On Thursday, June 18, the Only in Seattle (OIS) team hosted a webinar with neighborhood business districts and partners to provide relevant and timely information for small businesses. The OIS team coordinates with Seattle’s neighborhood business districts to provide resources for community stakeholders, businesses, property owners, and local organizations to achieve economic development outcomes determined by the community.
In response to COVID-19, the OIS team continues to work with business districts and community partners to provide resources and improve language access for small businesses. This webinar focused on Safe Start Washington’s Phase 2 guidance and support from King County and OED. Neighborhoods shared strategies they are implementing to support businesses through reopening.
Hugo Garcia, King County Local Services’ Economic Development Program Manager, provided an overview of Phase 2 reopening guidance and the business assistance program for businesses located in unincorporated King County. Garcia is also part of the Public Health Business Task Force.
Jennifer Tam, OED Restaurant Advocate, and Sarah Domondon, OED Small Business Advocate, provided an overview of current options for outdoor seating and temporary café permits to operate in the sidewalk or curb space in front of their business. Mike Stewart, Executive Director of Ballard Alliance, shared public space strategies Ballard is exploring and stressed the importance of getting options in place quickly to take advantage of good weather in Seattle and help many businesses decide if they can reopen at reduced capacity.
OIS conducts business district webinars every 2-3 weeks, answering questions and concerns businesses may have. Previous webinars include public safety and connecting businesses to resources. If there’s a topic or a question that neighborhood business districts would like to cover in a future webinar, please email Heidi Hall, Heidi.Hall@seattle.gov.