Celebrating Success: Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Graduation

The Port of Seattle Year-End Celebration and Business Accelerator Program Graduation was a night to remember! Over three hundred people RSVP’d to attend the event, which brought entrepreneurs, mentors, and community leaders together for an engaging and welcoming evening filled with support and celebration. The event showcased the Port of Seattle’s incredible work and commitment to opportunity through year-end program highlights, future endeavors, and the Business Accelerator Program Graduation.

Recognizing Our Graduates

After 3 months of hard work, dedication, and transformative learning, ten exceptional business owners celebrated their graduation from the Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program.

• Evolve 8– Nancy Goodin
• Green Project Solutions Group LLC– Larry Adeyemi
• Big Mountain Electric Inc– Sarah Hertzel
• Lumank Inc– Huaqi Yin
• Dossier Seattle LLC– Karla Butler
• HH Energy LLC– Ani Hoeng
• Alpha Sharp Development Partners Inc– Leslie Byrd
• BYD Construction LLC– Eileen Walton
• Mike McClung Construction Company– Kelson McClung
• Industry Erectors– Larry Jacquot

This program, hosted in partnership with Business Impact NW, was designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive contracting market.

Mian Rice, Port of Seattle Diversity in Contracting Director, said,

“Working with this cohort was phenomenal. I could not be prouder of them. The continued partnership and support given to us at the Port and small businesses out there have been awesome.”

Highlighting the Port’s Commitment to Growth

The evening began with a presentation by the Port, celebrating the year’s achievements and highlighting upcoming projects, key initiatives, and progress toward creating more opportunities for contracting as a small business. Special guest speaker, Port of Seattle Executive Director Stephen Metruck, delivered a keynote, emphasizing the Port’s role in expanding contract opportunities through growing projects and supporting local entrepreneurs through these opportunities.

“It is through our programs that we are intentional in our efforts to extend partnerships with small businesses,” Stephen Metruck states.

Upcoming Opportunities

The Port provided an overview of upcoming contract opportunities and highlighted the importance of partnerships. Key initiatives discussed included ongoing projects in the Aviation sector, such as HVAC and water main improvements. Additionally, design services contracts for various facilities will be open for proposals in the first to third quarters of 2025.

Maritime projects, which involve collaborations with the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the Homeport of the North Pacific Fishing Fleet, and opportunities in Maritime Industrial and Innovation, will begin in 2025. These contracting opportunities will encompass habitat restoration, building improvements, dock repairs, and more.

Emily Ho, the Engagement and Training Program Manager, presented consulting, human resources, construction, and other opportunities for small businesses to partner with the Port of Seattle. Lastly, the briefing highlighted upcoming training programs to promote ongoing learning and access for companies interested in securing contracts with the Port of Seattle.

Business Accelerator Program Graduation

Continuing with the presentation, Emily Ho led right into the introduction of Business Impact NW’s CEO, Joe Sky-Tucker. A partner of the Port of Seattle for the Business Accelerator Program, Business Impact NW is dedicated to serving small businesses through access to capital, training programs, business coaching, and more. Thanking the Port of Seattle for its involvement, Joe says,

“The Port’s commitment has proven, time and again, not just to be a charitable act but profitable for everyone involved. As an organization, we are deeply committed to supporting those  who are running small businesses, who need access to great technical assistance, networking opportunities, and access to capital.” He adds, “That commitment is going to stand today, 1 year from now, 5 years from now, 10 years from now, and I just want to thank the Port, their leadership, and their commitment to small business. “

Taking center stage, Emily highlighted the achievements of the cohort participants, who gained knowledge, built connections, and honed the skills needed to elevate their businesses. She introduced each graduate, sharing individual highlights of their journey and dedication. Upon receiving their certificates, each graduate proudly posed for a photo with Joe Sky-Tucker and Mian Rice, garnering applause and cheers from all in attendance.

Dossier Seattle owner Karla Butler emotionally detailed how supportive the cohort has become. She states,

“The community that we got with other participants- we have all decided that we are going to be friends and are already setting up times to share experiences and advice.” Karla adds Just the support that we got from Business Impact NW and the Port of Seattle, I felt seen, and it was wonderful.”

Haqui Yin, the owner of Lumank,

“The cohort was inspiring and a warm, collaborative session. I feel like everyone here wants us to be successful, to be able to gather resources, to develop and grow, and to interact with mentors. I was very impressed with the last session, where there were guests who had attended the cohort previously.”

Building Connections

With the beautiful atrium adorned with holiday decorations and cascading lights, a festive tone for the nighttime networking event was on full display. Multiple vendors lined either side of the ample space, with refreshments provided by Business Impact NW client, Central Café and Juice Bar. Graduates, mentors, and guests mingled during the lively session that perfectly capped off the end of the evening.

Ani Hoeng of HH Energy LLC says,

“The networking was phenomenal, as well as connecting with other small businesses and bouncing ideas off one another.”

The atmosphere and refreshments fueled conversation and connection. Graduates used the opportunity to engage with their mentors, explore potential collaborations and contract opportunities, and discuss future endeavors. They shared experiences and insights into what they had learned over the last 3 months and engaged with multiple vendors throughout the evening.

Looking Ahead: Ready to Make Their Mark

Through the Business Accelerator Program, the graduates have gained the connections and skills to overcome challenges they may face as business owners. From understanding Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to contract procurement to understanding key legal and business strategies, the program has prepared them for success. The participants are leveraging their knowledge to continue to explore and navigate contracts more in-depth and effectively as they grow and scale their businesses.

Leslie Byrd from Alpha Sharp Development Partners states,

“The program reframed how I will respond to RFPs. Now, I know a better way to approach them and find them. It also helped present ourselves as a team and with external partners.”

Ani Hoeng, from HH Energy adds,

“Knowing how important a business attorney is, is one of the biggest things when dealing with contracts.”

A Moment of Gratitude

We thank the mentors, the instructors, and participating businesses who generously shared their time and expertise throughout the Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program. Their support was crucial to the success of this program. Special thanks to the following businesses for their involvement:

• Mentor Businesses: Turner Construction, PCL Construction, JTM Construction, HSW Construction, HNTP, WSP Construction, Rolluda Architects, Hensel Phelps Construction, Hoffman Construction, Mortenson Construction
• Guest Speakers: John Wellons, Tin Nguyen, Angela Peterson, Delmas Walker, Darci Henderson, Debbie Wilson, Catherine Mirkin, Tricia Lewis
• Guest Business Instructors & Panelists: All Things HR, Moss Adams, AG Washington Web, Treble Interiors, Insurance Lynnwood, Law Office of Lauren Burgon PLLC, US Bank

As the Business Accelerator graduates continue their entrepreneurial journeys, the Port of Seattle and Business Impact NW remain committed to supporting their success and the success of future participants. Focusing on fostering economic development within the small business community, the collaboration will continue to drive e access and increased opportunities for Seattle-area businesses.

Click here to learn more about contracting opportunities through the Port of Seattle.

For more information on how your business can benefit from programs like the Business Accelerator, click here.