About RVSB

In the Spring of 2022, the Rainier Valley Small Business Project (RVSB) project launched with support from the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) to combat the ongoing marginalization of Rainier Valley small business owners. The RVSB project aims to inform OED and their partners’ current and future work with Rainier Valley small business owners.

2023 RVSB Focus Areas

Compliance - Small business compliance refers to the legal and regulatory requirements that small businesses must follow to operate legally and avoid penalties or fines. This includes registering for applicable business licenses and permits, paying taxes, following labor laws, and maintaining proper documentation.

Business Strategy - Small business strategy is the plan of action that small businesses devise to achieve their goals and objectives. It encompasses various tactics and activities to gain a competitive edge in the market, increase revenue, and grow the business.

Small Business Technology - Small business technology refers to using digital tools and software to improve the efficiency and productivity of small businesses. This can include anything from basic computer hardware and software to more advanced systems such as customer relationship management (CRM) software or cloud-based storage solutions.

Rainier Valley: A Historic Hub of Business and Residential Diversity in Seattle

Coast Salish inhabited the region known as Rainier Valley from time immemorial. They established the earliest known trade networks, communities, and markets bordering the southwest shores of what is presently called Lake Washington. These communities thrived for countless generations until they were forcibly expelled by European settlers who had taken over the region by the 1850s. This act marks the earliest recorded displacement of nonwhite people from the land. 

Rainier Valley has been home to successive waves of settlers and immigrants who, for various reasons, were marginalized from equitable participation in the mainstream Seattle economy.

Since the late 19th century, Rainier Valley has been home to successive waves of settlers and immigrants who, for various reasons, were marginalized from equitable participation in the mainstream Seattle economy. Simultaneously, the area has experienced cycles of displacement of nonwhite people motivated by broader institutional failures, including inequitable policies, short-sighted development approaches, and outright discrimination.

Today, the future of business and residential diversity in Seattle is at stake. Diverse ethnic microeconomies in Rainier Valley have endured despite ongoing struggles to achieve equity. From the southernmost stretch of Rainier Avenue South that runs through Rainier Beach to the northern area where it meets the Central District, diverse small businesses in Rainier Valley are essential to Seattle’s economy and culture. Any meaningful vision for diversity, equity, or inclusion in Seattle has to include policies and action for equitable investment in diverse small businesses in Rainier Valley and the communities they represent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • In 2021, the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) launched the Digital Education project to understand the needs of Rainier Valley small businesses and support them in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Early work performed by OED established business strategy, compliance, and technology as vital focal points of desired OED engagement with small businesses and their owners. However, as the impact of the pandemic endured far beyond what most imagined or could reasonably plan for, realities shifted, and the real-time business landscape, day-to-day experiences, support requirements, and information needs of Rainier Valley small business owners were moving targets at best. In the Spring of 2022, the Rainier Valley Small Business Project (RVSB) project launched as an extension of OED’s initial Digital Education project work. The goal was to inform critical questions for immediate and future consideration of OED’s work in Rainier Valley.

  • Rainier Valley small businesses are vital to Seattle’s economy and culture but are often overlooked and underserved. We're not standing idly by. We're thrilled to announce the RVSB project. Through a partnership between local government and community organizations, we aim to disrupt the status quo marginalization of diverse peoples in Rainier Valley. At the same time, we are working to connect various small business owners to the information, resources, and support they need to grow and thrive. This is a win-win for everyone involved, and we are honored to be a part of this game-changing effort.

  • Xecki is a diverse team of researchers, scientists, and technologists with roots in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. Our work supports executive leaders and senior managers across all sectors to improve business, organizational, and institutional outcomes. We specialize in leveraging information and data science to design and evaluate policies and programs, particularly those that affect diverse and marginalized people. We firmly believe that communities are stronger, healthier, and more vibrant when intentional multi-sector collaboration focuses on shared values, equitable outcomes, and anti-oppressive practices.

  • The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) is a government agency that aims to promote economic growth and prosperity in the city. They work with local businesses and organizations to identify opportunities for growth and provide resources and support to help them succeed. Their mission is to create a thriving and equitable economy that benefits all residents of Seattle.

  • The RVSB project launched in 2022 with initial support from OED. We are working with small business owners, OED partners, and broader Rainier Valley stakeholders concerned about the future of business and residential diversity in Seattle. We are working hard to develop a sustainability strategy. We are early in our process but could not wait to take action. Our goal is to establish RVSB as a community-centered project with oversight and leadership from people in the Rainier Valley community.

  • The issue of inequitable gentrification in Rainier Valley is bigger than any of us but we are confident that collective action is the solution. Please stay up-to-date and connect with us by completing the form on our contact page.