Events and Training
Access event calendars, courses, and resources to help in your business endeavors!
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:
Capabilities Statements 101
The City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) team is hosting a workshop on Capabilities Statements 101. Learn how to market your business, show your experience and past performance, and communicate what sets you apart from competitors. Join us October 24, 2024, from 2 PM – 3:00 PM, in the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street Tacoma 98402, Room 248, or virtually via Zoom. We have partnered with the Washington State APEX Accelerator to cover the following topics:
Capabilities Statements 101:
- Overview of the City of Tacoma’s LEAP and EIC programs
- Past performance, proof of qualifications and certifications
- What sets you apart from competitors
- How to open doors to new clients and agencies and what you can do for the potential client
- Testimonials from major clients in the commercial and government space
- General Company Information and NAICS Codes
Registration:
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:
Workforce Training Grants Open
Washington state businesses based in Pierce County are invited to apply for Small Business Grants administered by WorkForce Central in collaboration with community partners and stakeholders.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available to eligible companies to invest in workforce development initiatives and procure assets to facilitate business growth and expansion. The aim of the grant program is to strengthen relationships with Pierce County Black, Latino, and Indigenous small businesses to address disparities, strengthen the local economy, grow local talent and create local jobs in Pierce County.
Applications are being accepted and will remain open until funding is exhausted.
To learn more about eligible projects, requirements and the grant process, visit the WorkForce Central website.
SCORE Workshops
Washington state businesses based in Pierce County are invited to apply for Small Business Grants administered by WorkForce Central in collaboration with community partners and stakeholders.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available to eligible companies to invest in workforce development initiatives and procure assets to facilitate business growth and expansion. The aim of the grant program is to strengthen relationships with Pierce County Black, Latino, and Indigenous small businesses to address disparities, strengthen the local economy, grow local talent and create local jobs in Pierce County.
Applications are being accepted and will remain open until funding is exhausted.
To learn more about eligible projects, requirements and the grant process, visit the WorkForce Central website.
MBDA Monthly Events
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 Event Calendars
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: