Events and Training

Revolving Loan Fund 101 Workshop

Revolving Loan Fund 101 Workshop

📅Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025

🕒Time:  2:00–3:30 PM

📍Location: Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St, Room 243 | Hybrid (in-person encouraged)

The City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development Department is hosting an informational workshop on the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). This session will explain how the RLF works, who is eligible, loan terms, and how to apply.

In addition to an overview of the program, attendees will gain:

• Insights into the underwriting process and how loan decisions are made.
• Guidance on submitting a strong application, including key documents and information to prepare.
• Considerations for businesses pursuing financing, such as readiness, repayment planning, and how loan funds can support growth.

The workshop will also include time for questions with City staff. While the session is hybrid, in-person attendance is strongly encouraged to support direct discussion and engagement. Attendance is free with registration.

Register here: RLF101.Eventbrite.com

Join us! Tacoma Water New Operations Facility-- Subcontractor Outreach

📅Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025

🕒Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

📍Location: TPU Auditorium 3628 S. 35th Street Tacoma, WA 98409

General Project Information:
The project will consist of design, procurement, and construction services for a new, approximately 45,000sf warehouse/shops building. The new building will be located on the existing site and will be constructed adjacent to the existing Water Operations Building while the current warehousing and shop operations continue to function.

Delivery Method: Progressive Design-Build

Bid Packaging Scopes: Demolition, Underground Utilities, Excavation, Asphalt, Signage, Drywall, Painting, Masonry, Reinforcing Steel, Framing, Glazing, Handrails and Guardrails, Roofing, Insulation, ACT Ceilings, Carpet and Ceramic Tile, Flooring, Finished Carpentry, Roller Shades, and Supply and Install Restroom Accessories

Who’s Invited: All Certified Small Businesses: MBE, WBE, SBE, Veteran-Owned, and Local Pierce County Businesses

Registration is encouraged. To register, please email Stephanie Caldwell, Small Business Program Administrator: [email protected]

The City of Tacoma Hosts Industry Leaders for “Access to Capital” Panel Discussion and Q&A Session

The City of Tacoma Hosts Industry Leaders for “Access to Capital” Panel Discussion and Q&A Session

• City of Tacoma is hosting an “Access to Capital” Panel to help small business owners, start-ups, and entrepreneurs better understand and navigate financing opportunities.
• This discussion is designed to empower small business owners by connecting them with critical resources and expert insights into financing opportunities.
• Technical assistance providers will share insights and answer questions about funding sources, loan readiness, and strategies for business growth.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from experts and connect with partners and other local business owners who can support their business journey and share their experiences.

Event Details:

• 📅 Date: October 27^th, 2025
• 🕒 Time: 2PM-5PM
• 📍 Location: Tacoma Public Utilities Auditorium
• 💲 Cost: Free and open to the public

Panel Highlights:

• Real-world advice from lending and funding experts
• Q&A with panelists
• Information on local resources and programs
• Networking with other entrepreneurs

This event is ideal for anyone interested in understanding funding options and financial empowerment. Attendees will gain actionable advice, valuable contacts, and direct access to programs that can support business success.

Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/g/ahr6chEm4J?origin=lprLink

For questions about this workshop or to request information in an alternate format, contact Linda Cerna at [email protected] (253) 453-9488.

Grit City Connect: Construct Your Future

A networking event co-hosted by City, Parks, and Schools

Details:

📅 Date: September 25, 2025

🕒 Time: 9AM-12PM

📍 Location: Eastside Community Center: 1721 East 56th Street Tacoma, WA 98404

This forum is designed to:

• Facilitate meaningful engagement between prime contractors and potential subcontractors.
• Share insights into upcoming projects and procurement
• Empowering small businesses by offering technical assistance that addresses the common barriers to capacity building and sustainable growth.
• Promote networking and partnerships within our contracting community so do not forget your capabilities statements!

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect directly with public agency staff, prime contractors, and technical assistance providers!

Grit City Connect: Subcontractors Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/g/bKYNLZSeYu?origin=lprLink

If you are a Prime Contractor or provide Technical Assistance in the Public Works arena and you are interested in having a table please contact: Linda Cerna at [email protected] or call her at 253-453-9488. Space is limited and we will close the registration window as it fills.

If you have any questions, please email:

[email protected]

Attn: GCC

Department of Enterprise Services-- Open House

Department of Enterprise Services has an open house every 3rd Thursday of the month, next 1 is August 21st

1. State Contracting Opportunities & Open House Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Oportunidades en Contratación Estatal y Casa Abierta Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

(V) The WASHINGTON EDGE: Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity pilot program’s goals are to prepare small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to bid and perform work as Prime Contractors on Washington state public works projects/contracts. Below is the link for the EDGE Program webpage, which provides the program’s purpose, eligibility requirements, program components, and sign-ups! Please SPREAD THE WORD about our EDGE Program! 😊

(I) The first and important step is to register in Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS), which is Washington State’s vendor self-registration and solicitation notification system, where you will get notified of upcoming public works projects which your business can bid on. I have enclosed the WEBS Vendor Guide Manual, which outlines the steps on how to navigate through WEBS. Below are links which you may also find helpful with regard to WEBS:

How to Sell to the State

Active Contract Search (wa.gov)

Register for Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS)

WEBS Login Page

DES Open House – Every 3rd Thursday 3PM: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/state-contracting-opportunities-open-house-tickets-388925164637

If you have any further questions, issues, or problems with WEBS, please contact our WEBS Customer Service Specialists at [email protected] or (360) 902-7400.

Furthermore, if you or anyone you know will like to get certified as a minority- and/or women-owned business, please reach out to the WA Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Services:

Main Office: (360) 664-9750

Toll Free: (866) 208-1064

Email: [email protected]

Website: Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

And, if you or anyone you know will like to get certified as a veteran-owned business, please reach out to the WA Department of Veteran’s Affairs:

Central Office: (360) 791-1788

Toll Free: 1-800-562-2308

Email: [email protected]

Website: Home | WDVA (wa.gov)

For Construction/Public Works Companies only:

The DES Public Works Business Diversity Program’s goal is to increase opportunities for Washington State small, minority, women, and/or veteran-owned businesses in public contracting. Below are a couple of links which provides an overview, details, and information about our Program:

Public Works Business Diversity Program | Department of Enterprise Services (DES) (wa.gov)

Path to Achieving Equity in State Contracting and Procurement (wa.gov)

SCORE Workshops

Did you know the SCORE provides an ongoing series of free workshops for people seeking to start or grow a business?  Attend a workshop and learn from experienced executives how to position your business for success.

Check out the workshop calendar below:

https://www.score.org/seattle/local-workshops

Organizational Resources

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of agencies offering small business training and development opportunities. Please explore the sites below to see upcoming events:

• William Factory Small Business Incubator Calendar
• Washington State L&I Workshops and Training Center
• Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Of Commerce Event Calendar
• The World Trade Center Tacoma Event Page
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Event Page
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Briefing Workshops
  • Events at Bottom of Page
• Washington APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) Event Calendar
• Washington Center For Women In Business Event Calendar
• Veterans Business Outreach Center Region X (Business Impact NW) Courses
• Economic Alliance Snohomish County