The following is a list of government agencies and non-profit groups that are dedicated to providing resources for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
University of Washington resources
Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC)
The CBDC offers a range of services and educational programs to help qualified businesses grow and thrive, including mentoring for small business owners, providing pro bono legal services, and risk management advice.
Procurement Services
Procurement Services assists the University community in purchasing and paying for goods and services utilizing a centralized procurement service in accordance with sound business practices and state and federal regulations.
Local, regional, and national resources
Business Impact NW empowers a talented and diverse community of entrepreneurs, supporting the continuing growth of local small businesses through micro-enterprise.
Registering your business with the City of Seattle does not pre-approve or authorize you to do business with the City, but the City may use this directory to develop bid lists, contact lists and reports. Prime contractors and consultants may also use the system to solicit firms for sub work.
Craft3 is a non-profit community development financial institution with a mission to strengthen economic, ecological and family resilience in Pacific Northwest communities. They do this by providing loans and assistance to entrepreneurs, non-profits, individuals and others who don’t normally have access to financing.
The Native PTAC helps individuals and tribally-owned native firms to become more successful in contracting with federal, state and local government.
The NWMMSDC serves the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming through linking major corporations and public agencies to minority-owned businesses--a multi-billion dollar sector representing and impacting today's global economy. Their mission is to drive economic value by equalizing opportunities.
OMWBE is the sole certifying agency in the State of Washington for businesses seeking to be recognized in the public sector as a minority, women, or socially and economically disadvantaged business.
SCORE, otherwise known as the Counselors to America's Small Business, is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE is dedicated to aiding in the formation, growth, and success of small businesses nationwide, including Washington State. Services are free.
SAM is a conduit for doing business with the Department of Defense. Registration can be done online at this website and includes a easy-to-follow handbook as well as other useful links and information.
The SBA helps start, build and grow businesses. Their website includes links to certification programs, federal business opportunities, PRO-Net, and technical and financial assistance, and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and NAICS.
Learn more about doing business with the State of Washington with help on topics such as how to plan, start up and grow your business, guidance on how to do business with the state, what licenses are needed, how to file taxes, etc.
This website is hosted by the Department of Enterprise Services (DES). WEBS is an internet-based bid notification system that many state agencies and institutions of higher education use to notify business of opportunities via email. Your firm will receive email notification of bid opportunities that match commodity codes selected.
The WSBDC network helps business owners reach their next level of success by providing no-fee, confidential counseling on various management topics.
The PTAC Program helps companies find and successfully achieve contracts for work with local, state and federal governments.
Whatcom Women in Business is one of the oldest and most encompassing network/referral sources for business women. It is the mission of WWIB to promote a positive image of professional women in business while developing leadership skills, strength through mutual support, mentoring, and opportunities for business and personal growth.
WBEC-Pacific operates in six different states in the region (Alaska, Northern California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington). They drive economic growth, development, and access for women business enterprises in a global marketplace by collaborating with our constituents on Certification, Opportunities, Resources, and Engagement (C.O.R.E.).