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New Standards Set for Supplier Diversity
The Department of Corrections (DOC) is raising the bar for supplier diversity in Washington State. Over the past three fiscal years, DOC has expanded partnerships with diverse businesses, outperforming statewide averages and building a more inclusive vendor ecosystem.
This momentum comes from a coordinated, agency-wide effort: the Business Diversity team in Employee and Business Support Services (EBSS) leads the charge, while staff across divisions and collaborations with other state agencies keep the momentum going. Events like the Washington Regional Contracting Forum connect DOC with small, diverse, veteran, and woman-owned businesses, strengthening relationships statewide
Business Diversity is more than a purchasing strategy - it’s an investment in communities where DOC operates. Every dollar spent with small businesses stays in the local economy (about 67 cents) far more than with large corporations (about 35 cents). That impact is real: vendors hire new employees, expand facilities, and build stronger foundations thanks to DOC partnerships.
- Since FY24, DOC has nearly tripled spending with Washington Small Businesses, directing close to 30% of discretionary dollars to these vendors.
- In FY25 alone, $36.5 million was reinvested into the state economy, including a $13.8 million increase with small businesses and $3 million more with OMWBE-certified vendors.
- Veteran-owned business partnerships are also trending upward, with a 40% increase in the vendor pool last year.
As DOC builds on this momentum, its supplier diversity approach is becoming a model for others—showing how public procurement can drive economic growth, equity, and community empowerment.
Click the button below to learn more about the Business Diversity Program.
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Request for Proposals: Washington Saves Investment Consultant
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) seeks an Investment Consultant for Washington Saves – a new state-facilitated retirement savings program launching in July 2027 for workers who don’t have access to a retirement plan through their employer.
The Investment Consultant will advise the Washington Saves Governing Board on the program’s investment design, risk management, and performance monitoring. This may include developing investment beliefs and an Investment Policy Statement; recommending investment structures and default options; assisting in selecting and overseeing investment managers; and monitoring and reporting on fund performance and fees to ensure transparency and accountability. Tasks and deliverables will evolve over time as the program moves from planning to implementation and as the Board makes key program design decisions.
DFI is looking for a firm with deep experience in institutional investment or state-facilitated savings programs, retirement plan investments, and fiduciary best practices.
Key RFP deadlines:
- Pre-bid conference was conducted on December 3, 2025
- Question-and-answer period due date: December 29, 2025
- Answers posted on: January 5, 2026.
- Deadline for Submitting Bids: January 11, 2026
To review the RFP:
Questions? Email the Procurement Coordinator, Jonathan Herrera at [email protected].
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Get the health insurance you need for 2026!
Washingtonians have until Jan. 15 to sign up for a health and dental plan on Washington Healthplanfinder for the 2026 plan year. Monthly savings are available to lower eligible customer’s cost of insurance. Visit wahealthplanfinder.org to learn more about available savings and find the right plan!
Have employees who need insurance? Don’t forget to share this information with them to ensure they have the coverage they need for 2026!
Need help? We have trusted resources in communities available to help answer questions, understand available savings and sign up for coverage for no additional cost.
Questions on how you can support your employees sign up for health coverage? Contact [email protected].
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Latest Funding Opportunities
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New WSMA Grants
We’re pleased to share two new grant opportunities from the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) Statewide and Urban Grants. These grants support organizations that provide technical assistance to microenterprises, including sole proprietors and gig workers, helping them grow sustainably and equitably across Washington state.
Applications are due January 7, 2026, by 5 p.m. Applicants may choose only one grant to apply for this cycle.
Need help or have questions? Contact:
For program guidelines and application criteria, visit wamicrobiz.org.
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Nominations are open for the 2026 Childcare Champion Awards!
Celebrate leaders shaping childcare and early learning across Spokane County and the Inland Northwest. Up to five awards will be presented at the State of Education event on Jan 13, 2026. Nominate someone who goes above and beyond.
Nominations are open through Tuesday, December 16th.
To learn more about award criteria, eligibility, and to submit a nomination, visit Greater Spokane, Inc.
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Small Business Resources & Requirements
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The Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) is a partnership of 29 state agencies working to improve access to regulatory information, education, and agency resources for business communities across the state of Washington.
The Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR) free workshops provide vital information on regulatory requirements, state permits, business structures, employee hiring and retention, and available resources to help businesses grow and thrive.
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Learn how to PLAN, START, and GROW your business at our FREE workshops!
These in-person workshops are specially designed for small business owners seeking a clear understanding of available program resources and the relevant state regulations that can impact their business. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to scale your existing business, this session offers valuable insights tailored to your needs.
Stevenson Small Business Resources Workshop
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When: Monday, January 26, 2026 | 4-6 p.m.
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Where: Hegewald Center, 710 SW Rock Creek Dr. | Register Here
Vancouver Small Business Resources Workshop
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When: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 8-10 a.m.
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Where: Clark College Columbia Tech Center,18700 SE Mill Plain Blvd.| Register Here
Longview Small Business Resources Workshop
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When: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 11-1 p.m.
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Where: City Hall, 1525 Broadway | Register Here
To learn more about upcoming webinars and workshops, click the button below.
The Small Business Guide
The Small Business Guide is broken into six sections, based on your stage of business. Whether you’re launching a new business, managing an existing one, or looking to expand, you’ll discover valuable information and resources here. The guide offers essential details, links to important resources, and a clear outline of the steps needed to start and run a business in Washington State.
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The Small Business Guide is now available in the following languages:
English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Samoan, Somali, and Tagalog, Ukrainian, NEW Farsi, and two volumes in Braille Ready Format Braille - Volume 1 and Braille - Volume 2.
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Start the year with First Day Hikes—a welcoming tradition for all to enjoy the outdoors in our stunning state parks.
Join staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe trips, trail rides, polar plunges, scavenger hunts, and more at 30+ parks on New Year’s Day. After you finish, grab your free Washington State Parks 2026 First Day Hikes collectible button!
Enjoy free hiking on January 1—no Discover Pass needed to park on state-managed lands on our first Washington State Parks free day of 2026. Some events have limited space and may require registration, and if you’re visiting parks that become Sno-Parks this winter (Fields Spring, Lake Easton, Lake Wenatchee, Mount Spokane), bring the right Sno-Park permit.
A big thank-you to the Washington State Parks Foundation for supporting our 2026 First Day Hikes.
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