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Converge at AWMB's 4th NW Contractors Day held annually to foster economic vitality in Washington state and the Northwest region through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion while advocating for the increased utilization of certified women, minority, DBE, BIPOC, and veteran owned businesses in all procurement endeavors.
OMWBE certified businesses receive a discount on the Full Event Attendee price.
There is still time to register as an attendee, or exhibitor with a trade show booth.
When: April 30, 2026 | 8AM - 3PM
Where: Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel, Tacoma, WA
Special Offer:
33 Free Tickets for OMWBE Certified Businesses!
As an event sponsor, OMWBE is offering 33 free tickets to certified businesses on a first-come, first-serve basis. These tickets are limited to one (1) per certified businesses. Complete the form below to claim this special offer!
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Join us this month with the Small Business Administration as they share valuable information regarding resources you can find with the SBA.
- SBA Disaster Loan
- Smart Loan/grant practices
- Where to find resources
- Q&A with SBA agents
For the Month of April, BizConnect will change to Monday, April 13th at the same times in English from 4-5 and Spanish from 5:30-6:30.
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Únase a nosotros este mes con la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas mientras comparten información valiosa sobre los recursos que puede encontrar con la SBA.
- Préstamo por desastre de la SBA
- Prácticas inteligentes de préstamos/subvenciones
- Como y dónde encontrar recursos
- Preguntas y respuestas con agentes de la SBA
Para el mes de abril, BizConnect se trasladará al lunes 13 de abril a los mismos horarios en inglés de 4 a 5 y en español de 5:30 a 6:30.
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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 15, 2026 | 9AM
Where: Muckleshoot Casino Resort, Auburn, WA
In addition to a keynote speaker and a space for informal networking, the event will feature four main components:
- Presentations from project managers across County Capital Programs about upcoming procurements in the next 2-3 years
- Opportunities for one-on-one meetings between prime contractors and consultants and small and diverse firms seeking to do business with King County
- A Resource Row of professional associations and organizations that work with small firms to provide a variety of resources and support
- New this year: educational programming for small and diverse firms about how to do business with King County
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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Pierce County Community Navigator Program Thriving Together Resource Events are ideal for local small business owners and entrepreneurs to network and learn about the resources available to help businesses thrive in Pierce County. Here's what attendees can look forward to:
- Connecting 1:1 with small business assistance providers
- Learning about free, small business programs and assistance
- B2B networking encouraged, bring your company's marketing info for a shared resource table
- Light refreshments and free on-site parking
When: April 22, 2026 | 8:30AM - 11:00AM
Where: Frontier Park Lodge | 21718 Meridian E, Graham, WA 98338
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The City of Seattle invites consultants and small businesses to an open house featuring City of Seattle Departments, prime consultants, and small business support services. Learn about upcoming City consulting opportunities and connect with potential teaming partners!
Women and minority-owned businesses (WMBEs) are especially encouraged to attend; all businesses are welcome.
This is an open house - come at any time throughout the morning.
Light refreshments will be served.
When: Wednesday, April 22 | 9AM -12PM
Where: Northwest African American Museum | Seattle, WA
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Low Interest Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal loans to Washington businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the 2025 Severe Winter Storms occuring December 5 — 22, 2025 in the following counties:
Chelan, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Okanogan, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, and Yakima.
- The deadline to return physical damage applications is Apr. 27, 2026
- The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 24, 2026
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Washington BizFair is THE event that all current and aspiring small business owners should attend.
- Learn about free resources and technical assistance to help you start or grow your business.
- Attend educational seminars led by industry experts
- Meet representatives for state and federal agencies, local nonprofits, who are ready to help you with your business
When: May 7, 2026 | 11:00AM - 3:45PM
Where: Washington SBDC at Spokane/Lead Center | 4420 East 8th Ave, Spokane
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Tacoma Grit City Connect
Don't miss the 2nd Annual Public Works Networking Event, co-hosted by the City of Tacoma, Parks Tacoma, Port of Tacoma, and Tacoma Public Schools. This forum brings together prime contractors, subcontractors, and public agencies to explore upcoming projects and contracting opportunities.
Why Attend?
- Connect with prime contractors and public agency staff.
- Learn about upcoming projects and procurement needs.
- Build partnerships and grow your business.
Subcontractors: Bring your capabilities statement!
Please note that registration is required to attend.
When: May 12, 2026 | 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Where: STAR Center | 3873 South 66th St, Tacoma, WA 98409
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Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association representing every sector in every part of the state.
The Washington Excellence Awards and the Manufacturing Excellence Awards are two ways AWB recognizes excellence in business.
As the state chamber of commerce and manufacturing association, AWB proudly represents the diverse spectrum of businesses within Washington state. AWB’s Award Program aims to spotlight and honor those enterprises that exemplify a commitment to excellence, recognizing their contributions to the economic and social fabric of our region. Join us and celebrate the innovative spirit, dedication, and achievements of businesses that embody the essence of success and shared prosperity for all.
Nominations must be submitted online by May 29, 2026.
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The Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program (WAZIP) helps businesses and commercial fleets save money when they buy or lease cleaner vehicles and equipment. WAZIP is funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and administered by CALSTART.
WAZIP offers point of sale vouchers that lower the upfront cost of eligible zero-emission on-road vehicles and off-road equipment. Purchasers can choose from a catalog of approved models and work directly with participating sellers to complete their purchase.
WAZIP offers:
- Discounts at the time of purchase or lease (as long as available funding lasts)
- Support finding a ZEV that fits your needs
- Technical and infrastructure support to ensure fleet readiness
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Starting July 1, DES will use the Public Works Small Business Enterprise (PWSBE) certification to track small business participation on DES public works projects.
Participation goals are targets set on projects to include small businesses. These goals help expand access to public works opportunities for businesses and support agencies in meeting statewide small and diverse business participation expectations.
What it means for agencies:
- Only businesses certified as a PWSBE by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) will be counted toward small business participation goals.
- Businesses that are not certified can still work on projects, but they will not be counted toward participation goals.
- Certification does not affect contract award decisions.
- Using PWSBE certification will support consistent tracking and reporting of small business participation.
What it means for businesses:
- Businesses can still bid on DES public works projects if they are not certified.
- To be counted toward participation goals, businesses must be PWSBE-certified through OMWBE.
- Registration as a small business in Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) alone will not meet this requirement.
- Businesses should still register in WEBS so they can search for state contracts and increase their opportunity to be seen by agencies.
- There is no application fee to become certified.
- All OMWBE state certified businesses are eligible for PWSBE certification.
Why it matters:
- Certification means more public dollars go toward Washington’s small businesses.
- Prime contractors are expected to meet participation goals and look for eligible certified subcontractors.
- Agencies will look for certified contractors to meet goals set by OMWBE, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and the Governor’s Office.
What you should do now:
- Review eligibility requirements.
- Apply for PWSBE certification.
Encourage small businesses, prime contractors, and subcontractors to get certified.
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New Certifications
69 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.
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