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FREE Workshops for Small Businesses
We have added more classes to this series for June and July! Sign up now and take advantage of these free OMWBE-sponsored workshops.
Foundations for Success, is a structured training program designed to strengthen the core capabilities businesses need to compete and perform in public contracting. This program is delivered in partnership with Alta Point Consulting, combining OMWBE’s commitment to business development with Alta Point’s experience in government contracting, compliance, and operational execution.
Participants will gain working knowledge in areas such as technology, marketing, contract compliance, change management, supply chain and operational discipline. The program is designed to strengthen internal processes, improve financial and administrative readiness, and reduce performance risk.
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Certified with Pride
OMWBE celebrates LGBTQ+ small businesses year round with FREE certification, helping increase their visibility through the Directory of Certified Businesses and giving access to free business resources, financial help, and consulting. This month, we can all celebrate the LGTBQ+ community by attending one of many Pride events in Washington State.
Here's a list to get you started! Happy Pride!
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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.
Businesses can still bid on projects if they are not certified. However, only businesses certified as PWSBE by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) will be counted toward small business participation goals. Registration in Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) alone will not meet this requirement.
You should still register in WEBS so you can search for state contracts and increase your opportunity to be seen by agencies.
We encourage businesses and contractors to review the requirements and apply now to be ready. If you are already certified with OMWBE, you can opt in for PWSBE certification. It’s quick and easy.
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On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free. Juneteenth marks that day and the ongoing fight for equality. Washington State has multiple Juneteenth celebrations happening this year.
This Juneteenth, support Black-owned businesses by using our Directory of Certified Businesses to find small businesses to purchase from, listen to Black voices, and donate time or resources to local organizations working for justice.
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Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA) actively seeks out grant opportunities that align with the needs of small businesses! They can assist in navigating the application process, offering guidance and support every step of the way. If you want help applying for any of these grants, simply complete this short intake form
Mindful Founders Inc. Emergency Micro-Grant
The Mindful Founders Inc. Emergency Micro-Grant supports mission-driven entrepreneurs facing unexpected business challenges or financial emergencies. The program provides fast, flexible funding to help businesses stabilize and continue serving their communities. Some general details:
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Offers one $1,000 grand prize grant and two $500 runner-up grants;
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Designed for entrepreneurs experiencing urgent financial or operational hardships;
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Prioritizes businesses that support underserved communities or address social challenges;
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Applicants should demonstrate a clear plan for how the funds will be used;
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Evaluation includes community impact, founder experience, business viability, and urgency of need;
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Requires financial documentation and a realistic recovery or stabilization plan.
Applications are currently open. Learn more here
American Farmland Trust Brighter Future Fund
The American Farmland Trust Brighter Future Fund provides grants and support to farmers and ranchers working to strengthen farm viability, sustainability, and resilience. The program focuses on helping agricultural businesses adapt to challenges while protecting farmland and local food systems. Some general details:
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Supports farmers and ranchers across the United States;
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Prioritizes beginning farmers, historically underserved producers, women farmers, veterans, and socially disadvantaged farmers;
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Funding may support climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, soil health, business development, and operational sustainability;
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Some grant programs focus specifically on emergency resilience and disaster recovery;
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Designed to provide accessible and straightforward funding opportunities for agricultural businesses;
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Grant cycles and eligibility vary depending on the specific program.
Some programs are currently closed, with additional national grant opportunities expected in Summer 2026. Learn more here
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La Ruta del Recurso es un podcast en español enfocado en negocios y emprendedores. Conecta a la comunidad con agencias y organizaciones que brindan información clave para iniciar, operar y hacer crecer un negocio. A través de cada episodio, se comparten recursos prácticos y procesos importantes de manera clara y accesible. El enfoque es educativo, ayudando a los negocios a entender requisitos como registro, impuestos y cumplimiento. También se busca prevenir errores comunes que pueden llevar a multas, sanciones o auditorias. El objetivo es fortalecer a los negocios con información confiable para que puedan avanzar con seguridad y crecimiento sostenible.
La Ruta del Recurso is a Spanish-language podcast focused on businesses and entrepreneurs. It connects the community with agencies and organizations that provide key information to start, operate, and grow a business. Through each episode, practical resources and important processes are shared in a clear and accessible way. The focus is educational, helping businesses understand requirements such as registration, taxes, and compliance. It also seeks to prevent common mistakes that can lead to fines, penalties or audits. The goal is to empower businesses with reliable information so they can move forward safely and sustainably grow.
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Eligible small business owners with fewer than 50 employees may be eligible for a one-time special enrollment for themselves and their employees to sign up for coverage outside of open enrollment on Washington Healthplanfinder™.
Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s official health and dental insurance marketplace, allows individuals and families to:
- Shop, compare and buy high-quality individual health and dental plans
- Get exclusive access to federal and state savings
- Determine eligibility to enroll in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)
To find out if you are an eligible small business and to learn more, contact
smallbusiness@wahbexchange.org.
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Washington APEX Accelerator publishes a newsletter each month packed with opportunities and resources for certified businesses. In each issue you'll find:
- Important news for certified businesses
- Project opportunities
- Workshops and classes
- Upcoming events
- and much more!
Check out the May issue of Talk from the Top and learn about more ways they can help support your business!
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OMWBE has a new contact email for customer support. If you have questions or need assistance, please email support@omwbe.wa.gov.
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New Certifications
92 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in May! 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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