Central Area Collaborative
Supporting economic empowerment in Seattle’s Central Area Community
CAC’s mission is to invest knowledge, energy, and capital into businesses to cultivate a thriving neighborhood ecosystem. This work helps secure equitable access to resources and builds long-term prosperity for current and future residents of the Central District and broader Central Area.
Welcome Steve Banks Jr.!
“I am honored to lead the Central Area Collaborative during such a crucial time. As we celebrate the rich cultural fabric of this community and confront the challenges of displacement and inequity, I look forward to working hand-in-hand with residents, businesses & local leaders to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Central Area Collaborative’s Executive Director
Our Offerings
The Central Area Collaborative (CAC) is a community-centered organization based in Seattle, WA, committed to advancing small and micro businesses—especially those led by African Americans and individuals from the global majority. With over a decade of work rooted in the Central District, CAC fosters economic opportunity, equity, and prosperity by directly investing in historically underserved entrepreneurs.
Small and Micro Business Technical Assistance
CAC provides tailored guidance to small and micro business owners. Whether you are looking for support with establishing a start-up, or maintaining an organization you’re currently operating, we’re here to help.
Cultural and Commercial Activation Projects
We are proud to partner with local organizations to host activation projects that engage the whole community and provide critical support towards enhancing organization visibility and impact.
Support With Accessing City Resources
Through close partnerships with city and state offices, CAC helps connect business owners with vital services —such as free business consulting, access to commercial space, and small business legal assistance.
Nurturing Economic Development
Since 2015, Central Area Collaborative has been a vital force in strengthening Seattle’s central area and beyond through deep-rooted partnerships throughout the city and a commitment to economic empowerment. The organization focuses on uplifting small businesses, supporting community members with essential resources, and creating pathways for connection between entrepreneurs and commercial spaces in the area. In recent years, we have served more than 200 local businesses, and counting.
Read our story to learn more about Central Area Collaborative’s history and commitment to the community.
Shared, Community-Based Goals
The Central Area Collaborative measures success against five goals developed through a multi-stage 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.
Align ongoing commercial development in the Central Area with community input.
1
Establish, retain, and grow independent, micro, and small businesses in the Central Area
2
Increase job training and social services for special populations living and working in the Central Area
3
Develop a thriving, high-quality, and educational food ecosystem reflective of the African diaspora.
4
Establish the Central Area as an African American arts and cultural center.