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Foundations for Success: Virtual Options
Don't miss our Foundations for Success workshops this month, available in-person and virtually! 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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Central Washington Regional Contracting Forum / Foro regional central de contratación
Join us for the Central Regional Contracting Forum—a premier networking and business development event designed to bring the entire construction and development community together in one place.
This forum is built for contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, designers, suppliers, and city & county permitting and public works staff—as well as anyone looking to build meaningful partnerships and stay ahead of upcoming projects across Central Washington.
When: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Where: Yakima Convention Center, Yakima, WA
Acompáñenos el jueves 3 de septiembre de 2026 en el Yakima Convention Center para el Foro Regional de Contratación Central, un evento clave de networking y desarrollo de negocios diseñado para reunir a toda la comunidad de la construcción y el desarrollo en un solo lugar.
Este foro está dirigido a contratistas, subcontratistas, arquitectos, ingenieros, diseñadores, proveedores, y personal de ciudades y condados en áreas de permisos y obras públicas, así como a cualquier persona interesada en generar conexiones estratégicas y colaborar en proyectos actuales y futuros en la región Central de Washington.
Cuando: Jueves, 3 de septiembre
Dónde: Yakima Convention Center, Yakima, WA
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Join us for the 2026 Western Regional Contracting Forum on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Muckleshoot Events Center. This event is FREE for all to attend!
Introduce your business to prime contractors, prime consultants and the region's largest government entities:
- City of Seattle
- King County
- Port of Seattle
- Sound Transit
- Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
- Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
- Department of Enterprise Services (DES)
- Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
- Department of Corrections, and more (DOC)
Attendees have the opportunity to meet government contracting representatives and network with contractors, consultants, and suppliers all at one event.
Who Should Attend?
Businesses interested in selling products and services, consultants, and contractors. Small, Minority, Women, Disadvantaged, and Veteran-Owned Businesses are encouraged to attend.
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Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA)'s 2026 Summer Conference will take place August 4-6, 2026 at the Red Lion Hotel Kennewick Columbia Center. Please join fellow economic development, local government, port, business, tribal, workforce/education and community leaders from throughout Washington to learn and engage with expert speakers, legislators and professionals on the current state of Washington economic development and gain new tools and insights for economic development in your community.
As part of WEDA’s ongoing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion outreach, Women & Minority-owned Business Enterprises and equity-focused/ethnic organizations are offered significant discounts or scholarships on registration fees.
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Puyallup BizFair 2026 is WA State's largest FREE Resource Fair. Come enjoy workshops, panels, and local, federal, and state resources. As the longest-running government and nonprofit-run small business fair in Washington State, BizFair is always FREE and open to everyone.
Join us at Pierce College Puyallup on Saturday, September 19 for a day filled with networking, workshops, and opportunities to grow your business. Connect with local entrepreneurs, learn from industry experts, and discover new ways to take your business to the next level.
Don't miss this chance to expand your network, gain valuable insights, and propel your business forward. For more information, please visit bizfair.wa.gov.
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Commerce’s Clean Energy Fund is opening a new round of the Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Program. These grants will fund clean energy projects that align with the 2021 State Energy Strategy.
Washington-based for-profits, nonprofits, local governments, research institutions, federally recognized tribes, higher education institutions, national labs or state agencies are invited to apply. Organizations based outside Washington may still be eligible if they benefit the state and have a significant presence in Washington through investments or research. Please see the comprehensive Request for Applications for more information
Projects should be at a Technology Readiness Level of 4-7 upon award, and they need to fall within one or more eligible technology categories:
- Advanced bioenergy, biofuels and biorefining
- Advanced energy storage, battery recycling and battery technologies
- Greenhouse gas removal technologies and carbon capture
- Flexible load integration or grid modernization technologies
A virtual Pre-Application Conference will be held on July 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. to assist with the application process. Register in advance for the conference.
Submit your written questions via email to EPICGrants@commerce.wa.gov using the subject line "RD&D RFA 25/27." All questions and responses will be published in the Q&A document in the RFA Box folder.
Timeline
- Applicant’s Conference: July 13, 2026, 2 p.m.
- Applications due: September 3, 2026, 4 p.m.
- Anticipated successful/unsuccessful applicant notifications: October 23, 2026
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The City of Tacoma, in collaboration with the government contracting advisors at the nonprofit Washington APEX Accelerator, invites small businesses to participate in an interactive workshop titled Preparing the Bid.
