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Bottom Line

News from Seattle's Office of Economic Development

Small Business of the Month: Connect Lounge

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Business owner Iulia Bejan holding Small Business of the Month certificate

Business owner Iulia Bejan.

Listen: Origin Story – Connect Lounge

Connect Lounge in Belltown has its mission engraved on its communal tables: “Building a community, one conversation at a time.” Through her business, Iulia Bejan is creating a welcoming space where guests are free to chat with old and new friends over craft cocktails and appetizers. Connect Lounge encourages customers to get to know each other through its communal tables, conversation starters, a “phone-free happy hour” and more.

“Our goal is to bring people together,” Iulia explains. “Bring people together and inspire people to share stories with other people, who may be family, loved ones, but also with new people that they might meet here.”

Iulia and an OED staff member standing in front of the Connect Lounge bar

Iulia speaking with OED staff.

Born in Romania, Iulia lived and worked in Africa and Europe before moving to the United States ten years ago. She worked at Amazon for four years prior to opening Connect Lounge. “I’ve known for the longest time that, you know, one day I would do my own thing,” she says. Iulia knew she wanted her business to channel her love of hearing peoples’ stories and building connections between people. Opening a bar was a natural choice as somewhere people can spend hours talking and getting to know each other.

Iulia put in a lot of legwork before opening Connect Lounge, going to bartending school and getting a part-time job as a bartender and server to make sure she understood how the business would operate. When she wasn’t at work, Iulia spent the rest of her time developing her business plan: “Defining the concept, and figuring out how this bar would be different than hundreds of other bars that are available in Seattle. How are we going to be different, and how would I emphasize this social concept?”

Opening Connect Lounge presented unforeseen challenges Iulia did not expect. “Finding a space was one of the bigger hurdles,” she says, explaining that it took nearly two years of searching, and nine months of back-and-forth with the landlord and other involved parties, to secure her Belltown location.

A Connect Lounge "phone box" and standing card deck with conversation starters for customers.

Connect Lounge conversation starters.

Securing financing presented its own challenges. Iulia noted that banks did not value the experiences she brought to her new business from the tech industry. Iulia was rejected by all of the banks she reached out to, but one bank referred her to Business Impact Northwest, who ultimately approved her for a small business loan. Through a combination of funds from the loan, a Kickstarter campaign and personal funds, Connect Lounge opened in May 2018.

Now, months after opening, everything about Connect Lounge is aimed at getting people to open up to each other, from the decks of conversation starters on the two communal tables to the sticky notes left in the bathrooms for customers to post their inner thoughts on the walls. Patrons can leave a thumbs up or thumbs down flag on their table, to let others know whether they’re open to meeting new people. Connect Lounge also hosts open mic events twice a month. “To me, an open mic is an amazing way to bring people together and have them share something with other people, the community,” Iulia says. “The theme of our open mics is sharing stories. We are encouraging people to share stories from all walks of life.”

The words "be human" with hearts drawn around it on the Connect Wall.

The Connect Wall.

Customers will be greeted with the “Inspire Me Seattle” wall on their left when they walk in the door, featuring information on members of Seattle’s small business community who Iulia finds inspirational, and the colorful Connect Wall on their right, which is decorated with words, phrases and pictures that patrons find inspirational or meaningful. “When we opened five months ago, the Connect Wall was empty, so the fact that right now it’s almost full, I feel like that shows that people do want to be seen, do want to express themselves, and want to be part of a bigger community,” Iulia says.

While running a bar is hard work, Iulia feels very fortunate to have a loyal team behind the business, especially given that the turnover rate is usually very high in the industry. “I’ve been lucky with the people I found to work with me,” she says, explaining her appreciation for her chef Amanda Lanning and bar manager and bartender Michael Toth. “Both employees believe in what we’re trying to do here, which makes the business stronger. I’m very grateful for them.”

As difficult as it was to get Connect Lounge started, Iulia will be the first to encourage you to start your own business. “I always encourage people to do what they want to do. Now, I want them to be aware it won’t be easy, and it will take a while.” She continues, “I mean, why are we living if we’re not doing what we want?”

