Port Accelerator Cohort Hub
Welcome to the 2025 Port Accelerator Cohort Hub!
This is an exclusive space for the participants in the 2025 Port Accelerator program. This is where we will post meeting dates and locations, reminders, additional presentation materials, and other important program information. You’ll also find a member directory of all cohort members and a forum for connecting with your fellow participants.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Grayson Martin directly at gmartin@nwmmsdc.org
Port Accelerator Schedule
Kickoff Session - Port of Seattle Orientation
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Location: Port of Seattle
Leaders: Emily Ho and Grayson Martin
Description: Join us for an engaging introduction to the Port of Seattle and our Business Accelerator Program. Meet your cohort, learn about program expectations, and discover the resources available to help accelerate your business growth.
Learning Session 1 - Building a Value Proposition
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Location: Virtual
Leader: Tenny Mickey, PhD
Workshop Description: Transform your business beyond diversity to deliver real value. Learn to articulate both tangible and intangible value propositions that resonate with buyers, plus master strategies for navigating RFP processes successfully.
Learning Session 2 - Marketing your Company & AI for Business
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Location: 635 Andover Park W Suite #105 Tukwila, WA 98188
Leader: Ricardo Ibarra
Workshop Description: Explore modern marketing strategies and learn how to effectively integrate AI tools to boost efficiency and competitiveness in today’s digital landscape.
Learning Session 3 - Sales Development Training
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Location: 635 Andover Park W Suite #105 Tukwila, WA 98188
Leader: Brooklyn Dicent, CHO
Workshop Description: Build confidence in presenting your business value proposition. Master the art of concise, compelling business communication and maximize your impact at networking events and trade shows.
Learning Session 4 - Financial Services Panel
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Location: Virtual
Leaders: Michael Verchot, Director of the University of Washington Foster School of Business Consulting and Business Development Center
Workshop Description: Connect with financial experts who understand diverse business needs. Discover available funding resources, learn what it takes to become capital-ready, and explore pathways to business growth financing.
Mid-Session - Doing Business with the Port of Seattle and Labor Agreements
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Location: Port of Seattle
Leader: Port of Seattle Procurement Executives
Description: Get insider knowledge on Port of Seattle’s procurement processes and requirements. Understand how labor agreements impact business operations and learn the step-by-step methodology for securing Port contracts.
Learning Session 6 - Accounting & Legal Strength
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Location: 635 Andover Park W Suite #105 Tukwila, WA 98188
Leader: Ryan Beatty & Shahzad Q. Qadri
Workshop Description: Strengthen your business foundation with essential accounting and legal compliance knowledge. Ensure your business practices meet regulatory requirements and establish robust financial management systems.
Learning Session 7 - Surety Bonding, Insurance
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Location: 635 Andover Park W Suite #105 Tukwila, WA 98188
Leader: Kara Skinner, Kate Kleyman
Workshop Description: Navigate the complexities of business insurance and bonding requirements for public sector work. Address common HR challenges and make informed decisions about workforce expansion and risk management.
Learning Session 8 - Setting Up Your Business for Future Success
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Location: 635 Andover Park W Suite #105 Tukwila, WA 98188
Leader: To be announced
Workshop Description: Transition from subcontractor to prime contractor with confidence. Learn strategies for leveraging diverse subcontractors, making smart hiring decisions, and identifying the right contract opportunities for sustainable growth.
Graduation Event - Recognition and Celebration
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Location: Port of Seattle
Leader: Emily Ho and Karla Malacon
Description: Celebrate your achievements and the completion of the Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program. Network with fellow graduates, reflect on your business growth journey, and prepare for continued success.
Cohort Forum
We created a discussion board where you can connect with your fellow cohort members. Click the button to visit the forum, where you can post new topics and reply to fellow cohort members on their posts.
Cohort Directory
Matthew Aalfs
Tony Gallina
Aqua-Terr Systems
Email: tonyg@aquaterrsystemsinc.com
Mentor: Kate Kleyman, McKinstry
Email: katek@mckinstry.com
Rene Hurtado
Hardy Li
Convergent Pacific
Email: hardy_li@convergentpacific.com
Mentor: Enrique Alvarez, PCL
Email: ealvarez@pcl.com
Scott Lundt
Jimmy Matta
Ahora Construction
Email: Jmatta@ahoraconstruction.com
Mentor: Kurt Trevan, nClude Capital
Email: Ktrevan@ncludecapital.com
Christine Nancarrow
Pacific Stormwater
Email: nancarrow@pacificsws.com
Mentor: Danny Keim & Robin Strom, Mortenson
Emails: danny.keim@mortenson.com,
robin.strom@mortenson.com
Miguel Ortega
GO Spectrum NW
Email: miguelo@gospectrumnw.com
Mentor: Nelson Reyneri Jr., NRG Energy
Email: nelson.reyneri@nrg.com
Linda Stroud
Jimale Technical Services
Email: StroudL@jts-seattle.com
Mentor: Jason Jones, Hensel Phelps
Email: jjones2@henselphelps.com
Valerie Thiel
Sage Architectural Alliance
Email: val@sagearchalliance.com
Mentor: Alex Rolluda, Rolluda Architects
Email: alex@rolludaarchitects.com
Jennifer Thuma
Grayscale Design Studio
Email: jthuma@grayscaledesignstudio.com
Mentor: Fernando Martinez, Santa Fe Street Consulting, LLC
Email: femartinez@santafestreetconsulting.com
Edwin Wanji
Sphere Solar Energy
Email: edwin@spheresolarenergy.com
Mentor: Jay Oleson, Arup
Email: edwin@spheresolarenergy.com
Xioping Zhang
Concord Engineering
Email: Xiaoping.Zhang@concordengr.com
Mentor: Alison Tierney, WSP
Email: alison.tierney@wsp.com
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
