Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program
Applications are currently closed; thank you for all who applied.
The Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program aims to empower leaders of women and minority-owned businesses, along with small enterprises, by giving them the necessary skills and information to grow their businesses, and take important steps towards partnering with the Port of Seattle and other agencies and primes.
This course is designed to select and engage 10-15 small businesses in the following industries: architectural & engineering services, construction, and energy, within the aviation, maritime, and corporate sectors. Specifically launched to engage women and minority owned small businesses (WMBEs) that are prepared to grow, the Accelerator program will help foster the skills needed to take on projects at the Port of Seattle and beyond. During the ten weeks, you will be provided focused material designed and delivered by experts in the field.
It is the Port's mission to respect environmental lands in and around the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and support sustainability while committing to the economic vitality of the Puget Sound Region.
Program Highlights
- Paired 1:1 mentoring with individuals in the field.
- Self-paced lectures followed up by live discussions and Q&A to get all your questions answered!
- Panel discussion held with Port executives.
- Kickoff event to network and build relationships with other businesses and experts.
- Graduation celebration featuring a one-minute highlight video for each business.
Topics Covered: Working On AND Working In Your Small Business
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
When working IN your business, you will:
- Learn the Ins & Outs of the Public Work Procurement System
- Forecast Your Cash Flow & Sales
- Gain New Project Management Skills
- Assess & Improve Your Marketing and Branding Strategies
Seeking applications for the Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program, an extensive free ten-week business development program for minority-owned small businesses in South King County.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 1st - The application takes 5-10 minutes to fill out
- Program Start: Thursday, September 14th
- Program End: Thursday, November 16th
- Graduation event: Thursday, November 30th
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Details
Cost: Free!
Eligibility:
This program is for WMBEs and small businesses who are ready to grow and take on more or bigger projects, including at the Port of Seattle. The ideal candidate will have been in business for a minimum of three years, but ideally more than five, with current revenue around or above $500,000. Businesses focused on construction, architecture and engineering services, energy and industries within the aviation, maritime and corporate sectors will benefit greatly from this program. Self-identified WMBE businesses and businesses in South King County are highly encouraged to apply.
*Must be willing to commit to the full 10 weeks and complete 95% of programing to be eligible for program completion.
Time Commitment: 10 Weeks
- 2-4 hours per week of core on-demand content
- 2 hours live online weekly sessions each Thursday in the evening
- 3 in-person events for networking, panel discussions and your graduation celebration!
Registration and Information:
Where:
- Weekly live and asynchronous learning opportunities, plus three in-person events.
- Links and details provided upon admittance to the program.
When:
- Start: Thursday September 14th
- End: Thursday November 16th
- Graduation event: November 30th
Questions?
To request further information, please contact amandat@businessimpactnw.org
Applications are currently closed; thank you for 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 amandat@businessimpactnw.org.
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 ho.e@portseattle.org 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 2022 we had 56 applicants and 13 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.
September 14th (Kick Off event) October 19th (Mid-session Panel) November 30th (Graduation event). All in-person events will happen between 3-6pm.
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