When you visit Connect Lounge, Iulia recommends ordering the mici—a Romanian appetizer that is a grilled blend of beef, pork, lamb and spices—and the Celebration—a cocktail made with jalapeño-infused tequila, prickly pear puree, triple sec and lime juice. You can find Connect Lounge at 2330 2nd Avenue in Belltown, or on Facebook and Instagram. If you come on a Tuesday, leave your phone in your pocket if you want to get an extra dollar off everything at happy hour.

If you’re interested in learning more about loans through organizations like Business Impact Northwest, reading about previous award winners or other services for your small businesses, visit our website or reach out to us at oed@seattle.gov.

Seattle Made introduces youth to the world of urban manufacturing

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Students making crafts around a table.

Students at Marnin Saylor.

Last week, Seattle Made and its member businesses invited local youth to tour businesses around the city to get a glimpse into the huge variety of careers available in urban manufacturing. Supported by the Seattle Office of Economic Development and the Port of Seattle, the tours showed young people the possibilities all around them in the local workforce, making products right here in Seattle.

Monday through Thursday, four groups of young people from local youth programs and high schools went on four, full-day tours of local businesses. The participating businesses were:

 

Students watching a screen printing machine in action.

At The Foundry.

Seattle Made business owners and employees took students on specialized tours of their manufacturing sites, showing them how products are made from start to finish. Students had the chance to ask questions throughout the tours, finding out how each owner started their business, what kind of salaries the workers at the businesses made, and about opportunities that existed in their line of work. Some of the tour hosts also sent students home with a gift at the end of their tour—boxes of chocolates from Fran’s, for example, and freshly-printed t-shirts from The Foundry.

Beecher’s provided lunches and Mighty-O Doughnuts provided snacks. The Seattle Central College Wood Technology Center hosted lunches and tours, and Central Co-Op also contributed reusable shopping bags for students to carry all their tour swag home.

A student painting a piece of wood with guidance from a business owner.

At Subsonic Skateboards.

Students who participated in the tours last week were from Southwest Youth & Family Services, TAF@Saghalie, The Center School, and Ingraham High School. Not all of the students are planning for their careers yet, but the Youth Tours were a fun way to get them to start picturing themselves in different jobs.

“I think the youth most enjoyed getting to ask the business people questions and understanding how they got started. I know they will remember the lessons they learned and the creative paths many of the entrepreneurs took as they explore what their own path could be,” said Jillian Fields-Hirschler, a Young Parent Advocate with Southwest Youth & Family Services.

Aiden, a student from TAF@Saghalie, doesn’t know what he wants to do in the future, but touring local makers gave him an idea of what he’s interested in. “I liked the glassblowing [at glassybaby] and the wood place [Northwest Wood Design]. Those were cool.” he said. He’s still not sure he wants to try out these professions for himself, though: “I don’t know, the glassblowing seems a little more dangerous. Really hot.”

Katie, a student at the Center School, was inspired by the visit to Marnin Saylor: “I really like the aspect of like, a really small business, and the sewing component, and possibly would like starting something like this myself one day.”

A group of students posing for a photo.

At Uphill Designs.

Throughout K-12 education, students are often told that they should pursue a four-year degree after high school to secure good, stable careers. However, there are many high-paying, rewarding, and in-demand jobs that don’t require a Bachelor’s. Experiences like the Seattle Made Youth Tours are an opportunity to expose students to unique and meaningful career and entrepreneurial opportunities that get them thinking about their interests and help them learn about the many types of education and training they can pursue. It’s especially important for youth (and their families) to see and understand how to access successful career paths that don’t necessarily require a four-year degree.

Students standing in a group with plastic hairnets on.

At Firefly Kitchens.

Seattle Made is a network that connects over 500 local businesses to each other, and to resources they need to ‘make it’ in Seattle. These makers create jobs and help keep Seattle a unique and exciting place to live. Seattle Made partners with its network of businesses to provide several tours throughout the year.

