Apply to the Port of Seattle Business Accelerator
You’ve Built Something Great. Now Let’s Grow It Together.
Running your own business isn’t just a job, it’s a promise to your community. You’ve worked hard to carve out your place in industries that haven’t always made room for women, minority, or disadvantaged business owners. You deserve support that understands your hustle, your barriers, and your potential.
What’s Holding You Back?
Access. Networks. Knowledge. For too many small businesses, these are still locked doors. Maybe you’ve felt stuck—ready to grow but unsure how to reach the next level or land those big contracts.
The Port of Seattle knows this story. That’s why they created a program built not just to check boxes, but to open real opportunities for small and diverse firms.
Imagine If…
You had a team of mentors guiding your next move.
You sat across from decision-makers who wanted to hear your voice.
You found other business owners walking your same path—and winning.
You left each session smarter, stronger, and more ready to succeed than ever.
Why This Program Stands Out
This isn’t theory. This is actionable, practical, boots-on-the-ground support.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
✅ Direct access to Port of Seattle leaders and decision-makers
✅ Hands-on workshops with industry experts who speak your language
✅ Personalized mentorship and feedback tailored to your goals
✅ Collaborative problem-solving with peers in your industry
✅ A better understanding of how to navigate public agency partnerships
✅ Tools and resources to break past roadblocks and build toward contracts
✅ Exposure to $5.6 billion worth of upcoming Port opportunities
Real Businesses. Real Results.
“When I was accepted in the program, I was surrounded by peers who were also trying to do things to grow. Hearing other program members’ experiences maneuvering obstacles gave me ideas that I’ve kept in my back pocket. But learning about estimating, marketing, and growth strategies were all necessities for my business to succeed.”
“I was a part of the program this past year and it was an opportunity for me to network with some primes. Depending on where your business is at, you’ll take different things from it, but I recommend this program for any firm that is established but is still looking for more guidance.”
Who Should Apply?
If your business is:
In construction, engineering, architecture, and/or energy within the aviation, maritime, and corporate sectors
At least 3 years in operation, earning $500K+ annually
Based in or serving South King County communities
A woman-owned, minority-owned, or disadvantaged business (WMDBE), certification not required
…This program was designed for you
The Details You Need
📅 Applications Open: June 1 – June 30
💻 Virtual Info Session: June 13, 2025•Click to Register
🏢 In-Person Info Session: June 20, 2025•Click to Register
✅ 8 Workshop Sessions: Sept.–Dec. 2025, Mostly live and in-person in the Seattle metro area with some virtual sessions online
Apply Now—Because You Deserve a Bigger Seat at the Table
This is your chance to get the tools, visibility, and support you need to grow—with a partner who wants you to succeed.
Submit the quick 5-minute application and one of our team members will reach out to you with next steps.
Apply today, only 12 firms will be selected!
Program Details
- The following primary selection criteria will be heavily weighted, but the Program is not exclusive to businesses that meet each criterion:
- Located in South King County and near-airport communities of Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Federal Way, Tukwila, and Burien
- In business for 3+ years
- $500,000+ in annual revenue
- In architectural & engineering services, construction, energy, and industries related to the aviation, maritime, and corporate sectors
- Defined as a WMDBE (women, minority, and disadvantaged business enterprises)
- Straightforward application that may lead to an interview with the selection team if your business aligns with the Program’s criteria
- Selected applicants interview to discuss more about your business, your needs, challenges, and whether the Program may be a good fit
- A selection panel of diverse business leaders will determine which businesses are invited to join the cohort for the 2025 Business Accelerator
- 8 learning sessions will be held primarily in-person in the Seattle Metro area, must be able to travel for these sessions
Program timeline
- Application open from June 1 through July 6•APPLY NOW
- Virtual informational session June 13, 2025•Click to Register
- In-person informational session June 20, 2025•Click to Register
- Interviews to take place from throughout June and until July 11
- Cohort selections to be announced late July or early August
- Program kicks off in September and concludes in December
Responsibilities
If selected, participants commit to the following:
- Attending 8 in-person learning sessions in the Seattle Metro area
- Complete all program materials and activities as directed
- Participate fully in mentorship and networking activities
- Serve as a positive role model and engage with all program participants, presenters, and staff in a professional, courteous manner