Events and Training
Access event calendars, courses, and resources to help in your business endeavors!
WTIA Founder Cohort 12
Applications are now open for the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) Founder Cohort 12.
WTIA Founder Cohort program helps approximately 20 venture-scale, seed-stage startups grow and scale over the course of 6 months. The program blends virtual and in-person elements and is open to early stage tech startups based in Washington. WTIA and their partners will provide founders with a roadmap that will help guide them through their next milestones as they navigate increasing revenue, securing investment, and growing the team.
Applications are due November 25th
Learn more about the program here:
E-Contractor Academy
The City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) Program has partnered with Emerald Cities Collaborative to launch its first completely in-person E-Contractor Academy taking place in Tacoma. The E-Contractor Academy aims to provide the information, resources, tools and connections so that diverse-owned construction firms may grow via clean energy and sustainable building projects. The Academy and all support services are offered free of charge to participants. Applications are now open and will close by October 15.
Academy Dates: October 22 – November 19, 2024 (Tuesdays from 3-5pm)
Location: Mi Centro – 1208 S 10th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Application Deadline: October 15th
More Information
Apply Now
Construction 201
As part of its ongoing work to address disparities for historically underutilized businesses owned by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, the WA Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), in partnership with the City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) program, is hosting a Construction 201 Workshop.
This class is intended to inform contractors on the next steps after being awarded a project with the City of Tacoma. Topics include a quick recap of the bid process, followed by a deep dive into administrative processes, items required prior to stepping foot on a project site, requirements after a project starts, and closing out of the project. Staff from the Public Works department will be leading this interactive conversation. The class will be offered in a hybrid format, and will take place on Tuesday November 5th, 2024, from 1:00PM – 3:00PM. The in-person portion of the class will be at the Tacoma Municipal Building Room 747 Market Street Tacoma, 98402. If attending virtually, the zoom link will be emailed to you upon registration.
Registration Link:
Doing Business with the City of Tacoma
The City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) and Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program (LEAP) are hosting a workshop on Doing Business with the City of Tacoma. Join us in learning about purchasing, contracting opportunities, permitting, and insurance requirements necessary for doing business with the city. The class will be held November 21, 2024, from 9 AM – 10:30AM , in the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, Tacoma 98402, Room 243 or virtually via Zoom. There will be a Q&A period at the end, and the following items will be covered:
- An overview of the City’s LEAP and EIC Programs
- The City’s bidding, contracting and procurement process
- How to find solicitations
- Registering to be on the City’s “Bid Holders List”
- What the City of Tacoma purchases
- What it means to be a certified business, and why it is important
- Business licenses required to work in the city, costs associated with licensing, insurance, bonding, and taxes.
Registration Link:
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:
- William Factory Small Business Incubator Calendar
- Washington State L&I Workshops and Training Center
- Minority Business Development Agency Event Calendar
- 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: