Resource Roundup: March 16th 2022
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


The four open positions include architect, human services representative, district retail owner and district property owner. Individuals who have an interest in historic preservation and/or familiarity with Pioneer Square are encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants must be Seattle residents. Board members serve without compensation. Those interested in being considered should send a letter of interest and resume by Thursday, March 31st to genna.nashem@seattle.gov (reference the Pioneer Square Preservation Board in the subject line). For more information, contact Genna Nashem at (206) 684-0227.


  • *NEW* The West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions (WSBLE) project will provide fast, reliable light rail connections to dense residential and job centers throughout the region. In addition, a new downtown Seattle light rail tunnel will provide capacity for the entire regional system to operate efficiently. These two separate Link extensions are part of the regional transit system expansion approved by voters in November 2016.

As a business, property owner or resident near a potential WSBLE route or station alternative, it is important to note the effects to residences and businesses and provide feedback to the Sound Transit Board to inform possible mitigation measures. Lean more about how West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions (WSBLE) will impact Pioneer Square, what to expect as a project neighbor and how to provide input to the Sound Transit Board Board here.

Please note, sections of this project categorized under the Chinatown-International District (CID) segment include both Pioneer Square and the CID, with most WSBLE alternatives falling within the Pioneer Square Historic District. The new station will serve the south end of the district. WSBLE alternative and design options will affect accessibility and passenger transfer options.
Worker and Business Resources

  • *NEW* The City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development (OED) has announced an $8M investment to launch the Capital Access Program, a new partnership with local community development financial institutions (CDFI) that will connect small businesses to flexible working capital loans. Learn more here.

To apply for flexible working capital loans through the City’s Capital Access Program, eligible small businesses must first submit a Flex Fund application online. Applications must be submitted by April 8, 2022, at 5 p.m. For more information on the application process, eligibility and guidelines, visit the Capital Access Program Website.


  • *NEW* Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrowers that received only partial loan forgiveness from their lenders have a new process for appealing the lender's decision to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

In a procedural notice, the SBA said the new appeals process was created after the agency received inquiries by borrowers that received partial forgiveness of their PPP loans because their lender issued a partial approval decision to the SBA on the borrower's loan forgiveness application, or their lender required the borrower to apply for forgiveness in an amount less than the full amount of the PPP loan.

Borrowers can now request, through their lender, an SBA review of their loan if they received a partial forgiveness decision from the lender they do not agree with or if they were required by their lender to apply for forgiveness in less than the full amount of the PPP loan. The new process does not apply if the borrower applied for less than full forgiveness on their own volition. OED provides free technical assistance to businesses applying for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This includes helping businesses navigate the application process. For general inquiries email OED@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-8090.

  • *NEW* Wheels' unique seated-style scooter is now available for rental in Seattle. Wheels is committed to promoting equity by providing increased access to transportation to everyone. Wheels for All is a discount program that provides access to an easy, equitable, and environmentally-friendly form of transportation for qualifying riders. the program offers an up to 50% ride discount (including unlock fee).

To qualify, individuals must be currently enrolled in a the following city programs city, state, or federal assistance programs:
  • ORCA Lift
  • Regional Reduced Fare Permit
  • Seattle Public Utility Discount Program
  • Seattle Housing Authority
  • Apple Health
  • Seattle Housing Authority Senior Housing
  • Seattle Housing Authority Low-income Public Housing
  • Seattle City Light Discount Program
  • Washington Basic Food Program Washington State Food Assistance Program
  • Medicaid, EBT, SNAP, or other assistance program

Visit the Wheels website to sign up.
Partner Efforts
  • *NEW* State of Washington Tourism (SWT, formerly Washington Tourism Alliance) has announced True to Nature, an inaugural campaign encouraging consumers to plan 2022 Trips to Washington. The integrated campaign includes social, digital and sponsored content in addition to broadcast/connected TV to reach travelers and increase awareness and consideration of the State of Washington as a travel destination.

Businesses can share their own destination imagery and participate in the campaign by using #TrueToNature on social. Also, please update any links on the new StateOfWATourism.com website.

  • *NEW* The Artist Trust Board of Trustees and staff invites you to connect, celebrate, and support Washington State artists! Join them for a hybrid of online and in-person art auction and three signature events at AXIS Pioneer Square from April 7-24.

Proceeds benefit Artist Trust's funding, training, and resources for individual artists of all disciplines across Washington State. If you are interested in donating art, please contact justine@artisttrust.org with details and images of your piece. Tickets are available at www.artisttrustauction.org.

Artist Trust is seeking sponsors for the 2022 auction. Sponsors gain visibility through their website and online communications, and direct access to over 450 affluent art collectors, patrons, and arts professionals during the events, while providing valuable support for Washington State artists. To reserve your sponsorship, or for questions and additional information, contact: email Nadia Ahmed or call (206) 467-8734 x16.

  • *NEW* Flatstick Pub strongly believes in helping others and building a stronger community inside and out. Join us every Sunday this month at the Pioneer Square location for Flatstick's Sunday Fundraise where $2 of every beer and $2 of every round of golf will be donated to the Alliance for Pioneer Square in support of our programs. Alliance staff members will also be available to share more details about our work in the neighborhood.

Have fun and help make a difference each Sunday by simply playing mini-golf or buying a beer! A big thank you to Flatstick Pub for hosting us as their Sunday Fundraise program recipient for the month of March. Learn more about Flatstick Pub's Sunday Fundraise program here.

Other Neighborhood Updates

  • *NEW* Thank you to all the volunteers who joined the Alliance for Pioneer Square and Stewardship Partners Rain Garden Planting Volunteer Day this past Sunday. We hope that you enjoyed the event, learned something new, and connected with fellow volunteers!

The day was a huge success, and we deeply appreciate the time and effort you put into this area of the neighborhood. This ecologically beneficial beatification project is only a reality because of you and your dedication. Thank you for making Pioneer Square a better place for businesses, residents, workers, and visitors! Please click here to learn more about the overall Green Space Improvement Project for this area.

Thank you to those of you who expressed interest in helping maintain the beds over the summer. We will reach out to you to coordinate support in a few months. In the meantime, please check out this maintenance guide put together by Stewardship Partners. Funding for this project was made possible by Historic South Downtown.

  • The Pioneer Square BIA is excited to open the application period for the 2022 Inspiration Fund. This year, the BIA is matching volunteer hours and/or funding up to $10,000 for community members to implement projects and programs making a positive impact in the Pioneer Square neighborhood.

Project goals include celebrating neighborhood diversity, enhancing public spaces, and neighborhood storytelling. Applicants must submit a completed Application Form with required documentation (if applicable) by email to info@pioneersquare.org, no later than May 31, 2022 at midnight. Visit our website for grant application, details and eligibility.
Additional Resources

  • 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.

  • The Alliance is coordinating with the Butler Garage on 114 James Street, to provide free parking on Saturdays throughout the year. Park for free every Saturday with a dated proof of purchase from a Pioneer Square business. Free parking is available from 11am to 8pm each Saturday in 2022.

  • Driving to Pioneer Square? Check out mobile-friendly DowntownSeattleParking.com for parking locations throughout the neighborhood. 

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

The Alliance Team

ALLIANCE FOR PIONEER SQUARE