🎬🍿 All about cinema 🎬🍿

We’re excited to share Mayor Katie B. Wilson awarded three film industry professionals the Mayor’s Film Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Film. The awards honor individuals and organizations who made significant contributions to Seattle’s film industry. This year, the awards were presented in three categories: Abdul Kassamali received the Emerging Award, Kate Becker received the Legacy Award, and Tom Florino received the Industry Award.

We celebrated Seattle being a film-friendly city and these individuals at the 52nd annual Seattle International Film Festival. As part of our Film Program and commitment to support Seattle’s creative economy, we participate in this yearly cinema festival to attract, grow, and keep film production here.

Congratulations to the recipients! Read more about what each award represents, about the awardees’ background, and what the winners had to say about the recognition on the Mayor’s Film Awards press release.

Celebrating our small businesses every day

Small businesses bring character to our neighborhoods, drive our economy, and embody what makes Seattle special. This month calls for extra celebration of small businesses and the entrepreneurs running them.

Last week, we participated in National Small Business Week to recognize the hard work and the important contributions of our small businesses. We shared this blog post with resources for small business owners and featured Beto Yarce’s journey from small business ownership to becoming our acting director.

May is also Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month! The Intentionalist is celebrating by curating a marketplace of products and services from AANHPI-owned businesses throughout Seattle. They’re also running a campaign where you can shop at AANHPI-owned businesses, upload your receipts, and enter to win special prizes from your favorite sports teams. We featured a few AANHPI-owned businesses participating in our programs, show them some extra love this month too: Chu Minh Tofu and Quynh’s Pharmacy in Little Sài Gòn Kathmandu MoMoCha in South Lake Union Ooink in Capitol Hill

City and State opportunities and resources

🎉⚽ Ready for the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup kicks off next month. Our Special Events Office is your first stop to plan an event during the tournament and will help you navigate the process. Visit our permitting during the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup page for details.

We’re also working closely with business districts, event organizers, and City departments to help small businesses thrive before, during, and long after the tournament. Check out resources here: Preparing neighborhoods and small businesses for a summer of sports.

🌳 Share your feedback and help shape Seattle’s Climate Action Plan! 🌍

Nearly 20 City departments are collaborating to update Seattle’s Climate Action Plan. The plan will map out strategies to reduce pollution, prepare for climate impacts, and build a healthier city for all. Your feedback will directly inform the draft plan and help identify community priorities, risks, and solutions that matter most.

📅 Deadline to fill out the survey is June 30.

💻 Take the 10-minute survey to share your thoughts.

How to Start a Business in Washington Workshop

Join Growing Contigo for a free workshop to learn how to start a business in our state. The workshop will be in English and Spanish. You’ll learn the steps to start a business, the importance of a business account, labor ordinances, and more.

📅 May 21, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

📍 Rainier Beach Library (9125 Rainier Ave S)

💻 Register for free online.

Small business resources at OED

• The Back to Business program supports small businesses impacted by vandalism and property damage. We’re currently accepting applications for two funds: Learn more about the Back to Business program.
• Applications for our Accounting and Business Consulting program are open. Review the list of services available and apply on our website.
• Here’s a full list of our programs helping small businesses with the tools and support needed to thrive: Helping Seattle’s small businesses grow.