Seven community groups will help area small businesses through the Community Business Connector program, a pilot effort funded in part by the Port of Seattle and other cities and led by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and King County, it was announced Oct. 10.
As “Connectors,” these groups will receive a one-time award ranging from $30,000 to $40,000 over a 12-month period to help local small businesses recover from the pandemic and nurture their growth.
“The pandemic highlighted ongoing challenges faced by small business owners and operators, especially those in our BIPOC communities,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said. “As we emerge and recover, helping these enterprises navigate a rapidly changing business and public health landscape is critical for our long-term economic health.”
The seven groups are: Lake City Collective cultural center, OneEastside SPARK, Growing Contigo, LLC, International Rescue Committee, Indian American Community Services, Kent Chamber of Commerce and SnoValley Chamber.
“The Port of Seattle invested $650,000 in community-based partnerships to open doors for ethnic businesses that anchor our communities and neighborhoods,” Port of Seattle Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed said. “Helping small companies tap resources is vital as the region grows amid uncertain economic conditions locally and globally.”
More information on the program is available on the Community Business Connector website.
