The Small Business Relief Team (SBRT) is a joint effort between the Chinatown International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA), Friends of Little Saigon (FLS), and the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda), alongside Shanti Breznau, our Chinatown International District (CID) Business Development Consultant, to assist CID small businesses in mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Our three organizations focus on year-round on economic development and small business assistance in the CID. While our organizations have traditionally worked together over the years, this is the most intentional effort our organizations have done to share, align, and collaborate our resources to best serve the businesses in the Chinatown ID.
Our work includes:
2026 World Cup CID Small Business Preparedness
Seattle will host six FIFA World Cup games at Lumen Field from June 19 to July 6, 2026, welcoming approximately 750,000 unique visitors to our area. The SBRT works closely with SeattleFWC26 and other partners to ensure that the voices of local business owners are heard, and their needs are prioritized. We focus on helping the community take advantage of the opportunities that come with the 2026 FIFA World Cup while addressing any challenges along the way.
The CID Community Mural Project, organized by the SBRT in 2024, brings large-scale public art to the CID. The goal for this project is to create large-scale public art in the CID that is impactful and reflective of the neighborhood’s culture, history, and diverse community.
The Window Security Film Project, led by the SBRT, aims to improve safety for CID businesses that have faced increased break-ins, vandalism, and economic hardship since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Security film offers a practical solution by reinforcing glass to prevent shattering and deter intrusions. It’s a cost-effective, low-profile option that could help make the district more resilient to crime. By the end of 2024, we have completed security film installations for 111 CID businesses and replaced at least one broken window for 47 businesses since the project’s inception in 2022, marking a significant milestone in our collective efforts to support the neighborhood.
Following up on the 2018 CID Lighting Study (English, Chinese, and Vietnamese), the SBRT collaborated with Historic South Downtown to develop a collection of multilingual “Lights On” comics specifically for the local small businesses. These comics provide essential tips for keeping your business and the neighborhood safe by turning on lights during afterhours.
CID Restaurants and other Small Businesses Relief Fund
The SBRT was established during the COVID-19 pandemic, with its first project being the CID Small Business Relief Fund. Launched in 2020, this initiative received generous donations that were distributed to over 140 CID restaurants and other small businesses. This project marks the first effort of SBRT and reflects our goal of supporting and empowering local small businesses.
Security Measures and Devices Referral List (English, Chinese, Vietnamese)
Updated in 2024, the SBRT created this referral list after interviewing and surveying multiple businesses in the CID. The featured contractors have experience working with CID local businesses and have received positive feedback. The list includes a range of products services available such as lighting, window film, glass replacement, gates, locks, and more. To help determine the most effective improvements for securing storefronts, we also recommend scheduling a free Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessment with the Seattle Police Department.
Fire Safety Instructional Comics and Videos
In collaboration with the International District Emergency Center and the Seattle Fire Department, the SBRT created a series of multilingual fire safety videos and a fire safety comic for small businesses in the neighborhood. The topics for the fire safety videos and comics were identified as critical by the Settle Fire Department.
In-language Assistance and Outreach Regarding Grants and Loans
Our team provides in-language assistance and outreach to help small business owners access relief grants and loans. We work closely with community members to ensure they understand eligibility requirements, application steps, and deadlines in their preferred language. By offering culturally responsive support, we help bridge the gap between financial resources and the businesses that need them most.
Outreach and Translation of Small Business Relief Information
We regularly translate and share important updates through community emails, ensuring business owners receive timely information about changing regulations, nearby city events, construction updates, and available resources. From utility and tax deferments to neighborhood activation efforts, we help businesses navigate complex policies in a language they understand and trust.
If you have any questions, please email cidbizrelief@scidpda.org.
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