Port of Seattle Business Accelerator
Applications for the 2025 Cohort are now closed, thank you to all who applied!
The 2025 Business Accelerator Program is a comprehensive business development initiative designed to empower women, minority, and disadvantaged business enterprises (WMDBEs) to grow their capabilities and successfully compete for government contracts, particularly with the Port of Seattle.
What Will Participants Learn?
The accelerator curriculum is tailored to address the real-world challenges facing diverse businesses, including*:
Financial Management & Growth
- Cash flow management and training
- Access to capital and financing strategies
- Bonding requirements and processes
Business Development
- Strategic growth planning
- Market analysis and opportunity identification
- Networking and relationship building
Government Contracting Excellence
- Understanding government procurement processes
- Proposal writing and competitive bidding
- Compliance and regulatory requirements
Operational Excellence
- Project management best practices
- Quality control and delivery standards
- Risk management strategies
Program Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Expert Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced industry professionals
- Peer Network: Connections with other diverse business owners facing similar challenges
- Direct Access: Opportunities to connect with Port of Seattle procurement staff and prime contractors
- Practical Skills: Immediately applicable tools and strategies for business growth
- Industry Recognition: Graduation ceremony and professional certificates
- Ongoing Support: Extended tracking and support for continued growth
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.”
Partnership Excellence
Port of Seattle is committed to creating opportunity for all while supporting diverse business growth. As one of the region’s largest economic engines, the Port offers significant contracting opportunities across aviation, maritime, and corporate sectors.
Northwest Mountain MSDC brings decades of experience in supplier diversity and business development to this program. As a leading advocate for minority and women-owned businesses, NWMMSDC understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing diverse enterprises.
Program Goals
The 2025 Business Accelerator Program aims to:
- Increase Contracting Capacity: Help participating businesses secure sufficient bonding and financing to compete for larger contracts
- Build Sustainable Partnerships: Foster long-term mentor-protégé relationships that continue beyond the program
- Expand Market Access: Connect diverse businesses with Port of Seattle opportunities and broader government contracting
- Strengthen Business Fundamentals: Provide practical skills in financial management, operations, and strategic planning
- Create Lasting Networks: Build connections between participants, mentors, and industry partners
- Drive Economic Impact: Contribute to the growth of diverse businesses in the Puget Sound region
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 June 30
- Virtual informational session June 13, 2025
- In-person informational session June 20, 2025
- 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
*Program curriculum may change or be different from public-facing materials.