Liberty Project focuses on increasing revenue for Black-owned businesses

6/1/202322:35

Mayor Bruce Harrell, in collaboration with the Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, the Albers Business Foundry (ABF) at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business, and Tabor 100, makes a significant announcement regarding the launch of the Liberty Project. This groundbreaking business growth program seeks to address economic disparities faced by underserved communities in Seattle and provide tools to support economic empowerment, with a particular focus on Black-owned businesses.

Currently, Black/African Americans account for approximately 7.9% of Seattle's population but earn revenues at a rate well below their share of the Seattle population. Statewide, Black-owned businesses earn less than 1% of total business revenues. Leveraging the proven success of the CBDC, Tabor 100, and the ABF in supporting underserved businesses, this initiative will annually serve a minimum of 30 Black-owned businesses in six prioritized industries: retail, personal services, commercial construction, food and beverage manufacturing, restaurant, and power utilities contract industries.

Additionally, as part of Mayor Harrell's Downtown Activation Plan, the Liberty Project will partner with the Office of Economic Development's Seattle Restored program to assist restaurant, personal service, and retail businesses with downtown Seattle site locations.

Speakers include:

Mayor Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle

Dean Frank Hodge, University of Washington’s Foster School of Business

Dean Joe Phillips, Seattle University’s Albers School of Business

Ollie Garrett, President and CEO, Tabor100

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