We’re thrilled to highlight the work business owners from the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities are doing that make Seattle’s economy unique.

Brian Myers jokes that his Pokémon shop, Tabletop Village, is more like a community center supported by retail sales. Myers runs the combination training gym and collectibles shop in the Chinatown-International District. He designs programming to build community in the neighborhood by creating experiences for kids and their families.

Learn how a grant from our office is helping Myers stay in the neighborhood.

Youn Chung had the “aha” moment for creating a specialty Asian food store while shopping for groceries. She was able to test the concept for Anyoung Super by hosting a pop-up through Seattle Restored. Chung says she learned a lot from that experience and has since tailored the business model to fit her family’s needs. She now has two shops open nestled in local restaurants.

Chung talks about how she’s contributing to Asian representation by the goods she highlights.

Our Tenant Improvement Program supports entrepreneurs at critical stages of development, whether you’re seeking your first physical location, need storefront improvements, or are expanding.  

• Emerge: Packages help new businesses find or build out a permanent space in the City of Seattle.
• Improve: Packages award existing businesses with funding for signage, equipment, and safety upgrades.
• Expand: Packages award funding to help expanding businesses complete a new build-out.

Applications are due by Monday, June 24, at 5 p.m.

Review program eligibility requirements and apply.

There’s still time to submit your application for Seattle Restored! This program fills vacant storefronts Downtown and across Seattle with local businesses and creatives. The program aims to create vibrant streetscapes and neighborhoods while supporting local entrepreneurs.  

Small businesses can apply for a pop-up shop or a long-term business. Creatives have the option to apply for an installation space or residency. Applications are due by 8 p.m. on May 30.

📝 Apply to Seattle Restored.

We’re seeking consultants to conduct a Retail and Ground Floor Revitalization Analysis of some of Seattle’s distinctive neighborhoods as well as key areas Downtown.

Seattle continues to grow and how we shop continues to evolve, reshaping Downtown and our neighborhoods. This Request for Proposal process focuses on an analysis and implementation plan for multiple Seattle neighborhoods working towards a community vision.

This will serve as a catalyst and resource to support neighborhoods and Downtown.

Learn about our goals for this project and submit a proposal.

Small business owners are invited to a webinar on getting help with COVID-era business loans.

The webinar will focus on the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

There will be an overview of the funding and how business owners can receive help getting the loans forgiven or assistance with paying them back. The webinar is Tuesday, May 28, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. PT. 

Register for the webinar. 💻

Our office is looking for a research firm to study Seattle’s cannabis industry.

Through the Request for Proposal process, we’re searching for someone to conduct an equity study that includes a comparative financial analysis for businesses in this industry. We also want to determine what professional development and advancement needs workers in the industry have.

Responses are due Friday, June 7.

Cannabis Industry Needs Assessment RFP details.