Eastside Summit 3 - Startup 425 - July 29, 2026

The Eastside Summit 3 hosted by Startup 425 on July 29, 2026, in Bellevue, Washington, focused on supporting small business entrepreneurs and startups in the Eastside region through programs like the Startup 425 accelerator. The meeting featured discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolving startup ecosystem, including the impact of AI on startup development and funding. Key procurement-related topics included guidance on how startups can prepare to engage with government contracting opportunities, certifications for disadvantaged businesses, and resources available through federal, state, and local agencies to help small businesses access capital and contracts. The panelists emphasized the importance of understanding government procurement processes, certification programs such as SBA 8(a), and the need for startups to be ready to demonstrate their capabilities and business plans to secure funding or contracts. The meeting also highlighted the Startup 425 accelerator's success in launching new businesses, including those that have raised venture capital, and introduced an AI-intensive program to help founders rapidly build software products. Overall, the event served as a platform to connect entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and potential government contracting pathways, fostering economic development and innovation in the region.