You can learn more about Seattle Made’s Youth Tours on their website. If you have ideas or questions about career-connected learning experiences for young people, reach out to us at the Office of Economic Development by emailing oed@seattle.gov.

Check out the videos below, made by an OED youth intern, to get a glimpse of the tours:

Workforce Spotlight: Seattle Colleges connects working adults with career training

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“A report published last year by the Washington State Auditor suggested that schools and parents are steering most kids toward bachelor’s degrees, without exploring other opportunities that cost less, result in more pay, and, at least in some cases, may be a better fit.”

The Seattle Colleges—our biggest partner in job training—was recently featured in the Northwest Asian Weekly for their range of job training programs. Our team works with the Seattle Colleges and other organizations to connect local students and workers with in-demand, fulfilling, living-wage careers—four-year degree not required. We support programs that include in-demand occupational skills, with the shortest path to the highest pay. Our goal is to make sure businesses get the talent they need by building that talent right here in Seattle.

The programs in this article include students that OED supports through our training partnerships with the Seattle-King County Workforce Development Council and Seattle Jobs Initiative, providing training resources and wrap-around support (including housing, transportation, childcare, etc.) to help students without these means be part of our local talent pipeline.

OED also supports the Seattle Colleges’ Center for Working Adults (CWA), which coordinates capacity for education and training for workers across all three colleges. Any prospective student who is already working, or any employer looking to provide training options for their workers, can start with the CWA to navigate their best options across the Seattle Colleges.

Read the full Northwest Asian Weekly story here, and learn more about our Workforce Development team on our website.

Only in Seattle Newsletter – October 2018

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The Only in Seattle newsletter is designed to share resources and information with leaders in Seattle’s neighborhood business districts.

In this edition:

  • Only in Seattle RFA Due October 29 at 5 p.m.;
  • Commercial Lease Tookit and Checklist;
  • Social Media Quick Guides from EBC;
  • Employment Opportunities;
  • Celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24;
  • Neighborhood Events;
  • and more!

View this newsletter in your browser

Seattle themed “Flight of Dreams” pavilion opens in Japan’s Centrair International Airport

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The Chubu Centrair International Airport outside Nagoya, Japan opened a new terminal, themed after Seattle and complete with Seattle-owned businesses and products.

“The opening of the Seattle ‘Flight of Dreams’ exhibit brings Seattle businesses overseas to millions of travelers, offering them a taste of Seattle’s best,” said Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “Some of our most innovative small businesses in Seattle are being celebrated and recognized for their ingenuity. With this project, we are deepening our important cross-cultural connections, promoting tourism, and business development on both sides of the Pacific.”

The “Flight of Dream Project” includes a food and shopping section, called the Seattle Terrace. The first 787 test aircraft, was installed as a gift from Boeing. 30 percent of the Dreamliner’s airframe is built in the region. 16 Seattle-based businesses are featured, including:

  • Fran’s Chocolates
  • Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
  • Pike Brewing Restaurant and Craft Beer Bar
  • Ethan Stowell Pizza & Pasta
  • Eltana
  • Starbucks
  • Chowder’s
  • Hello Seattle
  • Seattle Fish Market
  • Shiro Kashiba
  • Fujiyama Go * Go Seattle Ramen Stand

The Seattle Mariners are also prominently celebrated in the terrace.

Seattle’s Office of Economic Development worked closely with local entrepreneurs and business owners, in partnership with Japanese developers, to help source companies who were interested in expanding their business to Japan. For many of the businesses, this is their first expansion into Japan.

Deputy Mayor Shefali Ranganathan was on hand for the grand opening.

“Seattle is proud and excited for the companies expanding their reach in Nagoya, Japan,” Joe Mirabella, Communications Director for the Office of Economic Development said. “Not only are they expanding their own opportunities, but like so many Seattle companies, they are serving as an example for our region’s values and opportunities.”

Small Business of the Month: Seoul Bowl

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James and Subin Chang working in their food truck.

Owners James and Subin Chang.

