The Liberty Project is a new innovative business growth project that is working to increase revenues for businesses owned by people from underrepresented communities in Seattle – particularly Black-owned businesses.
More than 45 businesses applied to participate in this collaboration between the City of Seattle, Tabor 100, the Consulting and Business Development Center at the UW Foster School of Business, and the Business Foundry at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics. Now, 14 local businesses have been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Liberty Project.
“Being among the first business owners to be selected for the Liberty Project, I am honored and grateful for such an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and most importantly, work towards creating more opportunities for members of my community,” said DeChelle Henderson, owner of City Group Solutions. “My deepest gratitude to the Liberty Project Team, Mayor Bruce Harrell and the City of Seattle”.
The Liberty Project uses the M3 model, providing services to Seattle businesses that:
- Improve their management capacity
- Grow access to money through loans and investments
- Increase access to markets through corporate and government contracting opportunities and access to new consumers in downtown Seattle and throughout the region.
Businesses a part of the cohort will participate in the program for one year. Then they’ll be part of an alumni network offering ongoing technical assistance and support for continued business and revenue growth.
Applications for the Liberty Project will be accepted on a rolling basis through an online portal managed by Tabor 100. Interested businesses are encouraged to continue applying. The second business cohort will be selected on 03/18/2024.
The Liberty Project Inaugural Cohort
City Group Solutions
City Group Solutions is a 100% Minority & Woman Owned Licensed & Bonded Construction Support & Commercial Cleaning Business. Their services include Post Construction Cleaning, Residential & Commercial Cleaning, Move-In/Move-Out, Window Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Parking Lot/Street Sweeping, Encampment Cleanup/Removal, Floor Care Plans, Landscaping, Installation and More. Some of their most recent contracts with prime contractors have included several K-12 public schools, Alaska Airlines, Sound Transit, Kaiser, Delta and Low-Income Housing Projects.
ClearBlu Capital Group
ClearBlu Capital Group is a small business real estate lender and broker. The firm’s purpose is driven business coaching and CRM automation. They are mission driven and approach sustainable wealth through real estate investing & entrepreneurship.
Dirty Dog Hot Dog Stand
Since 2010, Dirty Dog has served hundreds of sporting, arts, and entertainment events in the King County area. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Binyam Wolde has built his business on the core values of hard work, dedication, and has built a reputation of quality, integrity, and friendliness. Inspired by his grandmother, a small business owner in Ethiopia, Wolde prides his service to Seattle on having the spirit of integrity, quality and ingenuity.
Fresh Family LLC
Fresh Family LLC is a minority and women owned business offering hazardous waste mitigation and general Construction Services. Their services help municipalities, government agencies and communities achieve development and growth initiatives through specialized services in encampment response, commercial cleaning, Demolition and interior finishing.
Life’s Salon
Aisha Ellis Asim wears many hats in Seattle’s vibrant beauty community. She is the proud owner of Life’s Salon, founder of Pulse Products Hair Care, and the producer of the Northwest’s largest and longest running hair show, the annual “Reign of Style Hair Show & Competition,” as well as the “MANE Awards,” and the “Beauty and the Business – Educational Series.” These have provided a stage and educational opportunities for local stylists and cosmetology professionals.
Ohsun Banchan Deli & Café
Ohsun Banchan Deli & Cafe, based in Seattle, is a unique culinary establishment that specializes in Banchan, small Korean side dishes. Founded by Sara, a food blogger, cookbook author, and restaurateur, Ohsun’s offerings are a reflection of Sara’s identity, combining bold Korean flavors with seasonal inspiration from the Pacific Northwest. The cafe is committed to serving food that provides comfort and satisfaction, embodying the art of Banchan. Ohsun Banchan Deli & Cafe is not just about food, it’s about feeding people and creating a sense of community.
rōJō Juice
rōJō Juice, is located at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, is renowned for its organic juices. Founded by Rhonda Faison in 2020, the company uses a cold press process to create pure, sugar-free juices from fully organic fruits and vegetables.
RLA Engineering
RLA Engineering is an engineering services firm. Their core competencies are electrical, mechanical and software engineering, providing expertise in project management from their team of multi-disciplined technicians, operators, analysts, controllers, and procurement specialists. They are “industry agnostic”, client driven, servicing startups to global conglomerates across multiple industries.
Simply Soulful Cafe
Simply Soulful Cafe is a simple ingredients based soul food restaurant in Seattle’ Central District located at the corner of 23rd and Jackson.
SkillSpire LLC
Skillspire is a top-rated coding bootcamp based in Seattle, offering online courses in various tech fields, including – Full Stack Web Development, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Java and Cloud Computing, and C# and Azure Cloud.
The Ally League
The Ally League provides equity and inclusion training and services for government organizations and corporate businesses. Their practical approach uses change management best practices to meet participants where they are and give them a guided path and the support they need to create an inclusive workplace. The Ally League started as a retail business supporting Black-owned businesses with subscription and corporate gift boxes with items from Black-owned brands to help close the wealth gap. That part of the business has split off as its own brand (www.BlackBoxGifts.com) so that the firm can focus on its customers’ demand for allyship, inclusion, and facilitation training for DEI committee volunteers.
The Postman
KeAnna Rose Pickett, Owner of The Postman LLC, has a passion for innovating the logistics and supply chain industry in neighborhoods across the world. With a mission that serves, “Keeping Communities Connected”, The Postman provides a premier service designed for business and community organization needs.
The Silent Task Force
The Silent Task Force (TSTF), is based in Seattle, Washington, and a non-profit organization dedicated to community engagement, outreach, and education services, particularly for BIPOC communities. TSTF was founded in 2017 and works directly with schools and families to provide a range of services, including youth and family engagement, food security support, housing and rental assistance, and social-emotional learning support.
Yesler Market
Yesler Market has been serving the community for 20 years. This local grocery store is known for its wide range of products and friendly service. It’s a vital part of the neighborhood, providing essential goods to the local residents. Yesler Grocery is more than just a store; it’s a cornerstone of the community.