February 3, 2020
Some of the challenges of being a small business are having to “go it alone,” manage your business with limited resources, and handle all facets of managing a business. The recently opened Tabor 100 Economic Development Hub in Tukwila solves that by giving small, minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses a place to gather and get training and resources. The location is convenient for the minority business community and offers collaborative work spaces and resources to empower, strengthen, and support businesses and their employees.
The resource center opened after years of hard work and support from agencies and organizations like the Port of Seattle. The Port’s Diversity in Contracting staff, Port Commissioner Stephanie Bowman, Port Executive Director Steve Metruck, and Managing Director Dave McFadden attended the grand opening ceremony to celebrate.
Tabor 100 is an association of entrepreneurs and business advocates who are committed to economic power, educational excellence, and social equity for African-Americans and the community at large.
With the opening of the hub, the Port will expand its workshop offerings and resources for small, disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses. The Port has long been a supporter of small business growth and workforce development, and has made contracting with these firms a priority, offering a variety of resources and workshops to help business owners learn about how to do business with the Port. The bimonthly PortGen workshop started in 2016 to teach businesses how to work with the Port in construction and consulting, goods and services, and dining and retail.
“Each of our PortGen workshops are unique and provide the audience an opportunity to learn more about Port policies and procedures while creating an excellent platform for one-on-one networking,” Boyd said.
With the additional space, the Port will be able to offer a broader range of classes and workshops that support small businesses like proposal writing, bonding/insurance, marketing, project labor agreement (PLA), and business development. These workshops may be taught by Port staff or outside consultants. All workshops are free and open to anyone.
“We wanted to provide a space with easy access for businesses, rather than having to come to the airport or Pier 69,” said Small and Disadvantaged Business Coordinator at the Port of Seattle, Tina Boyd. Boyd said this facility will allow the Port to open more resources to give small businesses the opportunity to succeed.
“The Center expands on the technical resources and helps to support the Port’s Diversity in Contracting training strategy for women and minority owned businesses. These resources can really make a difference in helping a small business be successful,” said Port Director of Diversity in Contracting, Mian Rice.
In addition to classes and workshops, the facility also offers private offices, cubicles, and occasional-use desks for rent. Business services will also be offered at subsidized rates, including accounting and tax services, bid and contract assistance, and marketing and website expertise. Training rooms, conference rooms, and large meeting spaces are also available for use. Members can enjoy lunch and learns, speaker series, networking events, happy hours, private offices for low cost rent, and private desks and walk in spaces are also available.
To learn more about the space and to reserve a private office or personal cubicle space, email [email protected]. Packages and costs will be announced soon and will include daily, monthly, or annual choices for space rental, and hourly rates for expert services.
Check out other resources for doing business with the Port:
- Register your business in VendorConnect to allow Port buyers and procurement professionals to learn about your business and receive emails about events and opportunities that will help you prepare to do business with the Port
- See what products and services the Port is planning to purchase in the future
- Watch the videos explaining how the Port buys goods and services, major construction contracts, small works construction contracts, and consulting services
- Email the Port of Seattle's Diversity in Contracting team with any questions about the Diversity in Contracting program
- Check our events page to learn about upcoming workshops and events or visit our PortGen Workshops page
