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DBE/ACDBE Re-evaluation Update
Over the past month, we have been collecting Personal Narratives and Personal Net Worth statements from federally certified DBEs and ACDBEs.
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
This is due to an Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued by USDOT on October 3, 2025, which removed the presumption of social disadvantage based on race or gender.
While our 30-day re-evaluation period ended on Feb. 5, 2026—there is still time to submit your Re-evaluation Application if you missed the deadline! Our team is currently processing the applications we have received to date, and will notify you when we have reviewed your materials. Until your DBE or ACDBE business has been re-evaluated, these certifications have been delisted from our Certified Business Directory, and hidden from public view.
The IFR does not affect OMWBE State Certifications, or Federal Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification. Businesses headquartered outside of Washington state must get re-evaluated in their home state first, before reapplying with OMWBE.
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Building Opportunities Mentorship Program
OMWBE presents Building Opportunities—a pilot mentorship program for Washington-based small businesses operating in the transportation and construction industry to hone their skills and knowledge to confidently bid on opportunities.
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 be based on feedback received from the small business community, covering topics that will help them secure government contracting and procurement opportunities.
This program will be led by a Program Administrator and qualified Mentors throughout the state who are experienced in the industry and well-versed in government contracting. OMWBE intends to unbundle this category, and award regionally as per the following:
- Two (2) Awards - Northwest Washington
- Two (2) Awards - Southwest Washington
- Two (2) Awards - Central Washington
- Two (2) Awards - Eastern Washington
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Small business grants are available in the Pacific Mountain region.
Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn)'s Small Business Investment Grant program is now open in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties. Grants can pay for business equipment, capacity-building improvements, employee training and more.
Applications are due by February 12, 2026.
Olympic Workforce Development Council (OWDC) is offering grants to small businesses.
WorkSource and the OWDC are offering two CRP small business grants. These grants support small businesses in Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap Counties. Funding may be used to purchase assets that support business growth and economic mobility.
Applications are due February 20, 2026.
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Join OMWBE as we kick off our three-month business finance series. This month we will have special guest from Heritage Bank to talk about key business financial points such as:
- Banking Relationship
- Cash flow management
- Preparing for season or irregular income
- Business Accounts 101
- Loan readiness
Come ready to take notes, ask questions and network with our available resources!
February 18 | 4PM - 5PM
Yakima County Development Association
2520 W Washington Ave, Suite 1
Yakima, WA 98903
Virtual Option Available
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Únete a nosotros mientras iniciamos nuestra serie de tres meses sobre finanzas empresariales. Este mes contaremos con un invitado especial del Heritage Bank para hablar sobre puntos clave de finanzas empresariales como:
- Relación bancaria
- Manejo del flujo de efectivo
- Prepararse para ingresos estacionales o irregulares
- Cuentas de negocios 101
- Preparación para préstamos
¡Ven listo para tomar notas, hacer preguntas y conectarte con nuestros recursos disponibles!
18 de febrero | 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Asociación de Desarrollo del Condado de Yakima
2520 W Washington Ave, Suite 1
Yakima, WA 98903
Opción virtual disponible con previa inscripción.
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Join Sound Transit’s Economic Development Division for our Quarterly Open House, an in‑depth session focused on upcoming opportunities and resources for doing business with Sound Transit.
This event is designed for prime contractors, subcontractors, small businesses, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) who want to better understand Sound Transit’s procurement process and learn how to position themselves for success.
Participants will hear directly from several Sound Transit departments, including:
- Economic Development
- Procurement
- Contracts & Agreements
- Labor & Workforce Development
- and more
In addition, attendees can participate in free workshop and overview hosted by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE).
Workshops Include
B2GNow Workshop
We will lead a workshop on how to help small businesses learn how to track, report, and manage contract participation more efficiently using the B2Gnow platform (Sound Transit's contract compliance and outreach tool).
Personal Narrative Guidance Workshop
Are you a DBE preparing to recertify with OMWBE? This workshop provides guidance on completing the required personal narrative as part of the recertification process.
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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?
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Connect directly with government agencies and prime contractors through 1:1 matchmaking
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Learn from experts in workshops covering cybersecurity, innovation, and defense contracting
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Explore opportunities in the bustling exhibit hall featuring agencies, primes, and small businesses
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Celebrate 40 years of partnership at our special Anniversary Reception on March 25
OMWBE certified businesses are eligible for a 50% discount!
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Join Absher for our Federal Small Business Summit, an in-person event for small businesses interested in working with Absher on federal construction projects. Learn about upcoming project opportunities, our bidding process, and what we look for in successful proposals—directly from our project estimators, project executives, and senior project managers.
The summit will also include guidance on federal cybersecurity requirements, including resources to support CMMC readiness. Connect with our team during a live Q&A and networking session, and get insight into quality, safety, and sustainability standards for federal projects.
