The State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) was created in Washington State law in 1983 under RCW 39.19.  OMWBE is an Executive level agency that reports directly to the Governor.

Our Mission: To create and sustain a competitive and fair business environment for contracting and procurement opportunities that includes small businesses owned and controlled by minority, women and socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.

WHAT DO WE DO: We provide three areas of service to small businesses in the State of Washington;

Business Development: This assistance develops business capacity and increases access to public sector contracts for eligible firms. Additionally, OMWBE works with the State Treasurer through the Linked Deposit Program to provide business loans.

Agency Support: OMWBE under the Governor’s new Supplier Diversity Initiative works with State Agencies, Local Jurisdictions, Colleges and Universities to include eligible firms in the procurement of goods and services.

Certification: OMWBE is the sole certifying authority for State and Federal Minority, Women Owned and Disadvantaged businesses.  OMWBE has the largest database of certified firms in the state.

The Governor's Supplier Diversity CHALLENGE to the State: Increase contracting and procurement with minority and women-owned businesses through genuine outreach, opportunity, and inclusion.  State agencies assign Change Agents to work on increasing M/WBE participation.  Success is a shared effort by certified firms, state agencies, educational institutions, and prime contractors committed to supplier diversity.

The Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises  (OMWBE) administers the state certification program pursuant to Chapter 39.19, Revised Code of Washington.  The purpose of the state program is to maximize the opportunities for minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs) to participate in public works projects and to provide goods and services to state agencies and educational institutions.  Bona fide minority and women-owned businesses can participate in the state program by becoming certified by OMWBE.   By contract with the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT), OMWBE also processes applications for certification for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program pursuant to 49 CFR Part 26.

OMWBE's Directory of Certified Firms is the State of Washington's universal listing of businesses ready, willing and able to do business with the State of Washington and other public agencies.  For OMWBE it includes all certified businesses identified in OMWBE's "Directory of Certified Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises" (OMWBE Directory).  OMWBE updates the database daily with any action or change that effects businesses listed in the Directory of Certified Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. OMWBE separately maintains the OMWBE Directory as part of its mandate according to chapter 39.19 RCW.

Are you thinking about becoming a business owner but not sure where to begin?  Are you interested in becoming a vendor for the State of Washington? Do you know how certification as a Minority, Woman, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise can help your business grow? Perhaps you're interested in learning how to market your business more effectively?

OMWBE recognizes the challenges small business owners face in finding quality business development training. That's why we are proud to offer this continuing series of informative business development workshops as part of OMWBE's ongoing commitment to helping Washington small businesses succeed.   OMWBE workshops are taught by experienced business development professionals. Workshops focus on meeting the unique needs of the small business owner. Workshops typically last 2-3 hours and are entirely free of charge.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services Program is a valuable and necessary tool to ensure the improved economic growth and future of firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in the state of Washington.  Firms engaged in and/or interested in performing highway-related work that are certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) are eligible to receive business development training, financing and bonding assistance through the DBE Support Services Program.  OMWBE administers this program for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Listed below are several other resource links that you may find helpful.

Olympia, WA (360) 753-9693        jwheat@omwbe.wa.gov