PORT OF SEATTLE
BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
BUSINESS SUPPORT TO TAKE ON PROJECTS AT THE PORT OF SEATTLE AND BEYOND
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
APPLICATIONS FOR THE PORT OF SEATTLE ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED; THANK YOU TO ALL WHO APPLIED
The Port of Seattle free Business Accelerator Program equips leaders of women and minority-owned businesses, and small enterprises, with the skills and information to grow and partner with the Port of Seattle and other agencies.
This course selects and engages 10-15 small businesses in construction, architectural & engineering services, and energy within the aviation, maritime, and corporate sectors. Designed for growth-ready WMBEs, the Accelerator program develops the skills needed for projects at the Port of Seattle and beyond.
Note: Participation does not guarantee work at the Port of Seattle but prepares businesses to partner with the Port and larger agencies.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
1:1 MENTORING
Get paired with industry experts for personalized guidance.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Access self-paced online lectures and materials, then join in-person discussions and workshops.
EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS
Participate in panel discussions with Port executives.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Build relationships with other businesses and experts in the field.
PROGRAM DATES & TIME COMMITMENTS
September 10th-December 3rd
- APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, August 12th (Takes 5-10 minutes to fill out)
- GRADUATION EVENT: Wednesday, December 11th
Participants must commit to the full program and complete 95% of programming, including submitting a completed financial packet.
TOPICS COVERED
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WHEN WORKING ON YOUR BUSINESS, YOU WILL:
- Identify Your Paths for Growth
- Set Attainable Financial Goals For Your Business
- Develop a Growth Mindset
- Network & Build Relationships
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WHEN WORKING IN YOUR BUSINESS, YOU WILL:
- Learn the Ins & Outs of the Public Work Procurement System
- Forecast Your Cash Flow & Sales
- Create and Update Financial Statements
- Gain New Project Management Skills
- Assess & Improve Your Marketing and Branding Strategies
ELIGIBILITY
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IDEAL CANDIDATES
In business for 3-5+ years, with current revenue around or above $500,000.
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STRONGLY ENCOURAGED
All small businesses will be considered. Priority for Self-identified WMBEs and businesses in South King County.
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FOCUS
Construction, architecture, engineering, energy, and industries in aviation, maritime, and corporate sectors
Port of Seattle applications have closed; thank you to all who applied.
FAQ
Please still apply! When applying take the time to answer the questions and give us a thorough picture of your business. Even if you do not meet every eligibility criterion it is possible to be accepted.
All businesses that are in and/or adjacent to Port industries are encouraged to apply as they may benefit from the information. If you are concerned about your business being eligible, please reach out to [email protected].
Airport concession program is separate from the diversity in contracting program which is why the Port Accelerator was created . Find more information about the airport concessions program here. https://www.portseattle.org/page/airport-concessions-disadvantaged-businesses
Businesses are encouraged to apply regardless of if they meet the $500,000 metric. However, we feel that businesses who have revenues around and above $500,000 are in a place to benefit the most from the program.
The Port of Seattle considered the following cities to be S. King County: Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Federal Way, Tukwila, Burien. All Washington businesses are encouraged to apply.
No, there is currently no preference given for graduates. However, those who go through the program will be able to better: understand the process, respond to RFP’s, get on teams, and execute on awards.
In short, there are far more opportunities for construction, architecture and engineering, and other services that support the aviation, maritime, and corporate (e.g. janitorial support services) when considering how the Port spends most of its budgeting. If you have further questions about expanding your footprint as a business that deals in goods at the Port of Seattle, please reach out to Emily Ho [email protected] for more information.
Yes, there are PLA on some of the projects. For more information on PLA’s check here. https://www.portseattle.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/PortGen%20PLA%20%26%20Insurnace%20Deck.pdf
In 2023, we had 65 applicants and 11 participated.
We understand that life happens. It is in your best interest to attend each live session. However, if you must miss a class that does not disqualify you from completing the program. We do ask that you tell us in advance so that we may help you catch up on the information that is missed.
If the Accelerator program is not quite the right fit for you, we have another training program which is geared towards businesses that have little to no experience with government contracting and would benefit from more basic training. There is no application required. Please check that out here. https://washingtonptac.ecenterdirect.com/events/853650
Yes. If you are a leader of a women and/or minority owned business and the eligibility criteria applies to your business, whether or not you are a Port employee, you are encouraged to apply.
The commitment for this program must come from the business owner. This program is designed to benefit business owners. If there are employees of the company who would like to join for a session that has a topic which is applicable to their job role, they are welcome to come along and join a session. However, the commitment for completing the program must come from the business owner.
Yes. Even if you do not meet every eligibility criterion it is possible to be accepted.
Yes, if your business has a headquarters/location within Washington state you are welcome to apply. Please note that sessions will be held IN-PERSON in Seattle and attendance is required to be eligible to graduate.
No. Participation does not guarantee work at the Port of Seattle but prepares businesses to partner with the Port and larger agencies.
