Events and Training
Access event calendars, courses, and resources to help in your business endeavors!
Revolving Loan Fund 101 Workshop
Revolving Loan Fund 101 Workshop
đ Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
đTime:Â 2:00â3:30 PM
đLocation: Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St, Room 243 | Hybrid (in-person encouraged)
The City of Tacomaâs Community & Economic Development Department is hosting an informational workshop on the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). This session will explain how the RLF works, who is eligible, loan terms, and how to apply.
In addition to an overview of the program, attendees will gain:
- Insights into the underwriting process and how loan decisions are made.
- Guidance on submitting a strong application, including key documents and information to prepare.
- Considerations for businesses pursuing financing, such as readiness, repayment planning, and how loan funds can support growth.
The workshop will also include time for questions with City staff. While the session is hybrid, in-person attendance is strongly encouraged to support direct discussion and engagement. Attendance is free with registration.
Register here: RLF101.Eventbrite.com
Join us! Tacoma Water New Operations Facility-- Subcontractor Outreach
đ Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
đTime: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
đLocation: TPU Auditorium 3628 S. 35th Street Tacoma, WA 98409
General Project Information:
The project will consist of design, procurement, and construction services for a new, approximately 45,000sf warehouse/shops building. The new building will be located on the existing site and will be constructed adjacent to the existing Water Operations Building while the current warehousing and shop operations continue to function.
Delivery Method: Progressive Design-Build
Bid Packaging Scopes: Demolition, Underground Utilities, Excavation, Asphalt, Signage, Drywall, Painting, Masonry, Reinforcing Steel, Framing, Glazing, Handrails and Guardrails, Roofing, Insulation, ACT Ceilings, Carpet and Ceramic Tile, Flooring, Finished Carpentry, Roller Shades, and Supply and Install Restroom Accessories
Whoâs Invited: All Certified Small Businesses: MBE, WBE, SBE, Veteran-Owned, and Local Pierce County Businesses
Registration is encouraged. To register, please email Stephanie Caldwell, Small Business Program Administrator: [email protected]
The City of Tacoma Hosts Industry Leaders for âAccess to Capitalâ Panel Discussion and Q&A Session
The City of Tacoma Hosts Industry Leaders for âAccess to Capitalâ Panel Discussion and Q&A Session
- City of Tacoma is hosting an âAccess to Capitalâ Panel to help small business owners, start-ups, and entrepreneurs better understand and navigate financing opportunities.
- This discussion is designed to empower small business owners by connecting them with critical resources and expert insights into financing opportunities.
- Technical assistance providers will share insights and answer questions about funding sources, loan readiness, and strategies for business growth.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from experts and connect with partners and other local business owners who can support their business journey and share their experiences.
Event Details:
- đ Date: October 27th, 2025
- đ Time: 2PM-5PM
- đ Location: Tacoma Public Utilities Auditorium
- đ˛ Cost: Free and open to the public
Panel Highlights:
- Real-world advice from lending and funding experts
- Q&A with panelists
- Information on local resources and programs
- Networking with other entrepreneurs
This event is ideal for anyone interested in understanding funding options and financial empowerment. Attendees will gain actionable advice, valuable contacts, and direct access to programs that can support business success.
Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/g/ahr6chEm4J?origin=lprLink
For questions about this workshop or to request information in an alternate format, contact Linda Cerna at [email protected] (253) 453-9488.
Grit City Connect: Construct Your Future
A networking event co-hosted by City, Parks, and Schools
Details:
đ Date: September 25, 2025
đ Time: 9AM-12PM
đ Location: Eastside Community Center: 1721 East 56th Street Tacoma, WA 98404
This forum is designed to:
- Facilitate meaningful engagement between prime contractors and potential subcontractors.
- Share insights into upcoming projects and procurement
- Empowering small businesses by offering technical assistance that addresses the common barriers to capacity building and sustainable growth.
- Promote networking and partnerships within our contracting community so do not forget your capabilities statements!
Donât miss this opportunity to connect directly with public agency staff, prime contractors, and technical assistance providers!
Grit City Connect: Subcontractors Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/g/bKYNLZSeYu?origin=lprLink
If you are a Prime Contractor or provide Technical Assistance in the Public Works arena and you are interested in having a table please contact: Linda Cerna at [email protected] or call her at 253-453-9488. Space is limited and we will close the registration window as it fills.
If you have any questions, please email:
Attn: GCC
Department of Enterprise Services-- Open House
Department of Enterprise Services has an open house every 3rd Thursday of the month, next 1 is August 21st
Oportunidades en ContrataciĂłn Estatal y Casa Abierta Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
(V) The WASHINGTON EDGE: Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity pilot programâs goals are to prepare small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to bid and perform work as Prime Contractors on Washington state public works projects/contracts. Below is the link for the EDGE Program webpage, which provides the programâs purpose, eligibility requirements, program components, and sign-ups! Please SPREAD THE WORD about our EDGE Program! đ
(I) The first and important step is to register in Washingtonâs Electronic Business Solution (WEBS), which is Washington Stateâs vendor self-registration and solicitation notification system, where you will get notified of upcoming public works projects which your business can bid on. I have enclosed the WEBS Vendor Guide Manual, which outlines the steps on how to navigate through WEBS. Below are links which you may also find helpful with regard to WEBS:
Active Contract Search (wa.gov)
Register for Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS)
DES Open House – Every 3rd Thursday 3PM: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/state-contracting-opportunities-open-house-tickets-388925164637
If you have any further questions, issues, or problems with WEBS, please contact our WEBS Customer Service Specialists at [email protected]Â or (360) 902-7400.
Furthermore, if you or anyone you know will like to get certified as a minority- and/or women-owned business, please reach out to the WA Office of Minority and Womenâs Business Enterprise Services:
Main Office: (360) 664-9750
Toll Free: (866) 208-1064
Email: [email protected]
Website: Office of Minority and Womenâs Business Enterprises
And, if you or anyone you know will like to get certified as a veteran-owned business, please reach out to the WA Department of Veteranâs Affairs:
Central Office: (360) 791-1788
Toll Free: 1-800-562-2308
Email: [email protected]
Website: Home | WDVA (wa.gov)
For Construction/Public Works Companies only:
The DES Public Works Business Diversity Programâs goal is to increase opportunities for Washington State small, minority, women, and/or veteran-owned businesses in public contracting. Below are a couple of links which provides an overview, details, and information about our Program:
Public Works Business Diversity Program | Department of Enterprise Services (DES) (wa.gov)
Path to Achieving Equity in State Contracting and Procurement (wa.gov)
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
Learn more about the Tacoma's business resources: