Supplier Readiness Series – Building Real Opportunities: A Construction Readiness Session
from WA Apex Accelerator
About this event
WBEC-Pacific Supplier Readiness Series – Building Real Opportunities: A Construction Readiness Session with Skanska, Cochran, and UW Foster
This session brings together leading construction companies for a collaborative conversation on economic impact, procurement opportunities, and what it truly takes to work with large firms in today’s market.
Designed for women-owned businesses looking to enter or grow within the construction sectors, this discussion goes beyond theory. Attendees will gain real insight into upcoming project needs, expectations of suppliers, and how to position their businesses for long-term success with major industry players.
Attendees will leave with
- A clear understanding of the pre-qualification process and what large construction firms look for in potential partners.
- Practical insight into how to prepare your business for successful partnerships in construction.
- Actionable steps to strengthen your operations, credibility, and competitiveness.
- Greater confidence navigating relationships with large corporate clients.
This session is ideal for WBEs who want clarity, transparency, and actionable guidance on how to work with major construction companies. If your goal is to be better prepared, better positioned, and more competitive in this space, this conversation is not to be missed.
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SPEAKERS:
As the Supplier Diversity Program Manager for the Washington Office, Courtney develops and maintains a structured procurement program for the Seattle office to streamline processes and procedures in collaboration with project teams for maximizing prospects of working with new and experienced small, veteran, women and minority owned businesses.
Jenny Chin is the Director of Talent & Culture at Cochran, the largest woman-owned contractor in WA. She leads talent strategy, culture initiatives, employee engagement, recruiting, and workforce development efforts across the organization. Through Cochran's ongoing commitment to identifying, mentoring, and partnering with WBE and diverse suppliers, she works to foster meaningful connections that contribute to both business success and industry advancement.
As Assistant Director of the Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) at the University of Washington Foster School of Business, Jonathan leads Ascend Seattle, a program that helps small and medium-sized businesses grow through the research-based M3 Model: Management Education, Money and Markets. Ascend Seattle connects business owners with executive education, access to capital, and contracting opportunities with anchor institutions and corporations.
Who Should Attend
WBEs and other construction-focused firms
