The Port of Seattle is proud to announce that the 2024 Business Accelerator Program is now open for applications. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. In partnership with Business Impact NW, the Port encourages women- and minority-owned small businesses to participate in the program, which runs from September to December. The Business Accelerator Program supports entrepreneurs in key port industries like construction, architecture, and engineering, helping them to scale their businesses and achieve long-term sustainability.
The 2024 Business Accelerator Program offers attendees access to a robust network of resources, funding, and commercialization expertise. Participants receive personalized guidance tailored to their goals and benefit from training sessions led by industry leaders and experienced mentors. The program also fosters community partnerships among like-minded entrepreneurs.
“With a capital improvement program worth $5.6 billion over the next five years, it is crucial that small minority- and woman-owned businesses are poised for these upcoming opportunities. The Accelerator program provides historically underutilized businesses with the resources and tools they need to scale up and grow, to take full advantage of the robust contracting opportunities available at the Port,” states Mian Rice, Director of Diversity in Contracting at the Port of Seattle.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Port of Seattle to host the Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program this year. This program is instrumental in empowering women- and minority-owned businesses, providing them with essential skills and opportunities to grow,” says Domonique Juleon, the Chief Program Officer at Business Impact NW. The program, now in its fourth year, provides equitable opportunities to small business owners from economically disadvantaged and historically underserved communities.
The Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program is accepting applications now through August 12, 2024. Interested entrepreneurs and start-ups are encouraged to visit the program's official website for more information and to submit their applications.
About Business Impact NW
Business Impact NW is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to serving BIPOC, women, veterans, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, and low-income entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest through financial services, free business coaching, and training. To learn more about our services, visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Operated by the Port of Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves the people of the Pacific Northwest with essential services, access to hundreds of domestic and global destinations, and economic activity that supports tens of thousands of jobs and produces $22 billion in economic activity. SEA has earned the highest U.S. ranking in Skytrax’s World’s Top 100 Airports for the third year in a row, two consecutive years as Best Airport in North America (2022/2023), and a 4-Star Skytrax Rating, focused on customer-centered travel with better services, facilities, and amenities. SEA totaled over 50.8 million passengers in 2023 – down just 1.8% from 2019 – with a forecast to exceed pre-pandemic traveler volumes in 2024. Thirty-five airlines served 93 nonstop domestic and 30 international destinations including Canada, Mexico, and seasonal operations.
Photo above by Keith Williams
Contact
Chris Guizlo | SEA Airport
(206) 787-3433 | [email protected]
Carolina Guzman | Business Impact NW VP of External Affairs
(206) 324-4330 | [email protected]
