Resources for Doing Business In Washington State

Washington’s small business community is vital to the economic strength and diversity of our region—and GSBA is here to help you access the resources, contracts, and consulting services that can take your business to the next level. Below you’ll find trusted guidance and direct links to the tools and programs designed to support LGBTQ+ and allied businesses across Washington.

DES: How to Do Business with the State of Washington

Learn how to contract with state agencies and access over $2.1 billion in annual government procurement.

The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) offers step-by-step support to help small businesses navigate the state’s purchasing system and compete for public contracts.

Key Steps to Getting Started:

  • Register with WEBS (Washington’s Electronic Business Solution)
  • Join over 1,500 businesses currently serving state agencies
  • Attend Monthly Open Houses
  • Get Bid Tips & Insights
THE DES OFFICIAL GUIDE
STATE CONTRACTS

GSBA Specific Small Business Resources


One-on-One Business Consulting

One-on-One Business Consulting

 

Get personalized, expert guidance to help you plan, grow, and optimize your business. Available at no cost to GSBA small businesses.

Explore Consulting Services


Legal Consultation Services

Legal Consultation Services

 

From contracts to compliance, connect with GSBA’s in-house counsel for free legal services tailored to small and micro-business owners.

Contact Our Legal Clinic

Washington Minority Business Coalition (WMBC)

The Washington Minority Business Coalition (WMBC) is a bold collaboration among four of Washington’s most active minority-focused chambers of commerce. Formed to unite and empower diverse business communities, WMBC is working to ensure that historically excluded entrepreneurs across the state have access to the resources, opportunities, and advocacy they need to succeed.

Founding Members:

  • GSBA – Washington’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce

  • Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce – WEBSITE

  • Seattle Latino Chamber of Commerce – WEBSITE

  • Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State – WEBSITE

Together, our organizations represent thousands of small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs. WMBC leverages its collective voice to drive inclusive economic growth, champion equitable policy, and open doors to public and private-sector contracting opportunities.

What WMBC Offers:

  • Business Certification Support – Guidance for minority-owned businesses seeking certification for public contracting and supplier diversity programs

  • Culturally Competent Assistance – Bilingual support and technical assistance tailored to meet businesses where they are

  • Collective Advocacy – Unified policy efforts at the local, regional, and state levels to influence more equitable distribution of resources

  • Procurement & Readiness Connections – Resources to help small businesses access procurement pipelines and contract readiness tools

Whether you’re navigating certification, seeking grant opportunities, or looking for community-centered support, WMBC is here to elevate your voice and accelerate your growth.

For more information or to get involved, connect with any of the coalition’s partner chambers.

Get Involved With WMBC