Central Area Collaborative
Supporting economic empowerment in Seattle’s Central Area Community
An investment in small businesses is an investment in our community.
The Central Area collaborative invests knowledge, energy, and capital in small businesses to support a thriving neighborhood.
Together, we’re building prosperity and security for the present and future residents of the Central District. This work celebrates the brilliance of our diverse community, and honors those who built and invested in this community before us.
Professional Guidance
Providing opportunities for small businesses to develop deeper business acumen can help entrepreneurs level-up and sustain for the longterm. We partner with business technical assistance providers to mentor and guide local businesses on everything from leadership development and communication skills, to networking etiquette and connections.
Capital Investment
Access to funding is life-giving for small and micro businesses. We seek to offer emergency financial support to entrepreneurs and family businesses in our community, so they have the opportunity to thrive. We are currently piloting both a loan and grant program that uses a community-based small business consortium to guide how best to serve our business community.
Cultural Preservation
At our core we are dedicated to the honoring the rich history of the Central Area. We are working to protect our heritage and nurture the past, present, and future Black community and culture in our historic neighborhoods. We are creating lasting, self-sustaining spaces for our people and culture to thrive.
Are you a business leader looking for support?
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Shared, community-based goals
The Central Area Collaborative measures success against the five goals developed through a multistage process of garnering input from community stakeholders.
These goals help us focus our efforts, activate our mission, and manifest the community’s vision of creating a thriving Central Area community.
The Central Area Collaborative is committed to ensuring that all community and collaborative members, partners, and supporters have confidence in our direction and understand the opportunities to support this work.
Goal 1
Align ongoing commercial development in the Central Area with community input.
Goal 4
Develop a thriving, high-quality, and educational food ecosystem reflective of the African diaspora.
Goal 2
Establish, retain, and grow independent, micro, and small businesses in the Central Area
Goal 5
Establish the Central Area as an African American arts and cultural center.
Goal 3
Increase job training and social services for special populations living and working in the Central Area