December 5, 2023
On November 30th the Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program concluded with a graduation ceremony at Port of Seattle Headquarters at Pier 69. A diverse group of business owners, mentors, supporters, and industry leaders gathered to celebrate the months of hard work and dedication of our graduating cohort.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING
The event started with a reception where attendees talked and connected over light refreshments catered by Business Impact NW client Central Cafe & Juice Bar—a WMBE-owned eco-conscious cafe located in Central District of Seattle.
The program included insightful remarks from key speakers. Mian Rice, Director of Diversity in Contracting, took the stage to welcome the audience and set the tone for the evening. He introduced Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins, who praised the hard work of the small business owners and acknowledged the struggles they face, speaking from personal experience. The Commissioner spoke about the need for innovation, the shift to a clean energy and green economy, and the crucial role of small businesses that can offer more flexibility and creativity than their larger counterparts. Commissioner Calkins also addressed diversity in contracting, stating:
“Programs like this are a concrete way that we say there is upstream work that needs to happen. So that the dollars we spend in contracting will be truly representative of our community.”
Next, Port of Seattle Executive Director, Steve Metruck highlighted the Port's commitment to the "triple bottom line": operating gateways successfully, ensuring sustainability, and creating economic opportunities equitably. The Executive Director reflected on the long-lasting impact of the Port’s projects and looked forward to “expanding partnerships with women and minority-owned businesses.”
CEO of Business Impact NW, Joe Sky-Tucker took the stage expressing gratitude to the Port of Seattle, mentors, and the organization’s staff. He spoke about the pride he feels working with small business owners, recognizing the inherent challenges they face, and the "irrational confidence" required to run a small business. Sky-Tucker invited business owners to feel the excitement that surrounds the various projects and contracting opportunities facilitated by the Port.
Remarks concluded with Emily Ho, Community Engagement and Training Program Manager at the Port. Emily expressed deep gratitude to Joe Sky-Tucker and the entire Business Impact NW team for their partnership in making the program possible. She emphasized the role played by industry mentors - a unique aspect of the accelerator program, and individually recognized and appreciated them.
Emily praised the cohort, acknowledging the significant time investment from each participant, and expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in the program. She shared glimpses of each one of the incredible entrepreneurs, as they brought unique strengths and perspectives, from business strategy and advocacy for minority businesses, to collaboration, innovation, and community building.
THE GRADUATES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
An integral part of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of videos - one for each entrepreneur. They provided insight into the journey of each business owner and showcased the diverse talents within the program.
As the videos concluded, the distribution of certificates began, and each graduate business owner ascended the stage to receive their diploma. This represented not only the conclusion of a program but the beginning of promising entrepreneurial journeys. There was a clear feeling of accomplishment and pride in the room.
After receiving their diplomas, the graduates, mentors and speakers gathered for some official photos on the stage. These pictures capture a special moment of all the graduates standing together.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND CONNECTIONS
Following the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to continue networking. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with ideas being exchanged and congratulations being shared. The event was a celebration of accomplishments, connections made, and the power of collaboration.
As we reflect on this inspiring evening, we look forward to the continued success and growth of the businesses that have emerged from the Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program.
