Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE)

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The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies small businesses owned and controlled by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged persons. OMWBE certifies business in order to increase contracting opportunities for certified businesses with state and local governments.

In addition to certifying businesses, OMWBE provides support services for state certified businesses in navigating their state certification and to experience the benefits of being certified with OMWBE.

Per state law, OMWBE annually reports spending by state agencies and educational institutions with certified minority- and women-owned businesses. OMWBE also reports state agency spending with veteran-owned firms certified by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and businesses registered in WEBS as Small by the Department of Enterprise Services (DES).

OMWBE participates in the Subcabinet on Business Diversity which promotes equity in the procurement of state contracts with private businesses. This is done through a variety of implementation strategies, from developing the roadmap to contracting equity, to community of practice, to informing the newly unveiled Executive Order 22-01 (Executive Order for Equity in Public Contracting).

Representing

State Government Agency

Meeting Needs

Interested in Meeting with

Resource Partners

Interested in meeting: Small Businesses

OMWBE looks forward to connecting with small businesses owned and controlled by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Whether you are looking to apply for Federal or State certification with our office or are already certified and looking for resources in navigating your OMWBE certification, OMWBE wants to connect with you and see how we can be a resource.

Interested in meeting: Government Representatives

OMWBE offers the Federal DBE and SBE Certification which is a program of the US Department of Transportation. The purpose of these certifications to increase the participation of certified business on projects funded by the US Department of Transportation and other federal sectors. Projects typically include heavy construction, such as building and designing roads, bridges, railroads, ports, and airports. OMWBE offers State Certification which is a program of the State of Washington. The purpose is to enhance business opportunities for certified businesses participating in state-funded projects or working with state agencies, local governments, school districts, and public universities. Projects include any work or product state agencies, or other entities, wish to buy from private companies. This includes a wide variety of different types of businesses, such as construction, consulting, training, translation services, supplies and equipment, and many other industries and services. Additionally, OMWBE offers support services for state certified firms. OMWBE can support you in navigating your state certification and experiencing the benefits, guide you in the next steps to take as a newly state certified firm, and connect you to other resources provided by our partners.

Interested in meeting: Resource Partners

Connection with PartnersConnecting with SubcontractorsBusiness Management support