When: February 27 | 9AM - 1PM
Where: Absher Construction Company Main Office
923 Shaw Road, Puyallup, WA 98372
The Summit is open to all State and Federal certified firms. All trade scopes are welcome.
Free catered lunch, door prizes, and networking included.
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Road Ready is a practical education series for owner-operators, small trucking companies, and aspiring trucking entrepreneurs who want clear, accurate information directly from the agencies that oversee and support the industry.
The series features guest experts from the Washington APEX Accelerator, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), and the Washington State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Division (WSP). Participants hear directly from these agencies about government contracting opportunities, licensing and regulatory requirements, and safety and compliance expectations.
Designed for working professionals, Road Ready provides straightforward guidance, reduces confusion, and helps trucking businesses operate responsibly and prepare for long-term success.
Virtual: March 16-19, 2026 | 4PM – 5PM
In-Person: March 23-26 | 4PM – 5PM
Worksource Columbia Basin
815 N Kellogg St D, Kennewick, WA 99336
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En regla y en marcha es una serie educativa práctica para operadores independientes, pequeñas empresas de transporte y personas interesadas en iniciar un negocio de transporte, que buscan información clara y confiable directamente de las agencias que regulan y apoyan a la industria.
La serie cuenta con la participación de especialistas de Washington APEX Accelerator, la Comisión de Servicios Públicos y Transporte de Washington (UTC) y la División de Vehículos Comerciales de la Patrulla Estatal de Washington (WSP). Las y los participantes recibirán información directa sobre oportunidades de contratación gubernamental, requisitos de licencias y regulaciones, así como normas de seguridad y cumplimiento.
Diseñada para profesionales en activo, en regla y en marcha ofrece orientación clara, reduce la confusión y ayuda a los negocios de transporte a operar de manera responsable y a prepararse para el éxito a largo plazo.
Virtual: 16-19 de marzo | 6PM – 7PM
En persona: 23-26 de marzo | 6PM – 7PM
Worksource Columbia Basin
815 N Kellogg St D, Kennewick, WA 99336
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King County is hosting the annual Contractor Outreach and Networking Event to provide opportunities for small, minority and women owned firms, and prime contractors/consultants, to network with one another and learn more about upcoming contracts from many King County agencies.
When: April 16, 2026 | 9AM - 3PM
Where: Muckleshoot Casino Events Center | Auburn, WA
This event is intended for potential prime contractors and consultants and major firms to meet with small, diverse businesses to explore teaming opportunities for upcoming procurements.
Join us to:
- Network with other firms
- Listen to presentations from multiple King County agencies about upcoming projects
- Meet 1:1 with prime contractors/consultants and subs
- Visit our Resource Row
- Attend educational sessions
Be sure to register to take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with a wide variety of firms and learn the most up-to-date information about upcoming King County contract opportunities.
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Certification Highlights:
- Launched LGBTQ Business Enterprise (LGBTQBE) State Certification.
- 4,726 businesses were certified with OMWBE at the end of FY 2025.
- 3,953 businesses held OMWBE State Certification, and 2,197 businesses held OMWBE Federal Certification. Businesses may hold multiple certifications.
- 244 businesses held a total of 350 loans enrolled in the Linked Deposit Program at the end of FY 2025 worth a combined total value of $125,082,045.
- Responded to 5,337 certification related questions from small and diverse businesses.
Supplier Diversity Highlights:
- Agencies and institutions of higher education spent a combined $371,937,325 with OMWBE Certified Businesses, representing 4.15% of total eligible state spending.
- Statewide spending rose 0.39% between FY 2024-2025. State agencies achieved 6.01%, and institutions of higher education 1.13%.
- Increased compliance with Access Equity, across state agencies and educational institutions.
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Dear Business Community,
The 2026 Legislative Session is January 12, 2026, to March 12, 2026. Please check out these resources: Capitol Campus Events and 2026-cutoff-calendar-short.pdf. OMWBE is tracking the following bills:
HB 2684 - Business Enterprise Certification - H rules R - Farivar
Establishing guidelines for what constitutes a socially disadvantaged individual for the purpose of business enterprise state certification.
SSB 5176 - Prompt Pay/Capital Projects - S Ways & Means - Valdez
Implementing prompt pay recommendations from the capital projects advisory review board.
SSB 6302 - Public Works/Finishing Trade - S 2nd Reading - Conway
Concerning misclassification in the finishing trades on public works projects.
Sharon Harvey Hughes - Legislative Affairs and Policy Director, Tribal Liaison
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The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is celebrating a century of commemorating and presenting history through an inclusive lens. Black History Month originally began as a week-long commemoration of Black history led by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, the celebration now spans a month of learning, observing, and honoring the lives and accomplishments of Black Americans.
For the 100th theme, the founders of Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world. Visit ASALH's website to learn and explore ways you can honor and celebrate Black History Month!
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New Certifications
47 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in January! 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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