Training and Business Management Assistance
Ongoing training and business management assistance is available through several resources. For certified businesses, the Equity in Contracting (EIC) team helps to level the playing field when it comes to having an opportunity to secure public works and goods and services contracts. For prime public works contractors, the EIC team can provide assistance in identifying certified sub-contractors who can help you meet the requirements for your project.
For both certified subcontractor and prime contractors, the EIC team offers assistance in obtaining business management and administrative skills by partnering with experienced programs and individuals who in turn share their knowledge and expertise.
Local business training and educational opportunities are available through:
- Washington APEX Accelerator (formerly Washington Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC))
- Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
- Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE)
Training and Workshop Series Topics
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As part of its ongoing work to address disparities for historically underutilized businesses owned by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, the City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) team hosts workshops on Doing Business with the City of Tacoma. The following items are covered:
- An overview of the City’s EIC Program
- The City’s bidding, contracting, and procurement processes
- 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
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As part of its ongoing work to address disparities for historically underutilized businesses owned by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, the City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) team hosts workshops on getting your business certified with the WA State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). The following items are covered:
- An overview of the City’s EIC Program
- Getting to know the OMWBE
- How to complete the OMWBE application
- What documentation is required and accepted by the OMWBE
- How to connect with staff at the City and OMWBE
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As part of its ongoing work to address disparities for historically underutilized businesses owned by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, the City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) team hosts workshops on Technical Assistance and Resources Available to Small Businesses. The following items are covered:
- An overview of the City’s EIC Program
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Consultative Services Overview
- City of Tacoma Small Business Financing
- Washington APEX Accelerator
- Business Impact Northwest Technical Assistance Information
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As part of its ongoing work to address disparities for historically underutilized businesses owned by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, the City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) & Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program (LEAP) team hosts a workshop, Construction 101, in partnership with the Public Works and Environmental Services departments and the Washington State APEX Accelerator. The following items are covered:
- An overview of the City’s LEAP and EIC programs
- Where to find contracting opportunities
- How to sign up to receive notifications for solicitations and upcoming projects
- Writing bids/proposals and how to make your bid/proposal stand out
- Project Forecasting List