Building Opportunity

How the Construction Industry Champions SEDI-owned Suppliers

by Megan C. Varnishung

Ascend Seattle has established itself as a respected member of the construction community, recognized by industry leaders for its commitment to fostering growth among small businesses. This was highlighted during Construction Week, where BNBuilders and McKinstry organized a Supplier Forum. The event brought together general contractors, project owners, and local businesses, emphasizing collaboration and growth opportunities. With support from sponsors like Mortenson, Skanska, and GLY, the forum underscored the industry's commitment to empowering the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI)-owned businesses. 

McKinstry is a vital partner, as shown by their support for small businesses through their continuous engagement within the Foster School of Business’s Consulting and Business Development Center’s Ascend Seattle program. McKinstry’s Kate Kleyman is currently Ascend Seattle’s Anchor Council Co-Chair and continues to build the Anchor Council by introducing and welcoming the newest member of the council, Rachel Pease of BNBuilders. This year, McKinstry continues to provide scholarships to small business owners to participate in the Ascend Seattle program.   

The UW Ascend Seattle program provides a pathway for small businesses to grow by connecting them with top-tier management education, strategic contracting opportunities, and valuable CEO-to-CEO networks. Ascend Seattle, a cohort-based program, leverages the Foster School’s resources to empower small and medium-sized companies across industries, focusing on commercial construction. One of these opportunities provided by the Ascend Seattle program is the quarterly Building Connections event in which program alumni, Anchor Council Members, and prospective participants join to network with peers and potential contractors.  

This forum is a powerful example of how the construction industry can unite to support and elevate SEDI-owned businesses, helping them gain contracts from larger corporations and government agencies. Thus fostering an environment where these enterprises can contribute to and benefit from the sector’s growth. 

Pictured above (left to right): Becky Thornton (UW CBDC), Kate Kleyman (McKinstry), Tamaka Thornton (Turner Construction), Jason Jones (Hensel Phelps), Robin Strom (Andersen Construction)