Meet the Agencies

Get to know your state agencies like never before in our panel discussion, "Meet Your State Agencies: The Small Business Liaison Team." Join us for an insightful session where you'll have the opportunity to connect with the dedicated professionals who make up your state's Small Business Liaison Team. Learn how these experts can serve as invaluable resources for your small business, offering guidance, support, and vital information on navigating WA State Government. Discover how their insights and connections can empower your enterprise to thrive in the public sector. Don't miss this chance to build bridges with the key players who can help propel your business to new heights.

Hugo Nicolas, Small Business Consultant
Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance

Hugo Nicolas was born in Mexico Veracruz and grew up in Oregon, later attending the University of Oregon. As a formerly undocumented immigrant and one of the first recipients of DACA, Hugo gave back to his community by organizing campaigns to protect undocumented families in Oregon. Hugo was involved in advocating for Dreamers and immigration reform at the national level and remains connected with the Latino community in Washington and Oregon. Hugo found a passion in economics that lead a transitioned to a professional career in banking for six years and Consulting for the Mexican Foreign Affairs office. In his corporate career he was able to use his knowledge and resources to provide financial literacy education to minority owned businesses and assist creating opportunities for Latinos looking at professional careers. He joined ORIA two year ago as the Small Business Consultant and is currently working to connect small business to state agency regulatory services and programs.

 

Constance Parbon, Charities, Nonprofits and Public Affairs Administrator
Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division

Constance Parbon is the Government and Public Affairs Administrator under the Washington Secretary of State Corporations and Charities Division and has been with the division for 8 years. She is passionate about meeting people, where they are, throughout Washington State. As part of this passion, Constance is actively expanding the Division's education and engagement throughout Washington State for small businesses regarding state compliance, Nonprofits and Charities regarding state compliance and internal governance, and consumers regarding making informed giving decisions and preventing fraud. This is being accomplished through partnerships with the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and the Small Business Liaison Team which is made up of over 25 state agencies.

 

Andrew Bryan, Small Business Liaison
Department of Labor & Industries

Andrew Bryan is the Small Business Liaison for the WA State Department of Labor & Industries. Andrew has been assisting small business owners navigate state government regulations and requirements at L&I for over seven years by providing direct customer assistance, training, customized presentations, and publishing the quarterly Small Business Newsletter. He has an MA in Anthropology and experience as a small business owner prior to joining state government.

 

Ernesto Perez, Supplier Diversity Program Manager
Department of Enterprise Services, Contracts & Procurement Division

Ernesto, originally from the San Francisco Bay area, is part of the Procurement Inclusion and Equity (PIE) Program with the Department of Enterprise Services (DES). In addition to reviewing agency solicitations to ensure they are accessible for small businesses to bid on, he connects with State procurement professionals to ensure they have the knowledge, resources, and confidence to implement the Supplier Diversity Policy. He also facilitates the Supplier Diversity Community of Practice so that supplier diversity is embedded in the state’s procurement culture not only as a policy, but as a core value.


Outside of work, Ernesto likes to explore fantasy worlds in PC and console role-playing games (RPGs). In the real world, he likes to explore the natural beauty of Washington. Ernesto is also a former level 2 certified archery coach and enjoys teaching newcomers the basics of archery.

Marie Cooper
Washington Health Benefit

Marie Cooper is a Senior Business and Employee Outreach Coordinator at the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (the Exchange). Marie has been with the Exchange for 4 years. She specializes in helping small businesses navigate the complex world of health insurance. With her expertise, she educates these businesses on their coverage options available to them so they can find the health coverage that best fits their needs. Additionally, Marie provides support to individuals that are experiencing a job loss and are losing their employer sponsored health insurance; by ensuring they understand their health insurance options through Washington Healthplanfinder. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family.