June 3, 2025
Sierra Takushi
(206) 461-5895 | [email protected]
Kau’ilani Robinson
(206) 461-5839 | [email protected]
SEATTLE – Today, Visit Seattle and Seattle Bank announced the participating businesses for the Community Partnership Program. This initiative aims to bolster economic vitality and drive visitation to Seattle neighborhoods and small businesses by supporting BIPOC-, LGBTQIA-, and women-owned restaurants, cafes, retail establishments, and creative arts businesses. Now in its fourth year, Visit Seattle and Seattle Bank partnered with the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area to select 12 outstanding businesses in Seattle’s historic Chinatown-International District (CID).
“One of the most rewarding aspects of Visit Seattle’s mission is connecting visitors to the culturally rich spaces that make our city so special,” said Visit Seattle president and CEO Tammy Canavan. “This year, we’re especially excited to highlight Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, a historically significant neighborhood that continues to shape Seattle’s cultural identity. With family-run restaurants that have operated for multiple generations, and innovative cafes and shops, Chinatown-International District is a place where visitors can truly feel and experience Seattle’s heartbeat.”
The CID is home to a dynamic, culturally diverse business community. The CID also sits near Lumen Field, soon to host six FIFA World Cup™ matches in 2026. The Community Partnership Program aims to help businesses prepare for the expected influx of visitors during the tournament, working with agencies like Sound Transit and King County Metro to guide attendees to both local businesses and the stadium.
“Chinatown-International District is the gem of Seattle—a cultural cornerstone built by generations of small business owners and community leaders,” said Tuyen Than, Incoming Executive Director of Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area. “We’re proud to partner with Visit Seattle to uplift these local businesses and foster a more vibrant, welcoming city for everyone.”
Businesses selected for the Community Partnership Program will receive waived membership dues to Visit Seattle’s membership group through 2027, courtesy of Seattle Bank. Membership benefits include promotional support from Visit Seattle’s marketing channels and editorial content, as well as access to leads and referrals generated by Visit Seattle.
“Seattle Bank is thrilled to partner with Visit Seattle for what is now a four-year collaboration celebrating and supporting BIPOC- and LGBTQIA-owned businesses,” said Mary Grace Roske, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations at Seattle Bank. “This is an opportunity to encourage tourists and Seattleites to immerse themselves in the fresh cuisine and beloved retail experiences of the vibrant Chinatown-International District.”
The Community Partnership Program was originally founded in early 2022 to support small businesses in the CID with their recovery after the pandemic. Since its founding, the program has grown into a long-term, signature program that previously centered on the Pioneer Square neighborhood in 2024, and both Capitol Hill and First Hill in 2023.
“We at Intrigue Chocolate Co. have been delighted with our membership at Visit Seattle, generously sponsored by Seattle Bank last year,” said Aaron Barthel, co-owner of Intrigue Chocolate Co, a 2024 participating business of the Community Partnership Program. “The support we’ve received has been outstanding – from Visit Seattle purchasing our chocolate bars for office gifts, to including us in regional promotions and the Visitor Guide. These actions not only elevated our local visibility but also connected us more deeply with the vibrant Seattle community.”
“The people I have interacted with at Visit Seattle have been very kind and willing to help,” said Daniel Pena, owner of Rojo’s Mexican Food, part of the Community Partnership Program’s 2024 cohort. “Visit Seattle’s networking events are a great opportunity for me to be around other business owners and to meet new people in a welcoming space. This is something I am trying to do more so I value the chance to do so. I look forward to utilizing more services and opportunities with Visit Seattle.”
The 2025 Community Partnership Program includes the following businesses:
About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales, and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.
About Seattle Bank:
Seattle Bank is a locally owned, digitally driven financial institution that provides personal, business and partner banking services. Our experienced team and open API, cloud-based core technology platform deliver a boutique bank experience for clients with interwoven personal and business financial needs. Our highly configurable and scalable tech stack also supports partner banking that enables companies to embed banking transactions into their customer online experience. Seattle Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Seattle Bancshares, Inc., a privately held bank holding company, and the creator of CD Valet, a digital marketplace for Certificates of Deposit.
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