for DBEs and ACDBEs is based on the Interim Final Rule (IFR) established by the U.S. Department of Transportation on Oct. 3, 2025.
Learn more on our website - Personal Narratives & Increased Processing Times
|
|
|
We are excited to return with our BizConnect Workshop series this new 2026 year!
We invite you to join us at our first workshop of the year for a special Meet & Greet. Here you will have a chance to:
- Meet your BizConnect hosts from OMWBE and YCDA
- Ask questions
- Give us your ideas
- Get a sneak peek of what is to come this year
Throughout this workshop we will have special 2026 guests popping in to greet us and share with us what you can expect for this year as well as provide new resources and contacts that will continue to strengthen and grow your business.
We are excited to see you all and continue to be grateful to everyone that participated in our workshops last year. We hope to bring you new resources and help answer your needs as small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Same convenient time and location: Yakima County Development Association
2520 W. Washington Ave., Suite 1, Yakima, WA 98903
|
|
|
¡Estamos emocionados de regresar con nuestra serie de talleres Conexión Empresarial este nuevo año 2026!
Te invitamos a unirte a nosotros en nuestro primer taller del año para un Encuentro y Saludo especial. Aquí tendrás la oportunidad de:
- conocer nuevamente a los anfitriones de Conexión Empresarial de OMWBE y YCDA
- hacer preguntas
- darnos tus ideas
- obtener un adelanto de lo que se viene este año
A lo largo de este taller, tendremos invitados especiales de 2026 que se presentarán para saludarnos y compartir con nosotros lo que puedes esperar este año, así como proporcionarnos nuevos recursos y contactos que continuarán fortaleciendo y haciendo crecer tu negocio.
Estamos emocionados de verlos a todos y seguimos agradecidos con todos los que participaron en nuestros talleres el año pasado. Esperamos traerte nuevos recursos y ayudarte a responder tus necesidades como propietarios de pequeñas empresas y emprendedores.
Mismo horario y ubicación convenientes:
2520 W. Washington Ave., Suite 1, Yakima, WA 98903
|
|
|
A virtual series empowering small businesses with the accounting, compliance, and financial insights needed to thrive in government contracting – for those looking to do contracting with the City of Seattle and beyond. Taught by Maria Sanchez, CEO of Arceda Business Services
Jan 8 5-6:30 pm PST – Session 1: Introduction to Government Contracting
Learn what government contracting is, how agencies buy goods and services, and what it takes to become a qualified vendor.
Jan 15 5-6:30 pm PST- Session 2: Know Your Numbers- Estimating & Bidding in Government Contracting
Understand how to estimate costs, set competitive prices, and prepare accurate bids for government contracts.
Jan 22 5-6:30 pm PST- Session 3: Got the Contract- What to Expect After You Win
Explore the next steps after winning a contract, including compliance, budgeting, invoicing, and managing changes.
Jan 29 5-6:30 pm PST- Session 4: Red Tape: Audits and Reporting- How to Navigate the Red Tape to Get Paid
Learn about required reports, audits, and documentation needed to stay compliant and ensure timely payment.
Feb 5 5-6:30 pm PST – Session 5: Keeping Everything Organized- Tools and Processes to Keep Your Paperwork Under Control
Discover tools and systems to manage paperwork, track performance, and maintain clear records for government work.
Feb 12 5-6:30 pm PST- Session 6: Are You Ready for the Next Contract- Growing Capacity as a Government Contractor
Evaluate your financial systems, manage risks, improve cost tracking, and prepare for larger government opportunities.
María Sánchez has been working as an accountant, business manager, and business consultant for over 20 years. Her firm Arceda Accounting and Business Services provides support and counseling to small businesses in the Puget Sound. She also serves on the board of directors of the South Sound Latino Chamber of Commerce and Collaborates and is an Ambassador for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.
|
|
|
OMWBE presents Building Opportunities—a pilot mentorship program for Washington-based small businesses operating in the transportation and construction industry to hone their knowledge to bid on opportunities.
This program will comprise of qualified mentors throughout the state who are experienced in the industry and well-versed in government contracting.
Up to 16 small business owners will have the opportunity to participate in the pilot cohort to learn side-by-side from their mentor’s best practices. The curriculum will cover topics that will help you secure government contracting and procurement opportunities. Apply today if this sounds like a good fit for your business!
|
|
|
Are you a retail vendor interested in a small kiosk space at the airport? Join Diversity in Contracting and staff from the SEA Airport and Dining Retail program for an online webinar about the SEA Sparks Incubator Program and the five (5) Specialty Retail Kiosks openings. Request for Information (RFI) responses will be accepted beginning 2/24 and close on 3/12.
This webinar will cover the following topics:
- Airport Dining and Retail department overview
- SEA Sparks Program for small businesses
- Specialty Retail Incubator Kiosk details and expectations
- Request for Information (RFI) process
- Next steps
|
|
|
For four decades, Alliance Northwest has helped thousands of small businesses connect with government agencies, prime contractors, and resource partners. It’s where new opportunities begin; contracts take shape, and relationships grow that strengthen the entire region.
Why Attend?
-
Connect directly with government agencies and prime contractors through 1:1 matchmaking
-
Learn from experts in workshops covering cybersecurity, innovation, and defense contracting
-
Explore opportunities in the bustling exhibit hall featuring agencies, primes, and small businesses
-
Celebrate 40 years of partnership at our special Anniversary Reception on March 25
Early bird registration prices are available through January 16, 2026.
OMWBE certified businesses are eligible for a 50% discount!
|
|
|
Join the Enlighten Women's Forum to connect, learn, and empower each other with inspiring stories and valuable insights.
Join the movement where women in the trades aren't just building structures—they're building the future.
The Enlighten Women's Forum returns with "Rooted and Rising," a transformative one-day experience that honors the legacy of tradeswomen while empowering the next generation of leaders. Whether you're swinging a hammer on the jobsite, managing multimillion-dollar projects, or teaching the next wave of apprentices, this is your community.
Connect with an inspiring keynote speaker who's breaking barriers in the industry, engage with expert panelists navigating leadership in male-dominated fields, and dive into hands-on workshops covering everything from workplace safety advocacy to sustainable practices. From apprentices to CEOs, you'll find your tribe—women who understand the unique challenges and incredible opportunities in construction, manufacturing, machining, and energy trades.
This isn't just another conference. It's sisterhood. It's professional development that actually gets you. It's the shot of inspiration and the practical tools you need to energize your craft and elevate your career.
Limited spots available. Secure your place at Clover Park Technical College's McGavick Conference Center and invest in yourself, your network, and your future in the trades.
When: March 11, 2026 | 7am to 3pm
Where: McGavick Conference Center | Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW Bld 23, Lakewood, WA 98499
View the agenda, speakers, and more at: tradeempower.com
|
|
New Certifications
68 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in December! We share these monthly lists of newly certified firms with our contract and procurement contacts at State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education.
|
|
|
|
|
