“If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s very true.” Tolga Seymen’s path to co-owning Nutty Squirrel Gelato with wife Alev began with an opportunity to learn about gelato in Rome and a desire to spend time… [ Keep reading ]
We designed the Back to Business Program to help small business owners recover from unexpected costs to repair and prevent vandalism and property damage. To meet the needs of businesses, we expanded the program to increase the grant amounts business owners can receive. Applications are open through December 2026, or until… [ Keep reading ]
As interior designers, Sonia-Lynn Abenojar and Sergio Max Legon-Talmoni know what it takes to turn an idea into a reality. “Our role as designers is taking the big idea from the client, any inspiration they have from aesthetics to function, and putting them into drawing form so the City can… [ Keep reading ]
Beto Yarce’s journey to becoming the acting director of our office is rooted in small business ownership. Beto started his own business, Cintli, with $250 and a six-foot table. He made jewelry and sold Mexican folk art at famers markets and festivals around Seattle. The idea to grow his… [ Keep reading ]
National Small Business Week is a time to celebrate the important contributions of our small businesses to Seattle’s economy. They bring character to our neighborhoods, drive our economy, and embody what makes Seattle special. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. For every dollar we invest in a small… [ Keep reading ]
The tofu at Chu Minh Tofu in Little Sài Gòn is made with a lot of love and a lot of labor. Soybeans are first ground by hand before a small machine finishes the process, resulting in the perfect tofu. That process will soon be much easier, thanks to a… [ Keep reading ]
Muhammad Ali once said, “The service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Those are the words guiding how Tricia Arcaro Turton manages her gym, Arcaro Boxing. “If it wasn’t for other people that were beacons of hope showing me the way,… [ Keep reading ]
Small businesses looking for financial support to upgrade their spaces can now apply for the Tenant Improvement Program. We have two packages available in 2026: the sign package award of up to $15,000 and the equipment package award of up to $50,000. These packages help cover the cost of replacing… [ Keep reading ]
Jamila Conley opened WeRise Wines with a vision: highlight wines from diverse and underrepresented winemakers. The idea was inspired by a dinner party featuring Black women winemakers, which came at a pivotal time for Conley. Previously working in tech, she was considering a career change motivated by a desire to… [ Keep reading ]
When designing the space for her first yoga studio, Jasmine RaShae’ was intentional with every detail. Ancient African artifacts line the studio walls and there’s an inviting lounge area at the front, complete with a record player open for anyone to use. RaShae’ jokes that people walking by may question… [ Keep reading ]
