Events and Training

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

S&J Semi truck image
Events and Training Icon

Fleet Decarbonization Accelerator

What to learn more about decarbonizing your fleet?  Through grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Adminstration, companies from the Pacific NW can now join the Fleet Decarbonization Accelerator for practical lessons from fleet management experts.

Applications to the Accelerator are open now.

To learn more, please see:

https://www.breakingbarrierscollaborative.org/

 

Spaceworks Cohort
Events and Training Icon

Spaceworks Applications Open

Spaceworks is seeking creative entrepreneurs who want to grow a thriving business and make a positive impact in Tacoma.Applications for the Spaceworks Incubator close on December 1, 2022. 
Apply Today
What is the Incubator?Since 2010, the Spaceworks Incubator has provided relevant and meaningful business training for first-time business owners, ambitious creative professionals, and folks passionate about making Tacoma a great place to live and work. We serve as a training ground to test new ideas, products, and services with a safety net of technical assistance and mentorship.Who should apply?Creative entrepreneurs, artists, and local brick-and-mortar businesses looking for extra support.What are the benefits?

  • Formal business plan creation
  • Cohort-based training
  • $500 stipend for business services
  • 1-year membership to the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
  • Business portrait or product shots
  • Spaceworks alumni meet-ups and events
  • Support for grand-openings and other major milestones

For Black business owners, we have additional services and programming as part of our Black Business Investment program. Visit the program page to learn more. Program LeadsFor Incubator questions and pre-application reviews (highly recommended!), please contact Jennifer English, Business Training Coordinator: JenniferE@tacomachamber.orgFor the Black Business Investment program, please contact Herschel Wilson, Property and Business Coordinator: HerschelW@tacomachamber.org

Events and Training Icon

MBDA events

[NEW] Operation Entrepreneur – Online [Business Impact NW & VBOC]November 7 – 10 – OnlineOperation Entrepreneur is an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and empower service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses during National Veterans Small Business Week. Join us for a week of webcasts featuring presentations from leading experts of veteran-owned small businesses. The 4-day event will feature opportunities for virtual networking and resource sharing. Gain helpful advice in military-connected entrepreneurship, and discover fellow Veteran-owned, military spouse-owned, and reservist-owned businesses. 

[NEW] Access Equity Open House [OMWBE]November 9, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST & November 16, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PSTThe Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) is hosting an Open House to introduce you to the Access Equity system. We are inviting all leaders, contracts and procurement staff, and DEI professionals at agencies and institutions of higher education to join us this November.

[NEW] State Contracting Opportunities & Open House – Zoom Meeting [WA DES]September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PTOn the third Thursday of the month, the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) facilitates an interactive conversation with state procurement professionals who can provide information and insight on how to do business with the state. Join us for this virtual event where we will discuss a variety of topics, including: Introduction to state contracting; How to find upcoming contracting opportunities; Where to get technical assistance; Where to find additional training; opportunity for questions and answers.

GovCon Coffee & Issues Podcast (With Carroll Bernard & Michael LeJeune) [Govology]First Wednesdays of every month, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDTThis is Govology’s weekly forum where they discuss and solve issues faced by small businesses pursuing government market opportunities. Join us for a live webcast and take part in the conversation. Get feedback on your issue and ask follow-up questions

University of Washington Supplier Orientation [UW]Monthly – see dates below, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PSTThe orientations will provide a learning opportunity to assist in navigating potential business prospects at the University and with other state agencies, as well as educational and other resources to assist businesses. Orientation sessions are virtual and will include representatives from the University and other regional business development agencies.

Public Works Weekly Virtual Training Series [PTAC & MRSC]Tuesdays, November 1 thru 29, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PTThis 5 week training series will provide education to small, minority and women-owned businesses. Each session is led by subject matter experts from the public works sector. Training sessions are scheduled for each Tuesday in the month of November 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm except for the November 8th Fundamental session which will be 3:00 – 6:00. Register for the sessions you would like to participate in by selecting each session on the registration page.

Introduction: November 1, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT

Fundamentals: November 8, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PST

Accounting: November 15, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PST

Bonding: November 22, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PST

Insurance: November 29, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PST

Grow with a Pro [Business Impact NW]Tuesdays, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM PTWhether you are in the idea phase or a growth phase in your business, we invite you to attend our weekly Grow with a Pro coffee chats. You will hear from Business Professionals from Umpqua Bank, Tax-u-Sign, and an Attorney from the Rational Unicorn.Every Tuesday from 9 to 9:45 am Pacific Time, you will get to hear from one of these professionals as they chat about their area of expertise as it relates to current times and we will have an opportunity for a few of your non-confidential questions to get some answers. We’ll even be offering you opportunities to connect with other business owners through these morning coffee chats.

  • First Tuesday of Every Month:Neura Conejo – Banking Professional – Umpqua Bank
  • Second Tuesday of Every Month:Lily Tran – Tax Professional – Tax-u-Sign
  • Third Tuesday of Every Month:Andrew Peoples – Insurance Professional – Parker, Smith & Feek
  • Fourth Tuesday of Every Month:Michael Jonas – Legal Professional – Rational Unicorn Legal Services PC

State Contracting Opportunities & Open House – Zoom Meeting [WA DES]November 17, December 15, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PTOn the third Thursday of the month, the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) facilitates an interactive conversation with state procurement professionals who can provide information and insight on how to do business with the state. Join us for this virtual event where we will discuss a variety of topics, including: Introduction to state contracting; How to find upcoming contracting opportunities; Where to get technical assistance; Where to find additional training; opportunity for questions and answers.

PortGen Accelerator Business Training Program [NWMMSDC & Port of Seattle]September 7th – November 16thThe Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council in collaboration with the Port of Seattle has officially opened applications for the PortGen Accelerator, an extensive two-month business development program for minority-owned small businesses in Seattle!The program launches September 7th and will seek businesses with 2+ years of experience in the construction, A&E, electrical, specialty services and general goods and services industries (Or demonstrate C level experience in similar business). The PortGen accelerator will aim to support businesses in Seattle, South King County, and surrounding areas. Deadline to submit applications will be August 1st.

GovCon Coffee & Issues Podcast (With Carroll Bernard & Michael LeJeune) [Govology]First Wednesdays of every month, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDTThis is Govology’s weekly forum where they discuss and solve issues faced by small businesses pursuing government market opportunities. Join us for a live webcast and take part in the conversation. Get feedback on your issue and ask follow-up questions

Doing Business with the City of Seattle – OnlineFirst Fridays of each month, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PTJoin City of Seattle for “First Fridays” online to meet Purchasing and Contracting staff who are part of purchasing, consultant contracting and construction/public works teams. Three sessions are offered at at once so choose the one you’re interested in!Separate online workshops are available same day in Spanish, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Primer Viernes del mes

PTAC & SBDC First Friday Follow-UpEvery first Friday of each monthEASC/PTAC Friday Follow-up is an open forum, round table for businesses to get answers from your local PTAC counselor. Bring your questions regarding government contracting and learn from knowledgeable Small Business Experts. Janet Toth with the Small Business Development Center will be with us to share her knowledge about growing your business.

Events and Training Icon

Organizational Event Calendars

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:

Events and Training Icon

Organizational Resources

Please explore below to see what resources are offered by the following organizations:

Learn more about the Tacoma's business resources:

Contact the City
of Tacoma Team today

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Translate »