There seems to be a Seattle-area food truck for just about every type of food you can think of. We owe our local, delicious, convenient, international variety of street food options to creative and resourceful small business owners like James Chang, owner of Seoul Bowl.

Seoul Bowl’s menu takes Korean food staples and puts them in choose-your-own bowl form. Customers choose their protein option—bulgogi, spicy pork, chicken or fried tofu—and add toppings like kimchi and pickled radish. Their menu also includes mandoo (potstickers), bulgogi sandwiches, and bulgogi kimchi fries.

With Seoul Bowl, James is bringing his favorite flavors from Korea to Seattle. “After graduating college, I lived in Korea for about five years traveling and eating all kinds of foods,” he says. “A lot of times I was always asking myself why there wasn’t this kind of food in Seattle. When I moved back to Seattle with my wife, we decided to start a food truck in hopes to share more flavors and foods from what we had in Korea.” James and his wife, Subin, came up with their menu together, based on their favorite meats and sauces from Korea.

Having worked at a food truck in New York previously, opening a truck was a natural choice for James. “I really enjoyed the food truck culture and atmosphere. I think because the food truck can go anywhere and serve food, it makes it always a new adventure.”

While James enjoys the freedom of running his business out of his truck, any food truck operator will tell you it’s not easy. James worked with the Office of Economic Development’s Restaurant Advocate, Jennifer Tam, to navigate requirements and get his business up and running. “She has helped me basically from the start of my business until now,” he says.

James and Subin are continuing to work with Jennifer as they pursue their future vision for Seoul Bowl. “We’re growing and looking to expand into a brick and mortar [location], and Jennifer has always been extremely helpful,” he says. “In the next five years I hope that Seoul Bowl will be in many brick-and-mortars, as we want to continue to grow and share our flavors from Korea.”

Seattle foodies can look forward to future brick-and-mortar Seoul Bowl locations—for now, the truck can be found year-round at various locations and events around Seattle, Bellevue and more. “We are currently in the process of getting some permanent spots in the Seattle area, which we’ll be at for lunch,” James adds.

Food truck locations are competitive and can be difficult to obtain. James’ success in getting locations that work for his business is just one aspect of the hard work mobile food vendors put into creating a successful business. Organizations like the Washington State Food Truck Association, Seattlefoodtruck.com, and the Seattle Department of Transportation are just a few of the ways mobile food vendors hustle to obtain locations on private property and in the public right-of-way.

Subin Chang preparing a bowl in her food truck.

Subin preparing an order.

Seoul Bowl posts their locations for the week each Sunday on Instagram and Facebook, so follow them to see where they’re at next. If you don’t know what to order on your first visit, try James and ­­­Subin’s go-to order: the bulgogi bowl with all the toppings and yum yum sauce. “My wife will always ask me to bring her a bowl so that she could eat it at home or for lunch.”

Got an idea for your own food truck? You can find resources for opening a food business on our Restaurant Success page, and get in touch with us to learn more about our services for small businesses.

More than 150 businesses recognized in first year of Washington’s green business program

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A collage of Envirostars-recognized business owners.EnviroStars, Washington’s green business program, has helped more than 150 businesses of all sizes and types improve their sustainability during the program’s first year. 57 Seattle-based businesses are participating so far.

The program connects businesses with local environmental assistance, resources and utility rebates. Businesses earn EnviroStars recognition by taking steps to green their facilities and operational practices such as replacing inefficient lighting with LEDs, composting food scraps and switching to safer cleaning products.

“Seattle’s small businesses continue to innovate while creating a more sustainable future. Our businesses of all sizes are leading the way to create a cleaner city and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “It will take all of us—consumers, businesses, and government leaders—working together to realize our vision of a sustainable, equitable, and robust economy that will thrive for generations to come.”

EnviroStars helps businesses implement best practices that save energy and water, generate less waste and pollution, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions – choices that are both good for business and good for Washington’s environment.

The City of Seattle has helped 57 businesses improve their environmental practices and gain recognition through EnviroStars, including Hellbent Brewing Co. in Lake City.

