Pioneer Square Business Stakeholders-

The Alliance for Pioneer Square team is working diligently to keep the Pioneer Square community informed regarding new resources and opportunities available to them. This roundup is part of a series of weekly messages capturing new resources and opportunities. Find each weekly email to date on our website.

*Please see this roundup's new resources and opportunities highlighted in RED*

What's Happening

• *NEW* Following successful repairs and testing of the Spokane St Swing Bridge (low bridge), the bridge was reopened on Friday, January 13th. With the low bridge reopened to people biking, walking, rolling and driving, SDOT removed the temporary bike detour route on 1st Ave S, as planned. SDOT will keep the temporary protected bike lane along West Marginal Way SW in its current configuration, including the large orange barrels currently marking the route and continue conversations with nearby businesses and community members about a protected bike lane in this location.

• Beginning on January 1st, the Seattle minimum wage increased to $18.69 per hours for small employers (500 or fewer employees). If the employer pays $2.19 per hour toward medical benefits and/or the employee earns $2.19/hour in tips, the minimum wage is $16.50 per hour. Learn more here.

• Seattle has been selected to host the 2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park. The Seattle Kraken, who are hosting the Vegas Golden Knights, will play on Monday, January 1, 2024. The game will be the first outdoor contest for the Kraken who began play during the 2021-22 season. Sign up for 2024 NHL Winter Classic updates here.

Worker and Business Resources

• *NEW* ArtsFund is thrilled to announce a new grantmaking program, the Community Accelerator Grant, a historic investment in Washington’s arts and culture sector. Funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Community Accelerator Grant program will provide unrestricted grants for cultural nonprofit organizations across Washington state in amounts of $2,500 to $25,000.

Funding will provide essential capital to Washington’s cultural organizations, including fiscally sponsored and tribal organizations, whose primary mission is to produce or support arts and cultural activities. Awards will be unrestricted, allowing recipient organizations to utilize funding in ways that they determine and prioritize for highest impact.

The Community Accelerator Grant application is open through 5:00p.m. on January 31, 2023. Complete the application here.

• *NEW* The Deptartment of Revenue will begin accepting applications for the Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) on February 1st. The purpose of the program is to stimulate the local economy, promote racial equity and support the well-being of Washingtonians. The program is perpetual (not only one time) and will provide refunds of up to $1200 to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Learn more about the program:

• Eligibility
• Resources
• Events

Have a question about the WFTC Program? Contact DOR at 360-763-7300 or complete a contact request form.

• *NEW* Small Business Requirements & Resources (SBRR) Webinar workshops are provided by members of the Washington state Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT). A free, one-hour webinar titled Start a Business in WA, will be held on February 7th at 9a on Zoom. The session will provide potential entrepreneurs a strong foundation for starting a business in Washington. It covers planning, registration and licensing and other regulatory requirements. Register here and visit here to learn more.

• The UW Michael G. Foster School of Business Business Certificate Program is a free six week program that provides participants an opportunity to learn proven business concepts, expand business skills and improve their job performance. The program runs from February 2nd to March 9th every Thursday, from 6-9p via Zoom. Register here.

• The LendingTree Foundation has opened their Community Impact Grant screening form for 2023. The grant is available for nonprofits who: have been a 501c3 for more than two years, have an annual budget less than $1M, have less than three paid employees and provide programs/services that meet at least two of the LendingTree Foundation pillars. The LendingTree Foundation Community Impact grant screening form can be found here. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].

• 4Culture recently announced their 2023 grantmaking schedule which includes funding opportunities for artists, arts-based projects and arts landmarks preservation. The full list of 4Culture's grant programs can be found here.

Partner Efforts

• SDOT has launched the second phase of outreach on the Seattle Transportation Plan (STP). They've heard your vision for the future of transportation. Now they need your help to turn those ideas into actions! The STP is SDOT's commitment to building a transportation system that provides everyone with access to safe, efficient and affordable options to reach places and opportunities. SDOT need your help to create this plan. Visit this interactive map to share your thoughts on Seattle's streets, sidewalks and shared spaces. Share your feedback here by February 21, 2023.

• Join the Seattle Metro Chamber after hours at Filson's flagship store on Wednesday, February 22 for an evening of networking, sipping and snacking and maybe even a little shopping. You won't want to miss out on the 20% discount on merchandise at the event. RSVP here.

Other Neighborhood Updates

• *NEW* The Alliance for Pioneer Square invites community members to our Spring networking event on Thursday, March 9th from 4-6p. Anyone who owns property, a business, or works in Pioneer Square are welcome to join. Additional information regarding the event location and how to RSVP will be communicated to neighborhood stakeholders in the coming weeks.

• *NEW* Enjoy 10% off hotel room retail rates when you book with the Courtyard Pioneer Square for your Seattle visitors! For any offsite meeting or event needs, email their Sales Executive, Susan Ellis to learn about available private meeting room discounts and offers. Book here today!

• After nearly one year of advocacy by a coalition of parks and public space advocates led by the Alliance for Pioneer Square, City Hall Park will remain a City of Seattle park and will receive $2.3 million in the city's 2023-2024 budget. This year, Seattle Parks and Recreation will collaborate with King County and relevant community organizations to develop and implement an interim activation plan, with a goal of ensuring that the park is safe and accessible for all. With a interim activation plan in place, Seattle Parks and Recreation will continue discussions with community stakeholders to determine a long-term plan for City Hall Park. City Hall Park capital costs for 2023/204 include an overall park design and the construction of a concierge area, wayfinding support and if feasible, a public restroom and associated safety infrastructure.

Additional Resources

• Save $5 with code PIONEERSQ on First Thursday Artwalk with Veo, one of Seattle's new bikeshare providers. Learn more about their class II e-bikes in Seattle here. Driving to Pioneer Square? Check out mobile-friendly DowntownSeattleParking.com for parking locations throughout the neighborhood. 

• Each Friday, we give neighborhood businesses and organizations the opportunity to share a series of photo and video content to the Alliance for Pioneer Square’s social media channels via stories, feed posts and live video updates, for the entire day. Fill out the Google Form to get started with the process or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

• The Pioneer Square Business Owners & Managers Facebook group is an opportunity for business owners and retailers to participate in an online forum and share resources, support and stories. We invite you to join the group and connect with other neighborhood businesses. Click here to join the Pioneer Square Business Owners and Managers Facebook page.

Please let us know how we might best support you. Feel free to contact any of us with comments, questions, suggestions, or concerns.