You are here

Home » Small Business Assistance » Building Opportunities Pilot Program

Building Opportunities Pilot Program

OMWBE presents Building Opportunities—a pilot mentorship program for Washington-based small businesses operating in the transportation and construction industry to hone their skills and knowledge to confidently bid on opportunities.

This mentorship program will comprise of up to 16 mentors throughout the state who are experienced in the industry and well-versed in government contracting. Up to 16 small business owners will have the opportunity to participate in the pilot cohort to learn side-by-side from their mentor’s best practices. The curriculum will be based on feedback received from the small business community, covering topics that will help them secure government contracting and procurement opportunities.

Apply as a Protégé

Timeline

All dates are subject to change.

Protégé Application: Apply Now
Mentor Bid Application: To Be Announced – Bid period planned for early 2026

December 2025

  • Application period opens for Protégés

Early 2026

  • Solicitation posted for bids for Mentors
  • Solicitation posted for bid for Program Administrator

Spring 2026

  • Mentors announced
  • Program Administrator announced
  • Pilot cohort is announced
  • Mentor-Protégé pairings are announced
  • Program begins

Spring 2027

  • Program concludes

Program Goals

Businesses participating in this program will graduate with the core skills and knowledge to confidently source and submit bids for government contracts. With this knowledge, businesses can:

  • Participate in government contracting in the transportation and construction industry
  • Build confidence in networking and building relationships to expand their opportunities
  • Better understand forecasting and financial statements and more

What to expect in the curriculum?

  • One-on-one meetings and consultations with an assigned mentor (virtual and in-person)
  • Creating or updating a business plan
  • Up to 12 months commitment – some pairings may complete their program early
  • Hands-on training for topics such as:
    • Government procurement process training
    • Bid researching and analysis skills with "live" bid support
    • Estimating
    • Change orders
    • Recordkeeping
    • Identifying requirements and risks

Who should apply to the program?

  • Small businesses operating in the transportation and construction industry
  • Small businesses that have been in operation at least 3 full years, with an annual revenue near or above $500,000
  • Financially stable businesses with capacity to bid on 2 RFPs
  • Businesses capable of committing to a 12-month program and other participation requirements
  • Owners who are ready to learn new skills and increase their knowledge of tools that help facilitate business growth

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the expectations for Protégés?

  • Attend scheduled meetings with your mentor throughout the duration of the program
  • Memorandum of Understanding
  • Submit feedback during the program and complete end of program survey
  • Provide basic information about your business including financial information
  • Provide information about bids awarded as part of the program

What if I don't meet all of the requirements?

We still encourage you to apply to the program. If you are not selected, you may let us know if you would like us to put you in touch with resources and connections for your business.

What is the time commitment?

The program allows for some flexibility between the Mentor and Protégé to work out meeting times and training. The program is set up to accommodate that each business is different and unique. Therefore, a minimum of 68 hours must be invested into the program and a maximum of 146 hours is allowed. Not all in the cohort will need the full time allotted, but the time is available according to the learning needs of the Protégé. It will be required that a log and report is documented and submitted to OMWBE from both the Mentor and Protégé to track the learning progress.

What if my business is not certified?

We encourage you to apply for the Building Opportunities Pilot Program even if you are not currently certified with OMWBE. Many government contracting opportunities have goals for small and diverse businesses, and we encourage any business to apply for free certification.

Is travel reimbursed?

If travel is required and meets the necessity, it will be reimbursed according to the Office of Financial Management’s per diem rates found here - Per Diem Rates | Washington State Travel & Lodging

Have questions? Contact us at: outreach@omwbe.wa.gov

Apply as a Protégé