Below is information on Regional Small Business Development Program (SBDP).  Downloadable forms and documents are available in PDF format and need to be read by Acrobat Reader program.  If you do not have the program, you can click the button at bottom of this page and download it from Adobe's web site for free.

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Purpose
The purpose of the Small Business Development Program (SBDP) is to help small businesses overcome the barriers that prevent them from growing by tying business education to contracting opportunities.

Helping Small Businesses Succeed
This program is for companies with revenues under $1 million based on the average of their last 3 years tax returns. Firms with less than $250,000 in annual revenues (including start up businesses) are strongly encouraged to participate. Working with Graduate Firms Firms with $1 million to $5 million in average revenues remain involved with the program. Graduate firms receive opportunity forecasts, are encouraged to use RSBDP firms as sub-contractors, and may utilize one-on-one assistance and project management services.

Industries with Opportunities
While this program is geared to construction contractors, companies that sell products or services that the
government procures are encouraged to participate.
• Concrete contractors
• Construction suppliers
• Research companies
• Catering
• Specialized consultants
• Other industries that sell to the government

Free Training
Training is free to firms active in the Small Business Development Program (SBDP). Training areas include the following:
• Contracting
• Management
• Financial
• Marketing
• Human Resources

Become an Active Firm in the Program
1. Complete the Regional SBDP Application.
2. Participate in 3rd party reviews of your business.
3. Actively participate in training classes.
4. Actively seek opportunities and bid on appropriate work.

For more information:
In King County - please contact (206) 252-0561 or email:mjcruz@seattleschools.org
In Snohomish County - please contact (425) 248-4217 or email: lwells@snoedc.org

Access to Opportunities
Seattle Public Schools, Sound Transit, City of Seattle, Port of Seattle, and Washington Department of Transportation have teamed up to offer small firms education and training designed to foster business acumen and success in government contracting. While the program does not guarantee contracts, primary sponsors often provide forecasts of upcoming projects; and in many cases, specific contracts are only made available to bid-ready participants in the Regional SBDP. Each year, numerous SBDP firms have successfully won contracts that represent
millions of dollars in added opportunities for their companies.

Last update:  08/27/08