About Us
All of the programs, activities, and efforts of OMWBE encourage, honor, and promote diversity. Our work supports the success of all businesses regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.
Why were we created?
OMWBE opened its doors in 1983 to offer certification for Washington’s small businesses that meet the criteria for minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE). The purpose of the certification was to help these historically under-used businesses to get contracts with state and local agencies and schools. Before OMWBE was created, local jurisdictions and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) each certified the firms they used for meeting their minority, women's and disadvantaged business enterprises participation goals.
In January of 1984, WSDOT transferred its federal disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) certification activities to OMWBE. Small businesses certified as DBE’s count toward participation goals set on federal highway, transit and aviation projects administered by state, local, and other jurisdictions in Washington.
In 1987, the Washington State Legislature adopted state-wide one-stop certification, establishing OMWBE as the only agency responsible for processing applications for certification. OMWBE’s certification is used by all state and local agencies, offices, and schools that have M/WBE and DBE programs.
What do we do?
OMWBE develops programs designed to improve the contributions of minority and women-owned small businesses to the Washington State economy.
How do we do it?
Certification
We are the State’s central resource for certification of eligible small businesses for the Washington State Minority & Women’s Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program, the U.S. Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, and the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program.
Agency Support
We work with state agencies to develop processes that encourage the use of certified firms in public contracting and procurement. Our Supplier Diversity services include; buyer training, supplier diversity strategies, M/W/DBE plan development assistance, facilitation of dispute resolution, and M/WBE participation reporting. (These services can also be provided to general contractors and suppliers that request assistance in improving their M/W/DBE participation.)
Business Development
Our business development services help certified firms to grow, build capacity, market their services, and access opportunities. Services include; Linked Deposit Program, and small business workshops.
Why is it important?
The inclusion of all firms in state contracting and procurement encourages competition and efficiency, fuels innovation, and creates jobs.