Your local library can be a resource for business planning, marketing, site location and market analysis.
Some libraries even offer free assistance in researching these areas.
Local Tips & Resources
Local governments can include cities, counties or other public entities such as ports or public utility districts.
Types of Opportunities
Local government purchases and projects generally fall into one of five categories:
- Public works: All work, construction, alteration, repairs, or improvements to physical property, other than ordinary maintenance, paid for by a municipality.
- Purchasing: Purchases of goods, equipment, supplies, or materials not connected with a public works project.
- Professional architecture and engineering services: Professional services provided by a consultant that fall under architecture, engineering, land surveying, or landscape architecture.
- Personal services: Technical expertise provided by a consultant to accomplish a specific study, project, task, or other work statement, not including professional architecture and engineering services.
- Purchased services: Services provided by vendors for the routine, necessary, and continuing functions of a local agency, mostly related to physical work.
Assistance with Local Governments
PTAC - The Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is a statewide program headquartered in the Thurston EDC. PTAC offers no cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance in all aspects of selling to federal, state and local governments.
Tips to Remember
Many local government offices will have a point person who can assist small businesses. Contact them directly to find out more about their opportunities.
Resources
Public Libraries
MBDA Business Center - Tacoma
The MBDA Business Center located in Tacoma, Washington is operated by the City of Tacoma. The center is part of a national network of funded centers located in major cities throughout the United States. The center works with minority business enterprises to generate increased financing and contract opportunities and to create and retain jobs.
The program's objective is to provide ongoing, quality assistance to minority businesses with rapid growth potential so that they can achieve greater participation in the development of the nation's commerce. The center provides technical assistance and strategic business consulting to minority business enterprises to generate increased financing and contracting opportunities.
City of Seattle
Learn more about the City of Seattle's Purchasing and Contracting, especially women and minority-owned businesses.
Sound Transit
Click to learn more about the Sound Transit Office of Small Business Development and Labor Compliance.
The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Office - formerly known as the Historically Underutilized Business Office (HUB) - administers Title VI compliance, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Women and Minority Business Enterprise (W/MBE), and SBE Small Business Assistance Programs.
The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a private, non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington. Our mission is supporting effective local government in Washington through trusted consultation, research, training, and collaboration.
Whatcom Women in Business was established in 1978, and is one of the oldest and most encompassing network/referral sources for business women. It is the mission of WWiB to promote a positive image of professional women in business while developing leadership skills, strength through mutual support, mentoring and opportunities for business and personal growth.
The Washington SBDC promotes economic vitality within Washington communities by providing expert business advising, demand-driven training, and applied research to existing businesses and entrepreneurs. The SBDC is a cooperative effort of Washington State University, other educational institutions, economic development organizations and the US Small Business Administration.
Providing technical assistance to Washington State businesses, Washington APEX Accelerator works to give businesses the opportunity to thrive in the government-contracting marketplace. Washington APEX Accelerator's mission is to increase the number of government contracts awarded to Washington firms so that those firms can grow. We provide no cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance in all aspects of selling to federal, state, and local governments. APEX advises businesses on bid reviews, marketing assistance, contract performance, small business designations, and more. APEX hosts procurement training classes and seminars, and helps businesses register with the correct databases in order to compete for government contracts.
Washington APEX Accelerator was formerly known as the Procrurement Technical Assistance Center (Washington PTAC).
The Institute expands the services which the college can offer the tribes, enabling Evergreen to assist local tribes to meet their economic, governance and resource goals. At the same time, the Institute provides additional, real-life learning opportunities for Evergreen students.
Washington State's Business Portal - Business Status, Do Business with the State, Grow a Business, Grants and loans, Business counseling, Licenses, Permits, Inspections.
The Yakima County Development Association will enhance the income, quality of life, and employment stability of Yakima County residents by retaining, expanding and recruiting new business and industry.
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.
Washington APEX Accelerator (formerly Washington PTAC), advises businesses on how to win government contracts and subcontracts. The one-on-one technical assistance includes bid reviews, marketing assistance, contract performance, small business certifications, and more. APEX also hosts procurement training classes and seminars, helps businesses register with the correct databases in order to compete for government contracts, and assists businesses through the government-contracting marketplace.
APEX’s mission is to increase the number of government contracts awarded to Washington firms so that those firms can grow. We provide no cost, confidential, one-on-one technical assistance in all aspects of selling to federal, state, and local governments. With the help of APEX, Washington State companies are awarded $300 million in government contracts each year. When you become an APEX Accelerator client you gain access to experienced counselors who can help you navigate the maze of government contracting. Our services are free as are most of our events and workshops.