Three employees of Hellbent Brewing stand outside their brewery, holding an Envirostars sign

Envirostars-recognized Hellbent Brewing Co. in Seattle.

“We’re pleased we joined Envirostars because our owners, staff, and customers all highly value a clean, sustainable way of living,” said Jack Guinn, Co-Owner of Hellbent Brewing. “Brewing is a fairly resource-intensive business, so it’s been great having professional help minimizing our environmental footprint. Envirostars patiently evaluated our water usage and waste disposal practices and showed us areas we could improve—saving us money and giving everybody peace of mind.”

This year, Hellbent Brewing Co. installed a solar energy system on its roof with the help of Seattle-based Sphere Solar Energy and found other resource-saving measures through Envirostars, with guidance from the Office of Economic Development. Hellbent Brewing now boasts the largest solar energy system on a brewery in Washington, generating about 30 percent of its own energy. Thanks to an incentive program from Seattle Public Utilities, Hellbent Brewing is also installing a new clean-in-place brewing system, which will reduce their yearly water bill by $3,000.

Consumers can visit EnviroStars.org to find businesses of all types that share their environmental values, whether they’re looking for a brewery, auto body shop, insurance agency—or, even an international treasure hunting game, in the case of Envirostars-recognized Geocaching HQ.

“EnviroStars has inspired us as a company to up-level our environmental efforts, building upon what we were already doing. Since enrollment, we’ve started an internal Green Team and made effective changes to our facilities and operations. What we’re most excited about is the two tree planting events we’re hosting in the fall to help offset our carbon footprint from employee travel,” said Maria McDonald, Facilities and Operations Manager at Geocaching HQ.

For some Envirostars members, such as the Woodland Park Zoo, conservation is part of their core mission. “Envirostars helps the zoo manage the impact of our daily operations, showcase our sustainability efforts to a broader audience and connect to like-minded companies and organizations,” said Zosia Brown, Resource Conservation and Sustainability Supervisor at Woodland Park Zoo. “Sustainability is core to our new strategic mission, to save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives. We know that we can achieve much more by collaborating with community partners, and so are thrilled to be a founding member of this program and to see it continue to expand.”

Well-known Washington staples such as Chateau Ste. Michelle winery, Tom Douglas restaurants, and Fremont Brewing have joined EnviroStars, along with many more small businesses like Villa Jerada, a Seattle business specializing in Moroccan and Levantinian artisanal products, and Aaron’s Bicycle Repair in White Center.

“We always wanted to do more to be eco-friendly and reduce waste in all its forms as much as we could,” said Mehdi Boujrada, owner of Villa Jerada. “We reuse all of our raw material packaging to transport finished products to customers, and we even use the plastic packaging bags to line our trash cans. We look forward to working with Envirostars on our next goals: switching to eco-friendly packaging for our spices, and creating a campaign to market the change to our customers.”

“I started working with EnviroStars over at my old shop on Vashon Island in the mid-90s and I’ve been a member ever since. There was a voucher through King County and a rebate through Seattle City Light. I was able to upgrade all the lights in my bike shop to LEDs, which use one-third less energy, and it is quite a bit brighter. The project cost me a total of $33,” said Aaron Goss, owner of Aaron’s Bicycle Repair.

The City of Seattle supports EnviroStars as part of a coalition of 21 Washington cities, counties, utilities, and local public health jurisdictions reaching from Whatcom County to Pierce County.

To find green businesses near you or get environmental assistance for your business, visit EnviroStars.org, and learn more about the program with this video.

Seattle Startup Stories: Armoire

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Armoire founder Ambika Singh sitting with a coffee mug.

Armoire CEO Ambika Singh.

Armoire is a Seattle-based startup that wants to change the way people—for the moment, mostly women—approach their wardrobes.

Armoire members complete a style profile including questions about size and style preferences. The app then presents a “closet” of items for the member to choose from based on an algorithm and assistance from professional stylists. The chosen items are then shipped to the member’s home. Members wear the pieces for as long as they want, and swap items when they’re ready for something new.

