Events and Training
Access event calendars, courses, and resources to help in your business endeavors!
OMWBE Certification 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.
OMWBE Intro to Certification 101
May 8, 2025 (9AM-10:00AM)
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
101 Registration: https://forms.office.com/g/XdVbYfLR8y?origin=lprLink
OMWBE 201 Certification (Hybrid)
May 20, 2025 (9AM-11AM)
Tacoma Municipal Building, Room 243, or virtually via Zoom
* In-person attendance strongly encouraged with the intention of completing your application by the end of class if it is possible to start in between 101 and 201 classes it will help facilitate the process and allow for more targeted questions.
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
201 Registration: https://forms.office.com/g/jisvQA71ud?origin=lprLink
Business Taxes Workshop
The City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting Program and the Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program are excited to invite eligible businesses to apply for participation in our upcoming Business Taxes Workshop. This City-sponsored cohort offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your business’s financial knowledge and gain direct, one-on-one guidance from Tai Moultrie, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Co-owner of Higher Than Me (HTM) Consulting, LLC.
This will be a 3-hour informational class that is offered in-person only and will have an application process. This class will be capped at 25 students to allow each student time to work directly with the CPA in the three months following the initial class.
📅May 12, 2025, Initial In person class
🕐 1-4PM
📍747 Market Street Tacoma 98402 Room 248
The class topics include:
- Business Tax Preparation and Compliance
- Financial Management Best Practices
- Business/Personal Expense Management
- Modern Financial Systems and Automation
- Common Tax Filing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Importance of Separating Personal and Business Finances
The ideal candidates are:
- Certified with the Washington State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
- Pierce County Residents or have a business in Pierce County
- In business for 1+ year (with financial history to review with CPA)
- Operate in the construction industry
- Able to commit to the in-person workshop and up to 3 hours per month of additional learning (in-person or virtual) through August
The first class will be held in person on May 12 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Participants will also get access to 45 hours of support from a certified CPA. These hours will be shared across up to 25 participating businesses. In addition to the first class, there will be a monthly time commitment of 3–4 hours from May through August. This includes two more educational classes, which will be held online.
Apply Now to Be Considered
To express your interest and be considered for participation in the workshop, please complete the registration form via the link below:
🔗 https://forms.office.com/g/Vkx6VJaaQ2?origin=lprLink
The applications will be reviewed and scored by the Equity in Contracting Team and the LEAP Coordinator.
For questions, or requests to receive information in an alternate format, please contact Linda Cerna at [email protected] or (253)453-9488.
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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
How to Do Business with King County: Goods, Services & Technology Supplier Orientation
Doing Business with the State of Washington (DES)
King County Contractor Outreach and Networking Event
Curso Comienza Simple Online (ESP) – April 2025
Are You Ready to Export? – Wednesday Webinars [SBA]
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: