Somali Independent Business Alliance Grants

Somali Independent Business Alliance

Building Blocks to Success is a capacity-building project to empower 50 BIPOC businesses in Seattle by enhancing knowledge, skills, and tools through tailored technical assistance, marketing support, and comprehensive services.

Somali Independent Business Alliance

Thrive Seattle will host 2 free business conferences and 2 focus groups to address a critical gap: many small business owners—especially immigrants, refugees, and people of color—lack access to resources, networks, and spaces to voice challenges. The conferences will connect local businesses with key partners such as the Seattle Office of Economic Development, Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs, Department of Commerce, ACCPNW, financial institutions, and community leaders through panels and Q&A. Business owners will share barriers directly with agencies and stakeholders. Focus groups will bring leaders and small business owners together to discuss needs and solutions. The first conference is tentatively scheduled for April 11,2026, 1-4pm at Rainier Beach Library, located at 9125 Rainier Ave S Seattle WA and is free and open to the public.

Somali Independent Business Alliance

The Somali Independent Business Alliance (SIBA) is launching a project to empower Somali small businesses citywide. The project will involve a comprehensive one-on-one survey and a subsequent workshop to identify and address the unique needs and challenges of this community. The survey will collect data on operational challenges, resource gaps, community impact, and future aspirations of 20-25 Somali small businesses. At the end we will hold a workshop that will provide valuable information and guidance on topics such as financial resources, marketing strategies, and legal assistance. This workshop will also provide a platform for businesses to network and collaborate. SIBA aims to empower small business and thus lead to economic growth through this project. Giving businesses knowledge to find the right resources will enhance decision-making and economic performance. This will in turn benefit the entire city.