On the business end, Armoire is a team of a little over 22 people—also mostly women—operating out of The Riveter coworking space in Capitol Hill. Armoire’s Founder, Owner and Chief BossLady Ambika Singh sat down with us to talk about her experience building a brand that caters to all women.

Tell us about your background and career leading up to Armoire.

I’m from Seattle, I grew up on the Eastside. I went to college in New Hampshire, pretty much as far away from Seattle as you can get. I really missed it here, so I came back as an intern at Microsoft, twice, which was really different from what I was studying. At the time I was a history major with a concentration in Asian studies. I wrote my thesis about microfinance in India, so landing at Microsoft was not a straight line.

My first startup experience was less than the big success it was expected to be. We went from about 17 people a year in, and then the company laid off 14 of the 17, in my perception, overnight. It was really blindsiding for me.

Ambika and one of her co-founders, Brittany Seabaugh, in the styling room at Armoire.

Ambika and one of her co-founders, Brittany Seabaugh.

Looking back, it was professionally the most devastating thing that had happened to me. The first day was bad, the second day was better, and by three weeks later, I started to pick myself up and walk away. I learned even in the worst case, the worst case is okay. I realized this would not break me, and there would be another thing.

My next startup experience, I actually ended up with Rover. Rover was very cool, because I saw the other side. Which is very addicting. When it works, it’s awesome. We built a team, and it took on a soul of its own very quickly. I was itchy to have more ownership over what we were doing. [Read more…]

Only in Seattle Initiative Request for Applications, Due Oct. 29

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The Office of Economic Development’s Only in Seattle Initiative strives to build an equitable and vibrant city by fostering neighborhood business districts that are centers of local commerce, community, and culture. With seed funding and expertise, the Initiative supports local businesses, building owners, and residents to unite around a common vision for their district and work together to achieve it. From business coaching, community festivals, and litter cleanup, to murals, outreach and real estate development, Seattle’s business districts have used Only in Seattle to tackle tough issues, attract new investment and care for their communities. Learn more about the Only in Seattle Initiative.

The Only in Seattle Initiative is a partnership between OED, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), and the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON). Approximately $1,400,000 is available (contingent upon federal and City funding allocations) for district grants and services that accomplish goals in the five strategy areas: 

  1. Organization – Neighborhood organizations, residents, property owners and business owners collaborate and work together toward a common vision for the business district. 
  2. Marketing & Events – Local businesses are supported by marketing strategies and events that bring customers and emphasize a positive, consistent image of the district. 
  3. Business Development – Businesses prosper because they are organized, supported by the community and they receive the assistance they need to strengthen and grow their business. New businesses move into the district that complement and improve the business mix.  
  4. Placemaking – The physical environment of a commercial node is inviting and easily accessible by multiple modes of transportation. Real estate development involves community input and vision. Public spaces are maximized to enhance vibrancy and promote social interaction.  
  5. Clean & Safe – The district is clean, and customers, employees, and visitors feel safe and welcome.

 

PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, 9/26 at 3:30 pm at the Beacon Hill Library (5813, 2821 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144)

Attend the upcoming public information session hosted by the Only in Seattle team to learn more about the 2019 RFA. In addition, your fellow business district managers will share past examples of successful grant applications and projects. OIS staff will be on hand to present a general overview of the program and details about this year’s application, as well as answer any questions.  The event will be held at the Beacon Hill Library at 3:30 pm.

Register now!

 

APPLICATION TIMELINE

  • September 17, 2018, 9:00 am: Request for Applications and Program Description released 
  • September 26, 2018, 3:30 – 5:00 pm: Information Session, Register today!
  • September 17 – October 29:  OIS staff are available for questions and support. Contact our team to schedule an appointment in your community today!
  • October 29, 2018, 5:00 pm: Application deadline  
  • November 5, 6, 7, 9, 2018: Presentations to Only in Seattle Review Committee. Visit the Doodle Poll to select preferred dates/times for your district to present. 
  • December 2018: Notification of funding decisions 

 

STAFF SUPPORT AND OFFICE HOURS

Only in Seattle Initiative application support is available. Contact OIS staff for questions, and one-on-one appointments in your community. Please contact us as far in advance of the application deadline as possible.

