Western’s Small Business Development Center to Host Let’s Get Certified Workshop July 22

Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting the Let’s Get Certified Workshop sponsored by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22 at Western’s SBDC room, located at 115 Unity St., Suite 101 in Bellingham.

This work shop is free and open to the public for any business or private individual thinking of starting a business.

The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises is the lead agency for certifying minority and women-owned businesses, who wish to obtain government contracting opportunities. Although OMWBE is the sole certifying agency for minority, women, and disadvantaged small businesses in Washington state, it is important that business owners be aware of all options when it comes to certifications. Many private sector companies, such as Boeing and Costco, recognize and use OMWBE’s state certified firms for their supplier diversity goals.

 “We are covering the state with 35 workshops from July 20-24, helping small business make a big impact on the economy of Washington,” said OMWBE Director Alexis Oliver.

Western’s Small Business Development Center is part of the most comprehensive small-business alliance in the U.S., with more than 1,000 active SBDC programs across the country. Western’s SBDC receives support from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Whatcom County, the Port of Bellingham, and the City of Bellingham.

Since 1983, Western’s SBDC has given back to the business community and helped to shape the economic future of Whatcom County by providing free, confidential advising, technical assistance, and research to business owners and managers in an effort to help businesses thrive.

For more information, contact Jenna DeRosier at (360) 778-1762, visit http://omwbe.wa.gov/get-certified-events-schedule/ or email SBDC@wwu.edu to reserve your seat.