Resources for Business Owners

Mayor's Small Business Awards

Every year the Mayor recognizes ten outstanding small businesses with a Mayor's Small Business Award for their contribution to the city's economic vitality and quality of life. Seattle's small businesses provide services, jobs, job training, gathering places, products, innovations and add a distinctive character to the communities they serve. For 2006, the nomination process occurred during June-July, with winners announced at a ceremony at Town Hall on September 20, 2006.

• Download a list of the past award winners from 1984-2004 (pdf)
• Download a list of the 2005 winners

Community Capital Development (CCD)

CCD is a place where a person thinking about opening a small business, or already operating a small business, can come to create a business plan, research potential markets and marketing ideas, discuss management issues with experienced counselors and business assistance providers, and apply for a small business loan. www.seattleccd.com or 206-324-4330

Mayor's Business Advocate

An Advocate for Seattle Businesses 

In 2003, the Mayor established and launched the Mayor's Business Advocate service to assist small businesses. The Advocate acts as a voice for small and medium-sized businesses that need help with City policies and regulations.

In her first two years of service, Advocate Kris Effertz assisted over 500 businesses. Among her accomplishments were the facilitation of the brownfields clean-up of the Despi's Delite Bakery site on Beacon Hill, and the re-establishment of Charlie's Produce, for which she was honored by the Manufacturing and Industrial Council for her outstanding work.

Kris Effertz, the City of Seattle's Business Advocate, can be reached at 206-684-BIZZ (206-684-2499) or by email at kris.effertz@seattle.gov . Kris works with businesses on a case-by-case basis to troubleshoot concerns and resolve problems. She is available as your first point of contact to understand and navigate City processes, regulations and policies - and gain access to needed resources.

Are you a member of your local chamber or merchants association? Find out more information that these organizations do to improve the business districts and promote your business.

List of Neighborhoods

UW Business Assistance Program

The BAP assists small business owners in Seattle's Central Area, Rainier Valley, and Chinatown/International District communities. Businesses can apply for assistance that includes management consultant services, accounting, financial management, marketing, and technology management. For more information, contact 206-543-9327

• Doing Business in Seattle