Events and Training
Access event calendars, courses, and resources to help in your business endeavors!
AI For Small Business: Practical Tools for Growth
Date & Time
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location
Tacoma Public Library, Main Branch, 1102 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402
Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate, but for many small business owners, it can feel overwhelming, unclear, or out of reach. This two-hour interactive workshop is designed specifically for Tacoma’s small business community. Whether you are an early-stage entrepreneur or an established business owner, this session will provide practical, real-world guidance you can apply immediately.
Led by The Data Guys™, this workshop will break down what AI actually is, what it is not, and how small businesses across industries are using it today to improve efficiency, marketing, customer engagement, and operations.
The goal is simple: make AI understandable, responsible, and usable for small business growth.
What You’ll Learn
- What AI is (and what it is not)
- Practical AI use cases
- Marketing and content generation strategies using AI tools
- Customer service automation basics
- Improving workflow efficiency and daily operations
- Prompt design fundamentals for better results
- Responsible AI use, including privacy, bias, and data considerations
- A practical implementation roadmap based on your stage of business
The session will include live demonstrations, strategic insights, and structured Q&A. Bring a laptop!
Space is limited, Register here: CEDWorkshop.Eventbrite.com
Questions or accessibility needs?
Email questions to Dierdre Patterson at [email protected]
Capabilities Statements 101 Workshop on March 11
Join us March 11th from 9-10:30AM as the City of Tacoma invites small businesses to participate in a virtual, instructor-led workshop led by Washington APEX Accelerator where attendees will learn how to market their businesses, share their experience and past performance, and communicate what sets them apart from competitors.
What you’ll learn:
- An overview of the City’s EIC program
- Guidance on how to communicate past performance, proof of qualifications and certifications, and what sets you apart from competitors
- Tips on how to establish relationships with new clients and agencies
- Testimonials from major clients in the commercial and government space
- Information on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes
Who should attend:
- Construction Subcontractors
- Professional Services Firms
- Vendors trying to get on City/State/Federal rosters
- Businesses new to procurement portals
✨ Free & Open to the Public – Virtual Format Only
🔗 Register now at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_OX4jnXzrkCrmeXO6YAScYuQYvxH7cdEvs90nN10p01URTVDVTdYN1dOSVU5OTUwRlFWOUVVNFMyMC4u
📩 Questions or accessibility needs? Contact Linda Cerna at [email protected] or (253) 453- 9488
Let’s build stronger businesses together, we hope to see you there!
Grit City Connect: Construct Your Future
Join us for the 2nd Annual Public Works Networking Event, co-hosted by the City of Tacoma, Parks Tacoma, Port of Tacoma, and Tacoma Public Schools. This forum brings together prime contractors, subcontractors, and public agencies to explore upcoming projects and contracting opportunities.
📅 May 12, 2026
🕛 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Star Center – 3873 S 66th St, Tacoma, WA
Why Attend?
- Connect with prime contractors and public agency staff
- Learn about upcoming projects and procurement needs
- Build partnerships and grow your business
Subcontractors: Bring your capabilities statement!
Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/X1Azt2jbg2?origin=lprLink
For prime contractors, technical assistance providers, or accessibility requests, call Linda at 253-453-9488.
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
Learn more about the Tacoma's business resources: