The Port of Seattle is now accepting applications for its 2024 Business Accelerator Program, designed to give women- and minority-owned small businesses (WMBEs) the chance to learn the skills needed to work and grow within the maritime industry. 

Applications opened up on July 22 and will close on August 12. The Port of Seattle will eventually select 10-15 businesses across the maritime and aviation construction, architectural, engineering and energy industries to participate in the program. Running between September 10 and December 3, the program will include one-on-one mentoring with port industry experts and insights from executives, as well as workshops, lectures, and networking opportunities.

“With a capital improvement program worth $5.6 billion over the next five years, it is crucial that small minority- and woman-owned businesses are poised for these upcoming opportunities," Port of Seattle director of diversity in contracting Mian Rice said. "The accelerator program provides historically underutilized businesses with the resources and tools they need to scale up and grow, to take full advantage of the robust contracting opportunities available at the port."

The program is entering into its fourth year, offering WMBEs coursework on procurement systems, forecasting cash flow, creating and updating financial statements, developing marketing and branding strategies, and learning project management skills. Ideal candidates have been in business for three to five years, with a current revenue at or above $500,000.