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🕶️ Summer 2025 Newsletter 🕶️ | | | | | | Make Your Small Business Shine Brighter with a RainierABC Mini-Grant! | |
Got big summer plans for your small business? Looking to purchase some new equipment, host a special event, or try a new marketing strategy?
We've got you. Apply by August 31 for a RainierABC mini-grant for up to $1,000 toward the cost of your project. All licensed brick-and-mortar businesses and nonprofits in the neighborhoods that we serve (Genesee, Rainier Vista, Columbia City, Hillman City, Brighton, Seward Park) are eligible to apply. We have funding to make about five awards this year.
Thanks to the wonderful neighbors at Verity Credit Union (opening a new South Seattle branch soon) for making these mini-grants possible!
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Funding Available for Storefront Repair Security Upgrades | | The City of Seattle is launching its "Back to Business" program in August to assist businesses recovering from vandalism and other property damage. This year's program will reimburse businesses for eligible expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2024 to fix damage to windows, doors, signs, locks, gates, and fences. Each business will be able to receive up to $3,000 in reimbursements per incident and can apply for reimbursements related to up to three separate incidents. Businesses will need to provide a police report number and receipts/invoices for the repair expenses they've already incurred.
Funding will also be available to reimburse businesses for security improvements intended to prevent future vandalism and property damage. Businesses can schedule a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessment of their space with Seattle PD's Crime Prevention Coordinators. After completing the assessment, businesses will be eligible to apply for up to $6,000 in reimbursements for CPTED-informed security upgrades. (Security cameras, security personnel, and replacing stolen merchandise/equipment will not be eligible expenses for this program.)
Reach out to us for updates on this program rollout and eligibility rules, and for assistance applying! | | | | | | | | | | Affordable Loan Options for Your Business | | | | We're proud to partner this summer with the Washington Small Business Flex Fund, a program backed by the Washington State Department of Commerce that is helping small businesses and nonprofits access affordable loans and technical assistance to foster growth. Are you looking for an affordable and flexible loan from a trusted community lender? Join the Flex Fund informational webinar on July 22 at 12pm to learn more and speak directly to the program facilitators. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Seattle City Council District 2 Election Debate, July 21: Ahead of our August 5 primary election, the South Seattle Emerald will be hosting a debate at Rainier Arts Center at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from our district's four City Council candidates on their plans to represent and serve our community.
Cultural Exchange Walking Tour, August 2: Join our friends in the MLK Business Association to explore the Othello neighborhood, try some delicious new food, and connect with a diverse small business community.
"What's Good" Hillman City Block Party, August 9: The Hillman City Neighborhood Association and local businesses are bringing back the block party of the summer, with multiple stages of live music, plus late-night performances at Black & Tan Hall and food, drinks, & activities for all ages. This is a volunteer-led event -- if you're interested in helping to make this incredible event happen, please sign up for a volunteer shift. Don't miss it!
Othello Park International Festival, August 10: Experience the incredible cultural diversity of South Seattle at this beloved annual festival showcasing music, dance, food, and festivities from all around the world. If you are an entrepreneur, you can also vend at this event! Let us know you're interested by August 1 by filling out this form. | | | | | | Columbia City Beatwalk, August 13 & September 10: Beatwalk has been bringing the heat all summer to the Ferdinand Festival Street. Don't miss great lineups of live music for the remaining two summer events: world beats & rhythms in August, and an eclectic "anything goes" lineup in September.
98118 Fest, August 23: Come out to Columbia Park from noon to 6pm for a day of amazing (and free!) live music, with performances by the Black Tones, Reposado, DJ Riz, and more. This year's event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of outstanding local organization SouthEast Effective Development (SEED).
Back 2 School Bash, August 23: Stop by Rainier Beach Community Center to pick up a backpack & school supplies for your kids, connect with family resources, and enjoy great food and entertainment.
Shape the Future of the Hillman Hub, August 28: This is the second of three community engagement events focused on planning for the Hillman Hub, a collaborative effort between SEEDArts, the Multicultural Coalition, and Black & Tan Hall to create a new creative space for the Hillman City community. | | | | | | Workforce Grants Power Up Rainier Businesses | | | | This spring, we were honored to partner with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County to provide grants for local small businesses. These grants were funded through the WA Department of Commerce as part of the Community Reinvestment Project.
Rainier Valley grantees included Taqueria Tehuacan, Mati's Salon, QueenCare, Safari Njema, Life's Salon, and Yusra & Sabah Restaurant. The funds empowered these businesses to hire, retain, equip, and train staff; increase staff pay; and upgrade facilities to improve staff productivity. As one business owner told us, "This grant truly came at the perfect time ... The support helped our salon run more efficiently" and made "a real difference in [our staff's] journey." Thanks to the businesses who partnered with us to make this program a success! | | Our teammate Jenny Ap with Jane Kagira, owner of Columbia City's Safari Njema Restaurant. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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