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Storefront Repair Fund issues 800th and final check

Our office issued the 800th and final Storefront Repair Fund grant, surpassing a total investment of $1.6 million in small businesses for storefront damage repair and recovery. The last $2,000 grant was awarded to Casa Del Mariachi a beloved vegetarian restaurant in the Pinehurst neighborhood of North Seattle known for… [ Keep reading ]

Update: OED Seeks Academic Institution to Research Equity in Seattle’s Cannabis Industry

We relaunched the Request for Proposal process to find academic institutions to study the current state of Seattle’s cannabis industry. Our goal is to conduct an industry analysis and determine what professional development opportunities cannabis industry workers need. Responses are due Friday, October 4. Details can be found in the… [ Keep reading ]

Celebrating one year of progress Downtown

One year ago, we set out to reimagine and develop a roadmap to revitalize the heart of our city through Mayor Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan. We’re proud to announce that 93% of the Plan’s 46 initiatives are completed or in progress in one year. Our goal is to create a… [ Keep reading ]

Sir Mix-a-Lot talks mix of creativity and tech at Black Tech Night

The latest Black Tech Night was all about the intersection of creativity and technology and how they drive one another. The August 8 event at M5 Creative featured a fireside chat with Seattle rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot and Hey, Black Seattle! founder Kiesha Garrison. The Grammy Award winner shared how his… [ Keep reading ]

Central District’s creative hub comes alive with MXR:SEA

Creative professionals were moving their bodies and their mindsets while mixing with other creative professionals at the second MXR:SEA workshop on July 25. Held at the Central District’s Midtown Square, this event is part of our series that brings professionals from Seattle’s creative economy together for networking, learning, and resources… [ Keep reading ]

Recap: First MXR:SEA event at M5 Creative

The kickoff of our MXR:SEA event series was a success! Around 200 creative professionals joined us at the M5 Creative Building on June 27, filling the space with energy, conversation, and connections. MXR:SEA is a series of free workshops that brings together a diverse group of professionals from Seattle’s creative… [ Keep reading ]

Magnolia Pho brings taste of Vietnam to Mt. Baker neighborhood

Comfort food is exactly what it sounds like: Food that brings comfort. Duyen Nguyn, owner of Magnolia Pho in Mt. Baker, says her comfort food is pho. “For me, when I’m sick or when I go to school, I like to eat pho,” she explains. “You can eat it for… [ Keep reading ]

Apply now, Storefront Repair Fund applications closing July 26, 2024

The Office of Economic Development’s Storefront Repair Fund is accepting applications until July 26, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. Businesses can apply for $2,000 grants (up to two) to help cover repair costs to current property damage or reimburse business owners for costs paid out-of-pocket for past damage. … [ Keep reading ]

OED’s Michael Wells named  PSBJ Outstanding Voice Honoree

When working with small business owners, Michael Wells, small business advocate, leads with empathy. He owned an independent bookstore, so he understands the challenges and the joys of running a business. It’s because of that work, particularly his work advocating for businesses in the LGBTQ+ community, that the Puget Sound… [ Keep reading ]

Summer Starts Downtown!

It’s summertime in Seattle! The longer, sunny days bring endless opportunities to enjoy all our city has to offer. Soak up the sun along the waterfront, catch an outdoor film, dance in the park, or explore a vibrant street festival – there’s something for everyone Downtown this summer! Check out… [ Keep reading ]