Small Business Program

Social Responsibility and Small Business

The Port CEO established the Office of Social Responsibility with a mission to “engage with community and internal stakeholders to inspire commitment and assure that all Port business actions are conducted within a framework of socially responsible values such as fairness, inclusion, openness and economic development.”

To advance the Port of Seattle’s mission to create economic vitality in the region, OSR’s major focus has been to ensure equal access and opportunity to all firms that wish to provide products or services to the Port and to specifically support the Port’s goal to develop and expand mutually advantageous business relationships with local small businesses including those owned and operated by people of color, women, veterans and people with disabilities.

We seek the best-valued, highest-quality products and services by encouraging competition among our vendors, suppliers, contractors and consultants.

On January 26, 2010, the Port Commission voted to adopt Resolution 3618. The Resolution includes establishing new size standards and a new certification program for Small Contractor Supplier firms. It also includes key policies and procedures to promote more opportunities for small firms to do business with the Port.

Defining a Small Business

The Port uses industry-specific criteria modeled after the United States Small Business Administration standards to qualify small businesses. Criteria include company size (number of employees), annual gross revenue and principal owner’s net worth. Business must not exceed the SBA for maximum average annual receipts or maximum average number of employee size for the relevant North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industry category or categories.

The Port recognizes or accepts certifications by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises, the Northwest Minority Business Council, or any Women's Business Enterprise National Council affiliate.

Small Business Roster: Goods and Services Only

Small businesses can indicate their interest in doing business with the Port and describe their products and services through our Web tool, the Small Business Roster. Port employees will use this tool to search for firms offering products and services the Port needs.

Contact us -- the Small Business Initiative Team

To find out more about the Port’s Small Business Initiative and the Small Business Roster, contact Tina Boyd at (206) 787-3455, or by e-mail.