January 15th, 2020, Tabor 100 had its grand opening. The following month on the same date we learned of our first case of COVID-19. Thirty days after that, our Governor ordered a statewide shutdown.

With business at a standstill, we asked what we could do to support our members? How can we prepare them to win new contracts after COVID? During one meeting, we asked 100 members to stand up if they were not DBE certified or certified with the state. Over one-half of the room stood up. We had work to do!

We connected with OMWBE and started work to get all remaining members certified. We supported noncertified members who needed help with OMWBE certifications.

The State of Washington contacted Tabor to publicize emergency loans for small businesses. The City of Seattle was offering a $10,000 grant. We worked with the city to help our members qualify. This activity led us to federal grant opportunities.

The death of George Floyd brought our members together. We created the Black Business Equity Fund. Our goal was to raise over one million dollars to support Black-owned businesses. We wanted to revisit this tragedy in five years and say this was how we responded in a time of need.

Covid was and still is difficult for everyone. We received calls from people saying they can’t sit another day at the kitchen table. Was the Bruce Harrell room or Larry Gossett room available?
We were equipped and ready. We had hand sanitizer by the gallon. Gloves, masks, thermometers. Not one-person experienced covid from our cherished interactions. We were a safe and social place. Together we made it.We had all of the PPP equipment, vaccination clinics, hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, and for two years Tabor was safe. Not one COVID case here.

On behalf of all of the Tabor 100 Family, we are grateful to those who supported us and a nod to our founding sponsors. We couldn’t have accomplished this without you.