Events and Training

Access event calendars, courses, and resources to help in your business endeavors!

No Cost Student Consulting Opportunities through University of Puget Sound

Seeking to move your organization to the next level, solve an intractable problem, or explore change? A University of Puget Sound student strategic consulting team can provide you with evidence-based recommendations. Learn more!

School of Business and Leadership seniors enrolled in our Strategic Management and Consulting Senior Research Seminar work with local businesses and non-profits as consultants to create effective strategies unique to each organization. Research-based strategic recommendations are accompanied by implementation plans and methods to assess the effectiveness of the strategy. There is no cost to the client organizations other than meeting with the students each week (15 weeks) and being transparent about their organization.

While the consulting projects are learning experiences for seniors in Business and Leadership, the program aims to add value to organizations in the community, helping organizations create viable paths to meet their goals. Client feedback reveals that working with student teams improves organizations in meaningful ways, with most clients finding that students exceeded their expectations. The student reflections from past semesters clearly indicate that helping a real organization become more successful is one of the most rewarding experiences of their college careers.

Learn more about the projects and sign up at www.bit.ly/UPSstrategy. First priority will be given to organizations that sign up by January 5. Final decisions will be made no later than January 20, 2025.

Feedback from Past Participants:

Working with student teams improves organizations in meaningful ways, with most clients finding that students exceeded their expectations. For many organizations, the impact is most significant in these areas:

The commitment and weekly meetings help you focus on strategy/accountability to make this work a priority.
The questions the students ask help you think through your choices in new ways.
The research the students conduct provides perspective that you did not have before (sometimes due to lack of resources, sometimes due to lack of expertise in collecting the data). Students conduct both primary and secondary research.
The analysis the students conduct helps you view your organization and the existing (and new) data insightfully.
The report and presentation provide you with a polished presentation and report that you can use in other contexts.

Image of presenter addressing audience wearing business attire.

OMWBE Workshops

The City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) Program is partnering with the WA State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) to host workshops on OMWBE Certification.

This two-part series will inform attendees about the OMWBE certification process and the benefits of being a certified business. During the second workshop, participants will be able to walk through and apply for certification with an OMWBE expert. Both workshops will include a Q&A period.

Once registered, the address and Zoom link will appear on your screen. City staff will follow–up with calendar invitations to hold the space on your calendar.

OMWBE Intro to Certification 101

January 9, 2025 (9AM-10:30AM)

Virtual Only

Topics covered include:

An overview of the City’s EIC Program
Federal and State Certification
Tips on how to successfully complete an application
What documentation is required and accepted by the OMWBE, and what to bring for the follow-up 201 certification workshop
Connect with experts to get started towards becoming a certified business and open your firm up to more contracting opportunities

Registration Link OMWBE 101

OMWBE 201 Certification (Hybrid)

January 23, 2025 (1PM-3PM)

Tacoma Municipal Building, Room 248, or virtually via Zoom

* In-person attendance strongly encouraged

Participants will have an opportunity to start or complete their OWMBE application to become a certified business, and are encouraged to bring the following items:

Laptop/electronic device to start or complete the certification process
Financial statements and paperwork required for certification process

Registration Link OMWBE 201

Image of hands and notebooks at business meeting

LEAP Workshops

Through the City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department, the Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program (LEAP) team is hosting two hybrid informational workshops on December 19, 2024, one from 8 AM – 9 AM and one from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM in the Tacoma Municipal Building, Room 243 and virtually via Zoom.

The following items will be covered:

An overview of the City’s Local Employment & Apprenticeship Training Program (LEAP)
LEAP workforce utilization requirements
How to determine if your employees’ hours will help you meet the LEAP requirements on a City-funded public work or a related service contract
How to locate LEAP-qualified workers
Incentives for meeting LEAP requirements
Penalties for not meeting LEAP requirements

Registration Link for AM Workshop: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMudeqprjIjGNectHWOZNUXqazA-um05tRx

Registration Link for PM Workshop: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEkcemhqTkqG9VrKXP9cERRfUGZcw9ddCVf

For questions about this workshop, or to request information in an alternate format, contact Deborah Trevorrow at [email protected] or (253) 316-3057.

Manufacturing Employee Training Grants Open

WorkForce Central’s Employee Training Grant for Manufacturers offers up to $50,000 to help your business thrive by upskilling employees, boosting productivity, and driving retention. With this funding, you can implement training programs that enhance skills, promote employee growth, and strengthen your overall competitiveness.

Here’s how your business can benefit:

Job retention: Provide meaningful training that leads to higher job satisfaction and long-term employee retention.
Increased employee productivity: Invest in your team by offering training that translates into higher earnings and career progression.

Business growth: Upskill your employees to improve operational efficiency and adopt new technologies.

Why participate?
You, as the employer, determine what type of training/skill enhancements are needed for business and employee growth. This can be from back office to front lines, technology adoption to enhancement, we want to support what your business needs. Training can be conducted by industry recognized training entities, community and technical colleges, or other third-party training providers. This is your chance to invest in your employees and grow your business without shouldering all the cost. You provide the vision; we provide the funding. Join the manufacturing leaders who are building a skilled, dynamic workforce ready for the future.

What’s next?

Applications are now open, and the process is straightforward. Simply submit a proposal. Once submitted we will review and gather any additional information needed for approval. Our aim is to have a decision within 30 days of application. From leadership development to advanced manufacturing technologies, the possibilities are endless, and you can ensure your workforce is ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

Apply Now Employee Training Grants for Manufacturing – WorkForce Central

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

MBDA Monthly Events

Check back for upcoming events coming soon.

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:

Learn more about the Tacoma's business resources:

Events and Training

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