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Personal Narrative Form
Are you prepared for the DBE program to resume, with enforceable contract goals? The steps for Washington businesses are now simpler than ever.
We have adapted our Personal Narrative Guidelines into a fillable form that you can use to draft your narrative.
- Download the Personal Narrative Form
- Fill out the form documenting your social and economic disadvantage
- Submit the form with your application in our secure online portal - Access Equity
If you have questions about federal rule changes, or the new certification requirements, please refer to the following resources:
The Personal Narrative requirement applies to all new certification applicants, as well as businesses that are already certified with OMWBE.
If your business is headquartered outside of Washington state, you must get certified in your home state before applying with OMWBE.
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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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BizFair is a free, annual event for current and aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about the programs, resources, and technical assistance available to help start and grow a small business. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about valuable, no-cost, small business resources in the Exhibitor Hall and attend educational seminars led by industry experts on a variety of topics including business planning, regulatory guidance, funding opportunities, and business management skills.
For details and registration please visit www.bizfair.wa.gov
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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!
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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Please join the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises for an upcoming webinar to learn about Washington Saves, a new state-facilitated retirement savings program scheduled to open in July 2027.
Webinar Details:
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Presenter: Heidi Iyall, Communications Consultant, Washington Saves
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Date: August 31
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Time: 1:00-2:00
State law will require certain employers that do not offer a qualified retirement plan to facilitate employee access to Washington Saves. Those working for a non-mandated employer or who are self-employed can still enroll as individuals.
Washington Saves is designed to be easy for both employers and employees. There are no program fees, required contributions, or financial liabilities for employers. Once a business registers, employees can build long-term financial security through automatic payroll contributions into an individual retirement account (IRA). Investments will be professionally managed by a private financial firm, with oversight from a public Governing Board.
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
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Learn how the program works, including employer eligibility criteria, key compliance requirements, and anticipated program design features.
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Explore ways to stay connected as the program develops, including opportunities to be a part of a pilot in early 2027.
Visit www.wasaves.com to learn more and stay informed
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New Foundations for Success September workshops will be 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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Want to do business with Washington State? Register in Washington's Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS).
WEBS offers one location where vendors can receive all solicitation notifications from Washington State agencies, as well as local governments that publish bidding opportunities in WEBS.
Questions? Contact WEBSCustomerservice@des.wa.gov
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The Washington State Department of Revenue is offering a temporary Penalty and Interest Relief Program under Engrossed House Bill (EHB) 2487 to help eligible businesses come into compliance with Washington tax laws.
The businesses most likely affected are affiliates of insurance companies or third parties paid by them, not insurance companies themselves. Most of these businesses previously claimed an exemption available only to insurance companies.
Benefits of this relief program
This temporary relief program may offer businesses the following benefits:
- Waiver of penalties and interest on B&O taxes due for periods between Oct. 2, 2019, and March 31, 2026.
- A multi-year tax repayment program.
- The department will summarize the unreported tax liability in a single tax assessment.
Important: This program only waives penalties and interest. Businesses must still pay the tax owed.
Who qualifies?
Businesses may qualify if they:
- Have unreported income as a result of taking the exemption under either RCW 82.04.320 or 82.04.322 (or both) on gross income not subject to insurance premiums tax under chapter 48.14 or 48.15 RCW.
- Submit an application for penalty and interest relief by Dec. 31, 2026.
Note: Both registered and unregistered businesses are eligible for this program.
How to apply
Businesses can apply for this program through the department’s online application. Applicants should make sure to select Yes in answering “Are you applying for penalty and interest relief for B&O tax changes related to insurers in EHB 2487 (2026)?” Also make sure to enter the UBI/Account ID number when prompted.
To learn more about the application process, including what happens after you apply and what to expect next, visit our EHB 2487 Penalty and Interest Relief webpage.
Questions?
Questions about the relief program can be sent to voluntarydisclosure@dor.wa.gov. If you have a specific question regarding taxability of your transactions, please request a tax ruling online or by email at rulings@dor.wa.gov.
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Call to Businesses to Help Shape the Future of State Procurement
This is an update on Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) cross-agency effort to create standard solicitation, contract, and purchase order templates for most routine state procurements. Having standardized templates means businesses will spend less time figuring out different agency formats. Instead, you’ll have more time to focus on your response.
If you missed our session for businesses on July 8th, there is still time to share your feedback via our survey! Your perspective is important and we want to hear from you. Visit our website to learn more about the project!
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Seattle City Light’s Business EV Charging Program wants to help you get electric vehicle charging stations! Funding and technical assistance are available for commercial customers to install chargers for fleet or employee use. Small businesses, nonprofits, women- and minority-owned businesses, and Tribal entities are eligible for higher incentives: up to $50,000 for Level 2 EV charging and up to $200,000 for DC fast charging projects per site.
Not sure where to start? City Light customers are eligible for a complimentary site visit and fleet assessment to help you plan your electrification journey and learn more about potential costs and savings. Application assistance and technical support are also available.
Reach out to the program team at BusinessEVCharging@seattle.gov to learn more or to request a copy of our Business EV Charging Program Manual for all eligibility requirements and updates.
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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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Are you a diverse or small business in the construction or architecture and engineering (A&E) field?
Come and hear from the Port of Seattle, Sound Transit, and WSDOT on upcoming projects! Hear about upcoming construction and A&E opportunities Network with decision-makers and potential business partners Speak with the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises (OMWBE) and other technical assistance agencies.
Where: Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
When: Thu, Sep 17, 2026 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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August is National Black Business Month, celebrating Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who have continued to shape Washington state's business landscape and whose contributions enrich our local communities and industries every single day.
How can you celebrate Black business owners this month and every other month?
Shop Local. Spend your money with intent and invest in your community by shopping at Black-owned businesses. Not sure where to start? Try our Certified Business Directory where you can search for small Black-owned businesses in your area.
Want to learn more about Black-owned businesses in Washington State? Visit the Washington African American Chamber of Commerce and discover ways you can become involved.
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Governor Ferguson’s emergency proclamation expands access to the state’s disaster cash assistance program, increases access to vital documents lost in the fires, makes it easier to get unemployment benefits, and temporarily suspends regulatory requirements for health care facilities and providers so health care remains accessible. It also eases requirements for businesses to help them remain viable beyond the disaster.
Governor Ferguson’s emergency proclamation includes actions helping individual Washingtonians, businesses and health care providers. It covers Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, Douglas and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
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New Certifications
102 businesses obtained OMWBE certification in July! 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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