The Capital Access Program is a dedicated initiative designed to empower small businesses, particularly those historically marginalized and facing financial constraints. By providing equitable access to affordable capital, CAP aims to create a more level playing field for these businesses. The program is guided by three primary objectives: CAP pays… [ Keep reading ]
We’re excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Tenant Improvement Program are open! This year’s program will invest $800,000 in sign and equipment funding. Businesses can apply for up to $15,000 to purchase a sign, or up to $50,000 to purchase equipment that is essential to their business purpose…. [ Keep reading ]
National Small Business Week is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of small businesses and the vital role they play in our community. In Seattle, small businesses are more than just the backbone of our local economy: they represent the creativity, vibrancy, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit that make our… [ Keep reading ]
Written by Celwyn Green, Commercial Space Consultant Manager We’re refreshing and expanding the consultant roster for immediate use and for future needs of the Commercial Space Consultant Program and Tenant Improvement Program through the Request for Qualifications process. Updating this roster will make our services more effective and give our… [ Keep reading ]
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 ]
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 ]
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 ]
Paul Nguyen grew up drinking boba. We’re talking about the real, authentic boba that originated in Taiwan. The co-owner of Hyson Boba, originally from Vietnam, moved to Seattle last year. He sampled boba shops around the city and quickly noticed a trend. “A lot of boba tea here is not… [ Keep reading ]
As Youn Chung restocks her Asian American food and lifestyle superette, Anyoung Super, she takes care to make sure every item is visible. She sees it as more than selling Asian American specialty goods; it’s a way to tell the stories about the people behind the products. “I get really… [ Keep reading ]
Brian Myers does more than own and operate Tabletop Village; he’s building a community within a community. He jokes that the Chinatown-International District shop is more like a community center supported by retail sales. “Having a community is different than trying to sell cards,” said Myers. “You can buy cards… [ Keep reading ]
