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Home » America Travel News » Visit Seattle and Seattle Bank Fuel Economic Growth with 2025 Community Partnership Program Supporting Diverse Local Businesses Wednesday, June 4, 2025Seattle’s thriving business community has just received a significant boost as Visit Seattle and Seattle Bank have announced the participating businesses for their highly impactful Community Partnership Program. In its fourth year, this initiative is designed to strengthen the economic vitality of Seattle’s neighborhoods by supporting small businesses, especially those owned by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), LGBTQIA+, and women entrepreneurs. This partnership underscores the commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable economic development across Seattle’s diverse communities.“One of the most rewarding aspects of Visit Seattle’s mission is connecting visitors to the culturally rich spaces that make our city so special,” said Visit Seattle president and CEO Tammy Canavan. “This year, we’re especially excited to highlight Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, a historically significant neighborhood that continues to shape Seattle’s cultural identity. With family-run restaurants that have operated for multiple generations, and innovative cafes and shops, Chinatown-International District is a place where visitors can truly feel and experience Seattle’s heartbeat.” Through this program, 12 exceptional businesses have been selected from the Chinatown-International District (CID), a historic neighborhood that reflects Seattle’s cultural diversity and rich heritage. The CID, which is home to a vibrant mix of restaurants, retail shops, creative arts businesses, and community spaces, sits strategically near Lumen Field. In 2026, this stadium will host six FIFA World Cup™ matches, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. With this global event approaching, the program is aimed at preparing local businesses for the influx of visitors, with the support of key agencies like Sound Transit and King County Metro. These agencies will work to ensure that event-goers have easy access not only to the stadium but also to the local businesses that define the spirit of the CID.“Chinatown-International District is the gem of Seattle—a cultural cornerstone built by generations of small business owners and community leaders,” said Tuyen Than, Incoming Executive Director of Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area. “We’re proud to partner with Visit Seattle to uplift these local businesses and foster a more vibrant, welcoming city for everyone.” Supporting Small Business Growth and Neighborhood RevitalizationThe Community Partnership Program, originally founded in 2022, was developed to aid businesses in the CID area as they navigated the challenges of recovering from the pandemic. Since its inception, the program has expanded its reach to include businesses in other iconic Seattle neighborhoods, including Pioneer Square in 2024, and Capitol Hill and First Hill in 2023. In 2025, the focus returns to the CID, amplifying the area’s role in Seattle’s diverse business ecosystem.“Seattle Bank is thrilled to partner with Visit Seattle for what is now a four-year collaboration celebrating and supporting BIPOC- and LGBTQIA-owned businesses,” said Mary Grace Roske, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations at Seattle Bank. “This is an opportunity to encourage tourists and Seattleites to immerse themselves in the fresh cuisine and beloved retail experiences of the vibrant Chinatown-International District.” Through Seattle Bank’s generous support, businesses selected for the Community Partnership Program will enjoy waived membership fees to Visit Seattle’s membership group until 2027. This membership provides significant perks, including promotional assistance via Visit Seattle’s marketing channels, editorial content, and valuable leads and referrals generated by the city’s tourism infrastructure. By lifting these small businesses, Visit Seattle and Seattle Bank are not just nurturing the local economy—they are enhancing the visibility of Seattle’s unique cultural hubs to a global audience.“We at Intrigue Chocolate Co. have been delighted with our membership at Visit Seattle, generously sponsored by Seattle Bank last year,” said Aaron Barthel, co-owner of Intrigue Chocolate Co, a 2024 participating business of the Community Partnership Program. “The support we’ve received has been outstanding – from Visit Seattle purchasing our chocolate bars for office gifts, to including us in regional promotions and the Visitor Guide. These actions not only elevated our local visibility but also connected us more deeply with the vibrant Seattle community.” “The people I have interacted with at Visit Seattle have been very kind and willing to help,” said Daniel Pena, owner of Rojo’s Mexican Food, part of the Community Partnership Program’s 2024 cohort. “Visit Seattle’s networking events are a great opportunity for me to be around other business owners and to meet new people in a welcoming space. This is something I am trying to do more so I value the chance to do so. I look forward to utilizing more services and opportunities with Visit Seattle.” Businesses Selected for the 2025 Community Partnership ProgramThe following businesses are participating in the 2025 edition of the Community Partnership Program:Dragonfly – A Vietnamese waffle mix brand offering ready-to-make products available at Phin Vietnamese Coffee or online.Drag & Drop Creative – A creative studio specializing in design and branding, web creation, video production, and creative consulting.E Jae Pak Mor – A Thai street food restaurant renowned for its steamed rice flour dumplings and vibrant dishes.Fort St. George – An innovative restaurant serving Asian-inspired comfort food with a unique twist.Freehold Theatre Lab/Studio – A theatre laboratory and studio space dedicated to fostering emerging artists in Seattle.Gan Bei Eatery and Bar – A casual bar and restaurant offering Chinese comfort food, with karaoke as a fun addition to the dining experience.In the Comfort Of – A vintage furniture and home goods store offering curated pieces to enhance any home.Insumono – A family-run gastropub offering Japanese tasting dishes, cocktails, and sake.Jade Garden Restaurant – A renowned Chinese restaurant specializing in dim sum and classic Cantonese dishes.Reclaim Clay Collective – A pottery and art studio located in the historic Tsue Chong fortune cookie factory, offering community-driven art workshops and exhibitions.Sairen – A lifestyle brand offering design-driven products, including handmade items sourced from both the U.S. and Japan.Strengthening Seattle’s FutureThe Community Partnership Program exemplifies how community-led initiatives can catalyze long-term growth, particularly in historically underrepresented communities. By supporting these diverse small businesses, Visit Seattle and Seattle Bank are not only contributing to the economic resurgence of the CID but also laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, equitable future for Seattle. This collaboration highlights the significant impact that can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together to drive positive, transformative change.With its comprehensive support system for local businesses and its forward-thinking approach to major events like the FIFA World Cup™, Seattle is setting a global standard for how tourism and economic development can be successfully intertwined. As the city gears up for these exciting changes, the Community Partnership Program stands as a beacon of what is possible when communities come together to lift each other up.The businesses chosen for this year’s program represent a vibrant cross-section of Seattle’s diverse cultural landscape and play an essential role in making the city a dynamic place to visit, live, and do business.
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