|
Build Your Business, Secure Contracts, & Grow
We are excited to share that the Washington State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) is currently offering the Foundations to Success Workshop Series, available both in person and virtually at no cost to participants.
These workshops are designed to support small businesses, contractors, and entrepreneurs by providing valuable guidance on business development, certifications, contracting opportunities, and tools for long-term success.
Click below to get the full details and register now!
|
|
Save the Date! Regional Contracting Forum 2026
Save the date for the 2026 Regional Contracting Forum. Celebrating 23 years of connecting small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses with purchasers at all levels of state and local government.
Register for FREE today!
|
|
|
Save the date for Central Washington Regional Contracting Forum!
This trade event is focused on contractors, architects and engineering firms, vendors, and consultants.
September 3, 2026 at the Yakima Convention Center, Yakima, WA
|
|
|
Reserva la fecha foro regional central de Contratación.
Este foro está dirigido a contratistas, firmas de arquitectura e ingeniería, vendedores, proveedores y consultores.
09.03.2026 Yakima Convention Center, Yakima, WA
|
|
|
Get your nominations in by May 29th!
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.
|
|
he Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program (WAZIP) is now live and accepting applications. WAZIP offers point-of-sale vouchers to help businesses transition to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as equipment.
Funding is also set aside for emerging/rising businesses, drayage operators, veteran-owned businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies, which may qualify for enhanced voucher amounts.
You can explore program details, review the Implementation Manual, and apply at wazip.org. The Washington State University (WSU) Green Transportation Program is available to provide no-cost technical assistance to help applicants navigate the process, develop electrification plans, and submit voucher requests.
|
|
|
Are you a diverse or small business in the architecture, engineering, or design fields? If so, join us at our Port headquarters for our inaugural Architecture & Engineering Industry Day for an opportunity to connect with Port project managers, some of the Port's key consultants, and learn tips and tricks on landing a consulting contract at the Port.
This event will feature both a virtual presentation on Microsoft Teams in the morning as well as in-person networking and scheduled 1-on-1 meetings with primes in the afternoon.
When: June 02, 2026 | 9AM - 5PM
Where: Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 & Virtual
|
|
|
Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA) has put together a short list of grants available and can assist in navigating the application process. If you want help applying for any of these grants, simply complete this short intake form.
Founders First Pride Grant
The Founders First Pride Grant supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to grow and scale their businesses. This grant provides direct funding along with resources to help founders build sustainable, revenue-generating companies. Some general details:
-
Grant funding is awarded to selected LGBTQ+-owned businesses demonstrating strong growth potential;
-
Open to for-profit businesses that are at least 51% LGBTQ+ owned;
-
Focuses on businesses generating revenue and positioned to scale;
-
Application requires business details, financial information, and plans for growth;
-
Prioritizes founders who show clear impact, job creation potential, and long-term sustainability.
Deadline varies by cycle. Learn more here!
Famos Amos Ingredients for Success Grant
The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Grant supports early-stage Black entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and resources to help grow their businesses. This national program is designed to create long-term success and expand opportunities for underrepresented founders. Some general details:
-
Three winners each receive $50,000 in funding, for a total of $150,000 awarded;
-
Open to U.S.-based businesses that are at least 90% Black-owned and in operation for five years or less;
-
Focuses on early-stage businesses with strong potential for growth and sustainability;
-
Application requires business information and a short video pitch highlighting your business and how funds will be used;
-
Winners also receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and national visibility.
Deadline June 1, 2026. Learn more here!
McMillan Family Foundation Grant
The McMillan Family Foundation offers grant opportunities designed to support entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community organizations focused on building generational wealth and creating positive community impact. Their funding programs prioritize purpose-driven work and measurable outcomes. Some general details:
-
Grant funding varies by program, with micro-grants typically around $1,500 and other awards varying annually;
-
Open to aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage and growth-minded business owners, nonprofits, and community organizations aligned with their mission;
-
Focuses on minority-owned businesses and initiatives centered on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community impact;
-
Application requires details about your business or organization, intended use of funds, and alignment with the foundation’s values of integrity, accountability, and impact;
-
Funds can be used for startup or expansion costs, equipment, marketing, and professional development, but not for personal expenses or unrelated activities;
-
Applications are typically accepted on a quarterly basis for micro-grants, with additional annual grant opportunities available.
Deadlines vary by program. Learn more here!
REI Path Ahead Ventures Embark Program
The REI Path Ahead Ventures Embark Program supports early-stage entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities who are building outdoor-focused businesses. This is a 3-month virtual program designed to help founders turn early ideas into viable, impact-driven companies with the support of mentorship, community, and funding. Some general details:
-
Participants receive structured programming, mentorship, and hands-on guidance from industry experts;
-
Open to Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) entrepreneurs based in the United States;
-
Focuses on early-stage business ideas or startups in the outdoor industry, including gear, apparel, experiences, services, and more;
-
Application requires sharing your business idea, vision, and how you plan to grow and use the support provided;
-
Upon successful completion of the program, founders receive a $5,000 grant to invest in their business;
-
Includes workshops, peer networking, office hours, and direct feedback from industry professionals.
Applications open May 4, 2026. Learn more here!
|
|
|
Business Impact NW has partnered with Washington APEX Accelerator and Tabor 100 to provide business support services to companies that wish to contract with the City of Seattle.
These services help businesses learn and prepare operationally and financially to be able to contract with the City as well as to strengthen management, finances, efficiencies and to increase opportunities and profits.
|
|
|
The Port of Seattle’s Pier 69 Food Activation Pilot Program has officially launched! The Port is currently accepting applications from interested food truck businesses in King County.
Learn more about the Pier 69 Food Truck Pilot Program here and apply:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from now until May 31, 2026. The first round of applications will be reviewed as early as May 12, 2026.
What are the requirements for participating in the Pier 69 Food Truck Pilot Program?
- Food truck business owners must have an active City of Seattle Business License and King County Public Health Mobile Food Service Business Permit
- Food truck vendors must be able to commit to vending from the hours of 10AM-2PM, Monday through Friday, for 30 consecutive business days to be considered. (No alcohol sales are allowed).
- Food truck may not be longer than 22 feet. (22 feet is the maximum length).
The Port of Seattle strongly encourages applications from small, local, and historically underrepresented businesses, including women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned enterprises. Businesses located within King County and have been in operation for less than 5 years will be given priority.
|
|
|
Effective April 1, 2026, the business size limit for new and currently certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) seeking to participate on federal highway contracts is adjusted from $31.84 million to $32.82 million.
A DBE firm must still meet the size standard(s) appropriate to the type(s) of work the firm seeks to perform in DOT-assisted contracts. These standards vary by industry according to the NAICS code(s) defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
This change is due to a final rule issued by USDOT on December 14, 2020 to make an annual inflationary adjustment to the DBE program’s business size limit (business size standard/gross receipts cap) on small businesses participating in the DBE program.
|
|
|
OMWBE is excited to announce that we are looking for an amazing individual to join our team to serve as our Assistant Director of Equity in Public Spending!
- Position: Assistant Director of Equity in Public Spending
- Closing: Continuous
- Type: Full Time – Permanent
- Location: Thurston County – Olympia / Hybrid
- Salary: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 Annually
Benefits: WA State offers a competitive benefits package including, medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance as well as employer contributed retirement programs, and a generous leave package. For detailed information please see the benefits tab in the below posting.
|
|
New Certifications
134 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in April! We share these monthly lists of newly certified firms with our contract and procurement contacts at State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education.
|
|
|
|
|
