Events and Training
Access event calendars, courses, and resources to help in your business endeavors!
Notice of Funding Availability - City of Tacoma
The City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department has released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
An application for grant funds is now available to organizations seeking funding in the following categories:
· Home Repairs to Tacoma Homeowners
· Economic Development via Assistance to Microenterprises
The application for funding and a funding information packet are available at:
Completed applications are due Monday, November 29, 2021 by 5 PM.
The Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority will host a NOFA workshop for potential applicants Wednesday October 27, 2021 from 11:00 AM-noon. Staff will provide summary information about the NOFA process and an opportunity for Q and A. You can access the workshop at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88021959932?pwd=Z1ozL1YvUGorWFdsL2E2dldXQUdFUT09
Dial in: (253) 215-8782 (Meeting ID: 880 2195 9932 and Passcode: 165239)
If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Burbidge at the City of Tacoma Community and Economic Development Department – Housing Division at hburbidge@cityoftacoma.org.
Equitable Innovations Accelerator
Find Ventures, a Washington state-based nonprofit whose mission is to fund entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, today launched a new Equitable innovations Accelerator to fuel the start-up community at the earliest stage of business development. This program aims to make “entrepreneurship for all” a reality by prioritizing entrepreneurs from underserved and historically marginalized communities.
The Equitable Innovations Accelerator is a first-of-its-kind program to provide 10 technology start-ups with up to $100,000 in non-dilutive philanthropic grants, programming and access to mentors and coaches.
The Equitable Innovations Accelerator will run through 2022. Find Ventures has contracted with the Washington Technology Industry Association to support the programming of the accelerator.
Application information events: Dec. 6 and Jan. 14
The application for the Equitable Innovations Accelerator can be found at www.findventures.org/equitable-innovator-accelerator/. Business founders and entrepreneurs who may have experienced difficulty gaining access to traditional sources of capital are especially encouraged to apply. Two optional information events are scheduled for prospective applicants: Dec. 6 and Jan. 14, 2022. Find the registration links here: www.findventures.org/equitable-innovator-accelerator/.
Financial support for the Equitable Innovations Accelerator Fund is currently being secured from private donors and will be distributed to start-up founders through the accelerator program. “Donating to the Find Ventures Founders Fund will ensure that equitable investment opportunities for Washington’s entrepreneurial community is accessible to all,” said Justin Brotman, co-founder of Find Ventures. Fundraising efforts are underway to finalize the fund. Potential donors are encouraged to visit https://www.findventures.org/equitable-innovator-accelerator/.
November - Global Entrepreneurs Month
November 1-30, 2021. The Washington State Department of Commerce is hosting more than 50 on-line classes, workshops and interactive sessions through November. From financing and hiring to marketing and exporting, there is something for everyone whether you’re a first-time business owner or a seasoned professional who needs to rebuild, recover and restart. In addition to the live sessions, pre-recorded content and the State’s Entrepreneur Academy (11 free courses) are available on-demand.
- Register for Global Entrepreneurship Month at http://bit.ly/wa-gem .
Pierce County Business Accelerator
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Spaceworks Incubator Applications
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MBDA events for November
[NEW] Dissecting a WSDOT RFQ [MBDA & PTAC]November 30 – December 1, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM PSTThis workshop provides the information and tools to extract the important parts of an RFQ and create useful tools for future RFQs and RFPs. You will gain a deeper understanding of what’s needed to deliver a compliant and responsive proposal in the Government Marketplace. We will be dissecting an actual RFQ which was issued by the Washington State Department of Transportation. We will provide several tools to assist you with the proposal process now and in the future. This is a great opportunity to learn how to get ready to grow in the government procurement market.
Small Business Resources for Preparedness, Relief, Recovery, and Resiliency [SBA & PPSI]
Every other Wednesday, September 29 – December 22, 11:00 AM PT
The SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute have teamed up to provide small business owners and leaders with a series of webinars that will cover resources to help small businesses grow and thrive. These sessions will take place every two weeks on Wednesdays. Subscribe for in link above for regular updates about these events and registration.
Grow with a Pro [Business Impact NW]
Tuesdays thru December 2021, 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM PDT
Whether 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, Farmers Insurance and an Attorney from the Rational Unicorn.
Every Tuesday from 8:30 to 9:15 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.
See registration links below:
- First Tuesday of Every Month: Jim Stephens – Banking Professional – Umpqua Bank
- Second Tuesday of Every Month: Lily Tran – Accounting Professional – Tax-u-Sign
- Third Tuesday of Every Month: Robert Soliman – Insurance Professional – Farmers Insurance
- Fourth Tuesday of Every Month: Michael Jonas – Legal Professional – Rational Unicorn Legal Services PC
Let’s Talk Inclusion – Leadership Roundtable [SCORE]
Last Tuesday of each month, thru December, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PT
Join this collaborative conversation to: 1) Expand Your Perspectives, 2) Reflect & Connect, and 3) Learn to Apply New Skills on the topic of Equity & Inclusion. During this recurring monthly meeting, on the last Tuesday of each month, from 12 noon to 1 pm (PT), participants will enjoy Videos from Community & Business Leaders, engage in Poll Questions, and actively engage with others on a Journey to create “Inclusion for All”.
University of Washington Supplier Orientation [UW]
November 8, December 9
The 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.
PTAC & SBDC First Friday Follow-Up
Every first Friday of each month
EASC/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.
How to Sell on Amazon: Amazon Small Business Academy
Amazon is hosting a series of webinars designed for small business owners and their employees to hear best practices for successful selling in Amazon stores. Each webinar will include an interactive Q&A session. Click here to see all webinars.
Maritime Blue Accelerator
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Cash Reigns Supreme Webinar
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2021 Free Tax and Licensing Workshops
The City of Tacoma offers a series of free tax and licensing workshops for Tacoma business owners and tax preparers.
Click here to view upcoming workshop dates and register.
Completed presentations will be uploaded to the City’s webpage.
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:
- 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
- The Washington State Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Event Calendar
- Washington Center For Women In Business Event Calendar
- Invista Performance Solutions Courses
- Veterans Business Outreach Center Region X (Business Impact NW) Courses
- Economic Alliance Snohomish County
Organizational Resources
Please explore below to see what resources are offered by the following organizations:
- Washington State Business Hub
- Pierce County Libraries (Job And Business Center) Resources
- Access with Pierce County Library Card
- Tacoma Library Business Resources
- Access with Tacoma Library Card
- City Of Tacoma Office Of Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
- Contact: Carrie Lynn Phone: 253.591.5224 Email: clynn@ci.tacoma.wa.us
- City Of Tacoma Business Marketing Data Services
- Contact: Carol Wolfe Phone: 253.591.5384 Email: cwolfe@cityoftacoma.org
Contracting with the City of Tacoma
LEARN ABOUT:
City contracting practices
Product & Services that the City buys
The City of Tacoma Equity in Contracting Code
Small business technical assistance/resources
How to complete WA OMWBE certification
WHEN:
Last Monday of every month starting in January, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. One hour with an optional 30 minute certification session. Use the link below to attend.
https://zoom.us/j/92866513610?pwd=dU42a2lHbEd6L3Ayd3lpUUZONlI0UT09
Learn more about the Tacoma's business resources: