The room was abuzz with excitement and conversation as this year’s Port of Seattle Business Accelerator program kicked off with participants, mentors, and alumni filling the room. 12 businesses were selected to participate in this year’s cohort. They will engage in empowering messaging, strategic development, and valuable networking opportunities there. The entrepreneurs will also network alongside industry mentors, leaders, and community partners.
Domonique Juleon, Executive Vice President, Business Impact NW, expresses her excitement with the 2024 cohort and its participants.
“I’m thrilled to see the incredible businesses in this year’s Port of Seattle Business Accelerator. Their commitment and enthusiasm are inspiring!” She adds, “They are ready to elevate their businesses to the next level. “
Through mentorship and training, participants will improve upon effectively leveraging their businesses for future contracts with the Port of Seattle, as well as other agencies. The Business Accelerator, a 13-week program, enhances access for entrepreneurs, to help their companies grow through Port contracts. Delve in as we meet this year’s new cohort.
Meet The Participants:
Construction- Sarah Hetzel– Big Mountain Electric
Committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction and dependability, Big Mountain Electric (BME) can perform both Commercial and Industrial Electrical services. They currently maintain two crews for home or commercial projects and are excited to grow their business.
Construction- Eileen Walton– BYD Construction LLC
Based out of Seattle, WA BYD Construction, LLC is a small design-build firm. Supporting their clients’ visions from conception to construction. BYD Construction LLC, specializes in residential remodel, new construction, and commercial tenant improvement, helping elevate properties to the next level.
Transportation & Warehouse- Karla Butler– Dossier Seattle, LLC
Dossier Seattle provides document control and project management support for the architectural, engineering, and construction sectors. Having worked on many of Seattle’s largest transportation design and infrastructure projects for Sound Transit, WSDOT, and King County, they provide solutions tailored to clients’ needs.
Construction – Leslie Byrd– Alpha Sharp Development Partners
Alpha Sharp is a vertically integrated, multifamily, for-profit real estate development firm, located in Puget Sound. Alpha Sharp Development Partners offers an in-house construction company and design firm. In addition to completing a 20-unit project in construction and a 120-unit complex in pre-development, ASDEV has gained the capacity to work outside projects, in addition to current in-house projects.
Construction- Huaqi Yin– Lumank Inc
Lumank Inc provides comprehensive HVAC and weatherization services, dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability for housing across Washington State. In addition to their specialized services, Lumank operates as a general contractor in a wide range of construction projects.
Construction- Ani Hoeng– HH Energy, LLC 
HH Energy is a full-service electrical company specializing in commercial, industrial, and residential projects. With expertise ranging from new residential builds to multi-phased design build projects to technically challenging industrial and low voltage installations, HH Energy stands out as a preferred choice for electrical contracting services. In addition, with over 19 years of experience, HH Energy’s master electrician ensures top-quality service and expertise for all electrical needs.
Construction- Kelson McClung– Mike McClung Construction Co
Mike McClung Construction Co, a union contractor, focuses on heavy civil public works construction as a Prime Contractor, including subcontracting, and private client projects. Specializing in stream restoration and other environmentally sensitive projects with critical water management components, Mike McClung Construction also works with private clients such as The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Hancock Forest Management, and Cadman, Inc.
Architecture & Engineering- Nancy Goodin– Evolve 8 Design
As a landscape architecture and construction company, Evolve 8 Design is currently utilizing strengths in design, permitting and project management to deliver commercial, public, and residential projects from initial site analysis phases to completion. Furthermore, Evolve 8 Design is focused on growth to obtain more lucrative projects, while utilizing the proper business systems, and establishing networks for successful outcomes.
Architecture & Engineering- Larry Adeyemi– Green Project Solutions Group, LLC
GPSG offers specialized expertise and consulting services in green engineering and design, including planning and engineering services for EV Charging station infrastructure, on-grid, and off-grid systems. Our services also include design and construction of MEP, fire protection/HVAC systems engineering services, and infrastructure construction management.
Construction- Larry Jacquot– Industry Erectors, Inc
Industry Erectors Inc. has largely been known for their expertise in structural steel and miscellaneous metals installation on large projects and existing facilities, within the Pacific Northwest market and beyond. Moreover, Industry Erectors is also a leading entity for hoisting/rigging and specialty equipment.
Construction- Francisco Mejia– Apex Concrete LLC
Apex Concrete LLC is a construction concrete contractor. They are excited for the opportunity and looking forward to growing their business.
Construction- T.O. McCallum–
Orion Alloyworx LLC, offers welding services for aerospace, and construction job sites. In addition, they offer services for marine capabilities.
Fireside Chat With Guest Speakers
After the cohort introduction, the Port of Seattle’s Business Accelerator Program participants were treated to an engaging and inspiring fireside chat with members from previous cohorts. With guest speakers sharing their perspective, the feeling of community and collaboration was palpable.
Guests Speakers included:
- Tricia Lewis (Pacific Rim Environmental, Inc)
- Debbie Wilson (Fresh Family, LLC)
- Catherine Mirkin (CM Design Group)
- Darci Henderson (Alltrus)
Offering their indispensable guidance to the 2024 cohort participants, these successful business owners weighed in on what helped them achieve success. The discussion included topics such as bidding, confidence, overcoming adversity within the industry, and more. As the conversation unfolded, the cohort intently listened to the advice and experiences shared by the guests. Consequently, mentors offered candid insights, along with the guests, echoing experiences often faced during the contract procurement process. This casual, yet informative setting encouraged an open and interactive dialogue. Participants, mentors, and alumni asked questions, exchanged ideas, leading to a more meaningful networking experience. This Fireside Chat session reinforced the support offered between small businesses and provided invaluable mentorship for all cohort participants.
A Unique & Exciting Journey
The Port of Seattle Business Accelerator Program marks the beginning of an exciting journey for these entrepreneurs looking to expand through the Port of Seattle. With access to valuable resources, the 2024 cohort participants are well supported on their journey towards success.
Check back in the coming weeks for an exciting update on the current cohort.
If you would like more information on how Business Impact NW can support your small business, click here.
About the author
Emma Seymour is a Communications and Public Relations professional specializing in storytelling, relationship building, and content development. A military spouse and former small business owner, she advocates for veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses, and has delivered keynote speeches on workforce development, military programs, and childhood trauma.