Diversity in Contracting's Quarterly Newsletter

Diversity in Contracting

March 2021 | Q1

Small Business Training Series Goes Beyond the Basics

The Port recently finished a six-week series of small business training workshops with topics that included technical assistance, business consulting, capacity training, bonding assistance, and more! Community feedback has been positive and similar programs are in development.

PortGen Seminars Help Open Doors to Port Opportunities

When Debbie Lam heard about the Port of Seattle’s PortGen program in 2019, she jumped at the chance to take part. “PortGen paves the way for people who have no idea how to work with the Port of Seattle... PortGen opens doors to work with the Port, so why not walk through?”

Helping Small Businesses Dream Big

The Northwest Mountain Minority Suppliers Development Council, led by Fernando Martinez, is laser-focused on creating equity between qualified minority businesses and Fortune 500 corporations, regional corporations, and public agencies like the Port of Seattle. Mr. Martinez recently sat down with us to answer a few questions about his organization with tips for small/WMBE businesses.

Port's Efforts to Diversify Contracting Remain on Course

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted economic activity, the Port remains committed to diversity and inclusion in contracting. Our WMBE utilization numbers through quarter three of 2020 are indicative of the hard work of employees across divisions, the efforts of partners in the community, and WMBE businesses staying engaged.