July 7, 2023
The Port of Seattle is proud to present its Business Accelerator Program and Advanced PortGen Workshop Series, both of which will be occurring this Fall. Both are efforts led by the Port’s Diversity in Contracting office to continue building a diverse bench of suppliers and vendors who can advance the Port’s services, efficiency, and sustainability.
Women- and minority-owned business enterprises (WMBE), and small businesses, are strongly encouraged to do one of the following:
- Apply by August 1st to be part of the Business Accelerator Program for an intensive cohort experience to help you scale up your business and the type of government contracts you receive
- Register for Advanced PortGen Workshop Series to learn about the basics of government contracting
Business Accelerator Program
The third annual Business Accelerator will be held in partnership with Business Impact NW. The ten-week intensive training and mentorship program will cover key projects and professional skills that are essential to growing your business. Through the program, businesses will build lasting relationships with industry and agency representatives, while preparing for contracting opportunities at the Port and beyond.
Curriculum topics include working ON and working IN your 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
Advanced PortGen Workshop Series
The Advanced PortGen Workshop Series is presented in partnership with Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center. The five training workshops will cover basic projects and professional skills that are essential to managing your business. Participants will learn how to identify requirements to be responsive, and gather resources to support your efforts in selling to the Port of Seattle and other agencies.
Workshop topics include:
- Government Contracting
- Business Development
- Prevailing Wage
- Bonding and Insurance
- Financial Considerations
Comparison Chart
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Business Accelerator |
Advanced PortGen |
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Style |
Intensive cohort program with expectation to complete core on-demand content on your own time, and participate in weekly 120-minute online discussions and one-on-one meetings with an industry mentor |
120- minute drop-in workshops once a week featuring a presentation |
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Format |
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Application |
Yes; Applications due August 1st |
N/A; Register for each session you are interested in attending |
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Eligibility Requirement |
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N/A |
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Expected Level of Commitment |
Attend 95% of the programming |
Drop-in |
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Duration |
September 14 – November 16 (10 weeks) |
September 12 – October 17 (6 weeks) |
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Schedule |
Thursdays 4-6pm |
Tuesdays 3-5pm |
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Benefits |
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Cost |
Free |
Free |
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Apply to the Business Accelerator Program by August 1 Register for the Advanced PortGen Workshop Series Questions about which training option is best for you? Please email Emily Ho at ho.e@portseattle.org |
