For the Reporter<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) is putting on a Let’s Get Certified workshop Jan. 22, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at Green River Community College, 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112, Kent.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n OMWBE is a leading agency in certifying minority and women-owned businesses, so those businesses may obtain state contracts and procurement opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The purpose of the workshop is to inform all of the various certifications that are available as an entr\u00e9e into government contracting. Although OMWBE is the sole certifying agency for minority, women and disadvantaged small businesses in Washington state, it is important that business owners be aware of all options when it comes to certifications. However, it is not only about government contracting. Many private sector companies recognize and use OMWBE’s state-certified firms for their supplier diversity goals such as Boeing.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n “We are covering the state the week of Jan. 20-23 with 38 workshops, helping small business make a big impact on the economy of Washington state,” said OMWBE Director Alexis Oliver.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Gov. Jay Inslee recently proclaimed Jan. 20-23 as Minority and Women-Owned Business Week.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n