This virtual, instructor-led workshop will focus on helping businesses understand what is required to successfully prepare for and navigate bidding on government solicitations. Participants will be guided through the essential steps of reviewing and interpreting solicitation documents, empowering them to approach contracting opportunities with greater confidence and clarity.
Participants will learn how to:
• Read and interpret solicitation documents.
• Use a customizable pre-bid checklist.
• Apply a bid/no-bid decision matrix to evaluate opportunities.
• Understand key considerations for preparing competitive, compliant bids.
• Learn practical tips from government contracting experts.
When: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Where: Virtual
Questions: LCerna@cityoftacoma.org
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Applications for the 2026 Cohort are now open! Apply by July 31, 2026
The 2026 Business Accelerator Program is a comprehensive business development initiative designed to empower women, minority, and disadvantaged business enterprises (WMDBEs) to grow their capabilities and successfully compete for government contracts, particularly with the Port of Seattle. Applying is quick and easy! The straightforward application takes just 5–10 minutes to complete, so don’t wait to get started.
Program Benefits
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Expert Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced industry professionals
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Peer Network: Connections with other diverse business owners facing similar challenges
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Direct Access: Opportunities to connect with Port of Seattle procurement staff and prime contractors
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Practical Skills: Immediately applicable tools and strategies for business growth
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Industry Recognition: Graduation ceremony and professional certificates
Ongoing Support: Extended tracking and support for continued growth
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The Washington State Department of Commerce is soliciting applications from tribal entities seeking capital financing from the Washington State Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Tribal Set-aside. Applications are due by 12 p.m. Pacific on Monday, September 28.
This funding is only available to federally recognized tribes with land in Washington state. There is $25.7 available in funding.
Download and carefully review the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) below for specific information regarding funding requirements and priorities, the application process, and dates of significance.
Who may apply for funding?
To be eligible for this funding opportunity, an applicant must be either:
- A federally recognized tribe with land in Washington, or
- A Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) operating under the control of a federally recognized tribe with land in Washington
Applicants may attend two separate technical assistance office hours to ask questions and seek further clarification.
Please submit any questions to HTFApp@commerce.wa.gov.
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En este episodio hablamos con Esmeralda Garibay sobre el trabajo que realiza la Comisión de Asuntos Hispanos (CHA, por sus siglas en ingles) para fortalecer la conexión entre el gobierno y la comunidad hispana y latina en todo el estado de Washington.
Conversamos sobre recursos disponibles, participación comunitaria, acceso a servicios, desarrollo de relaciones comunitarias y oportunidades para familias, trabajadores, lideres y pequeños negocios en nuestra región. También hablamos sobre la importancia de que nuestras comunidades conozcan sus derechos, participen y hagan escuchar su voz.
Recursos: Comisión de Asuntos Hispanos del Estado de Washington
In this episode, we speak with Esmeralda Garibay about the work of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA) to strengthen the connection between government and the Hispanic and Latino community throughout Washington State.
We discussed available resources, community engagement, access to services, community relationship development, and opportunities for families, workers, leaders, and small businesses in our region. We also talked about the importance of our communities knowing their rights, participating and making their voices heard.
Resources: Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs
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On Friday, August 28, join OMWBE and 828 Consulting for our first Convening Session—A community gathering for connection, celebration, and meaningful conversation with minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
When: Friday, August 28, 2026 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Anchovies and Salt | 1087 Lake Washington Blvd. #50 Renton, WA 98056
Attendance is limited to 75 guests. Reserve your spot today!
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Join us for a turbo 2 in 1 informative and technical assistance workshop designed to help construction and trade business owners learn about and start their OMWBE certification application in 1 hour.
In this workshop you will:
- Learn about certification benefits and eligibility.
- Start your application (please bring your device.)
- Receive assistance with questions and a step-by-step walk through of the application process.
July 15, 2026 | 4PM - 5PM
Online and Virtual:
Yakima County Development Association
2520 W Washington Ave, Suite 1
Yakima, WA 98903
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Únase a nosotros para un taller turbo 2 en 1 de asistencia informativa y técnica, diseñado para ayudar a los propietarios de negocios de construcción y comercio a conocer y comenzar su solicitud de certificación OMWBE en 1 hora.
En este taller usted:
- Aprenderá sobre los beneficios y la elegibilidad de la certificación.
- Comenzará su solicitud (por favor traiga su dispositivo).
- Recibirá asistencia con preguntas y un recorrido paso a paso del proceso de solicitud.
julio 15, 2026 | 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Opción virtual con inscripción previa
Yakima County Development Association
2520 W Washington Ave, Suite 1
Yakima, WA 98903
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New Certifications
97 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in June! 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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