OIS staff can provide support in any of the following areas of the application:

  • Review completed or partially completed applications
  • Assist with setup and submittal of application through online grant platform — GoGrants
  • Share Only in Seattle Initiative program overview and details of each tier
  • Provide example applications
  • Review frequently asked questions

OIS staff cannot write or submit your application.

Theresa, Heidi, Mikel, Phillip, and Ken will have office hours dedicated to working with you on any questions or concerns you might have. Please reach out to schedule an appointment.

 

Start your application today!

 

Applications are due on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. PST via the online grant system. Late applications and paper copies will not be accepted.

City of Seattle, Seattle Colleges and Kaiser Permanente celebrate first year of medical assistant training scholarships

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Scholarship recipients lined up, holding backpacks

Program participants received backpacks and a standing ovation at the end of the celebration.

A new public-private partnership is helping address our region’s growing need for medical assistants, while at the same time connecting low-income community members, people of color, and first-generation college students with living-wage careers.

On September 7, representatives from the City of Seattle, Seattle Colleges and Kaiser Permanente gathered with students at the Pacific Tower to celebrate the first year of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Assistant Career Launch Scholarship program. The program provides comprehensive, wrap-around scholarships for 18 students to attend the Seattle Colleges’ Vocational Institute Medical Assisting certificate program. The Seattle Office of Economic Development supports this partnership through its investment in the Seattle Colleges Center for Working Adults, which manages the partnership and coordinates program success.

Mayor Jenny Durkan speaking at a podium

Mayor Durkan addressing the students and their families.

“We know providing true economic opportunity in Seattle starts with providing great jobs,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “Investing in high-demand job training allows students to remain in the City we love while building a strong economy for our local businesses. Access to good, family-wage jobs like medical assistants is how we empower our young people, families and communities.”

“This initiative is a true cross-sector collaboration, with each organization bringing their unique expertise to bear to create a win-win-win for employers, community members, and the city at large,” said Kristin Economo, Director of the Center for Working Adults. “Kaiser Permanente knows healthcare, Seattle Colleges understands student success, and the City has provided public sector leadership. Together we are able to address challenges and create impact that no organization could achieve on their own.”

“Nothing is more critical to providing great health care than great health care workers. By teaming up with the Seattle Colleges to support these Medical Assistant students, we’re investing in the future of excellent care in our region,” said Susan Mullaney, President of Kaiser Permanente Washington.

A video shown at the celebration emphasized the very real impact that the scholarship is making for its 18 recipients. “To me, this scholarship is everything,” said one of the students. “I’m a mom, a single mom at that, and balancing school and a newborn is a lot. And just having Kaiser there to push me and have a great future and start an amazing career, I think is really great.”

Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing occupations both nationally and locally. According to Emsi data, the demand for medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent by 2022 in King County. Job training partnerships between employers and educational institutions have been shown to benefit students, educators, and employers, and help ensure that employers are able to find skilled workers to fill in-demand positions.

Guests and students mingling.

Medical assistants perform important services such immunizations and blood draws, and investing in their training is beneficial for the entire community. A recent study from Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) found evidence that investing in additional training for medical assistants and expanding their role in a patient’s healthcare can improve outcomes for the chronically ill.

Students, ranging in age from 18 to over 45, took pre-requisite courses this summer in preparation for beginning the medical assistant program this fall. The program includes professional development from Kaiser Permanente medical assistants, tutoring, one-on-one support from a Navigator from the Seattle Colleges’ Center for Working Adults, and wrap-around support in partnership with the Seattle Jobs Initiative and multiple community-based organizations.

The Kaiser Permanente Scholarship eliminates the financial barrier that may have otherwise prevented its students accessing the training they need to pursue this high-demand, living-wage career. Students will take part in a hands-on externship in a clinic during their final quarter, in partnership with a variety of healthcare employers. In addition to professional development, students will participate in team building, mindfulness workshops, and financial coaching, further supporting them for long-term success.