Black-Owned Business Excellence

We've had quite the journey this year. From hosting the first-ever WA Procurement Connect conference to the 14 tree saplings we planted with Gov. Inslee, 2024 was full of growth and connections. In celebration of our shared accomplishments, and to thank our partners, here are highlights to reflect on: ??Launched Capitol.wa.gov, Capitol Campus' very own website! ??Finalized an interlocal agreement for the long-term governance and funding of Deschutes Estuary after it’s restored. ??Consolidated office space as part of Gov. Inslee's directive, in partnership with the Office of Financial Management. We moved resources across multiple agencies, saving over $440,000 for the state! ??Completed the renovation of the Newhouse Building, opening soon. ??Implemented many agency improvements with the goal of strengthening OneDES. We're so grateful for how far we've come, and that we've done so together. Looking forward to more of this in 2025!?????? #OneDES #CapitolCampus #OlyWA #WAleg #SmartGovernment #HappyNewYear

?? Need Funding for Your Business? We Can Help! ??? Struggling to secure capital for your business? You’re not alone! The Capital Readiness Program is here to help entrepreneurs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington access funding, improve cash flow, and make smart financial decisions. ? One-on-one coaching from Certified Advisors ? Financial training & funding preparation ? Open to ALL small business owners ?? Take the next step toward financial success! Learn more today: https://lnkd.in/gwsJdd-9 ?? Tag a business owner who needs this! #SmallBusinessSuccess #GetFunded #Entrepreneurship

The SCORE Greater Seattle Women’s Pitch Contest is designed to help women entrepreneurs build business skills and prepare them to be able to successfully seek funding for their business. Benefits include building skills through training, one-on-one mentorship to help you with pitch development and delivery practice, and feedback on your pitch. #womenentrepreneur #womenownedbusiness In addition to cash prizes for the top competitors, winners will be featured at the Washington Small Business Awards Gala on May 7, 2025 and promoted on SCORE’s website and in the media. https://lnkd.in/gYFHMA9b

Black History Month 2025’s theme is African Americans and Labor. The work of Black people has been incredibly impactful and transformational throughout the U.S., in every sector of business, every profession, field, science, area of infrastructure and more. 2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of the creation of Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, by labor organizer and civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph, which was the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor. Follow this link to learn more about the history and impact of Black Labor: https://lnkd.in/ei7GHSf and visit the links below to find Black History month events in Washington State. Seattle – 2025 Call to Conscience Black History Month Museum February 1 – 28?https://lnkd.in/gS-8Aeiz Seattle – When the Past Meets Your Future: A Celebration of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State (BHS) February 22 | 11AM – 1PM?https://lnkd.in/gVcpyS8F Issaquah – Voices Unbounded art exhibit opening reception February 5 | 6PM – 8PM?https://lnkd.in/gm_WTGzb Tacoma – Black History Month Luncheon at People’s Community Center February 1 | 1PM – 4PM?https://lnkd.in/g5it6Rn3 Spokane – Spokane Black Voices Symposium February 10 | 7PM?https://lnkd.in/gJaK64gx Vancouver – 2025 Black History Month Fashion Show February 8 | 9AM – 6PM?https://lnkd.in/gr7atgpZ

Supplier diversity isn’t just a goal—it’s a movement. ?? Since 2022, the Supplier Diversity Community of Practice (SDCP) has brought together procurement professionals from government agencies in Washington state to turn policy into action and increase opportunities for small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses (SDVBs). How SDCP is making an impact: ?? Membership grew by 11% in just six months (now 287 strong!). ?? Connected procurement professionals from 45 state agencies, 7 higher education institutions, and 13 other jurisdictions (cities, counties, utilities). ?? Provides a space for collaboration, sharing best practices, and real-time problem-solving to remove barriers to state contracting. Why does this matter? ?? When procurement professionals work together, we create real opportunities for SDVBs—and make public contracting more equitable for everyone. After all, small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy. Small businesses in Washington make up 99% of all private enterprises in the state! If you’re a procurement professional committed to supplier diversity, join us! Let’s keep the momentum going. https://loom.ly/61XNlOI #SupplierDiversity #SmallBusiness #WashingtonState #GovernmentContracting #StrongerTogether #LeadershipDevelopment

We are excited to welcome Eden Olsen to FBW25! ?? As the driving force behind Lucky Crow Farm, Eden, and her team grow fresh, local produce for farmers' markets, a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, local restaurants, and a community food pantry. Lucky Crow Farm is revolutionizing sustainable, community-driven agriculture by managing three acres of vegetables on its Monmouth family farm and two urban farm sites. These urban farms in Olsen Communities neighborhoods provide fresh produce directly to the heart of Monmouth and Salem. Join us at FBW25 to hear Eden’s journey, insights on urban farming, and how Lucky Crow is growing more than just vegetables—it’s a growing community! ???? ?? Thursday, February 27 ?? FBW25 – Register Now! ?? https://ow.ly/Wl1Z50V3QhJ #FBW25 #Agriculture #FarmFresh #LuckyCrowFarm #SustainableFarming

You're invited to Denkyem's Investing in Black Communities 365. Let's make real moves to invest in Washington’s Black ecosystem all year long. Join us for a powerful conversation on breaking down barriers and driving real change. Let’s build together. Registration required https://lnkd.in/gCbEFxcV