Events and Training

Profit & Loss Show and Tell Workshop w/ The Fernseed

On Tuesday, April 21st from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM The City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department will host a Profit and Loss or P&L Show & Tell workshop with Katherine Raz of The Fernseed. This practical workshop is for small business owners focused on understanding the real financial workings of an independent business. 

This workshop will offer an honest look at the numbers behind running a storefront business, including revenue, expenses, margins, and the operational decisions those numbers inform. Raz opened The Fernseed in 2019 and has become a thoughtful local voice on the realities of small business ownership, commercial corridor conditions, and capital access.  

The session is intended to help entrepreneurs and small business owners better understand how to read the story their numbers are telling, and how that understanding can support stronger decisions around growth, staffing, leasing, and business sustainability. 

Location: Tacoma Public Library, Wheelock Branch 
3722 N 26th St, Tacoma, WA 98407 

Space is limited, registration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pl-show-and-tell-with-the-fernseed-tickets-1986027686272?aff=oddtdtcreator

For questions about this workshop or to request information in an alternate format, contact Dierdre Patterson at [email protected] or (253) 591-5621. 

Access to Capital: Revolving Loan Fund 101

Join the City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development Department on Wednesday, April 29th from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM for a workshop designed to help local businesses understand and navigate the City’s Revolving Loan Fund. This session will provide an overview of the City’s Micro and Gap loan programs and offer practical guidance on how to prepare a strong loan application. 

What You’ll Learn 

• An overview of Tacoma’s Micro and Gap loan programs 
• Key steps in the loan application process 
• How to understand and prepare the required financial documents, including income statements 
• General financing insights applicable beyond City loan programs 

Location: Tacoma Public Library, Wheelock Branch 
3722 N 26th St, Tacoma, WA 98407 

Space is limited. Registration is required. 

Register to attend: https://RLF101.eventbrite.com

For questions about this workshop or to request information in an alternate format, contact Dierdre Patterson at [email protected] or (253) 591-5621. 

Two-Part OMWBE Certification Workshop Series

Two-Part Certification Workshop Series:

The City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) Program, in partnership with the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), invites you to a virtual, two-part workshop series focused on OMWBE certification led by OMWBE Analyst Resie Rogers.

Topics Include:

• Determining if certification is the right fit for your business
• Federal vs. State certification options and which may be best for you
• Learn tips for successfully completing an application
• Identify required documents and how to navigate the application process, including for newer businesses
• Receive expert guidance on certification and the contracting opportunities it can unlock

Virtual OMWBE 101

May 18, 2026 (9AM-10:00AM) 

101 Registration: https://forms.office.com/g/9vXK8EDeLF?origin=lprLink

Hybrid OMWBE 201 Certification

May 28, 2026 (9AM-11:00AM) 

Tacoma Municipal Building, Room 243, or virtually via Zoom

In-person attendance is strongly encouraged, as the goal of this session is for participants to start or complete their certification application during the class. To get the most out of the experience, we recommend beginning your application in advance and bringing any questions or challenges that may be preventing you from moving forward.

Please note: OMWBE 101 is not a prerequisite for attending this session.

Participants will have the opportunity to work directly on their OMWBE certification application and are encouraged to bring the following items:

• Laptop/electronic device to start or complete the certification process
• Capabilities statement if available – for networking opportunity

201 Registration: https://forms.office.com/g/DLVJXimEhM?origin=lprLink

Community members with questions or requests to receive information in an alternate format can contact Linda Cerna at [email protected] or 253 (453) 9488

State Contracting Opportunities & Open House a Recurring Meeting

Department of Enterprise invites you to:

State Contracting Opportunities & Open House a Recurring Meeting

Thursday, March 19, 2026
3:00pm – 4:00pm

Register for the State Contracting Opportunities & Open House

Join us on the third Thursday of every month from 3-4 p.m. for this virtual event where we will discuss a variety of topics, including: an introduction to state contracting; how to find upcoming contracting opportunities; where to get technical assistance; where to find additional training; and, of course, provide time and opportunity for questions and answers.

Additional information

Attend a Spanish version of this event: Oportunidades en Contratación Estatal y Casa Abierta- Reunión Mensual.

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