SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL: Here’s who’s in the new city-convened group

The members of the new city-convened Small Business Advisory Council have just been announced, and we recognize two West Seattle businesses on the list. As explained in the news release from Mayor Jenny Durkan‘s office, the SBAC is “a group tasked with ensuring small businesses have a role in informing policies and programs, and have the access to resources they need to thrive and be part of the solutions to the challenges of growth and Seattle’s affordability crisis” and “will provide input on the impact of City decisions, make policy recommendations, and help increase access to tools and resources available to small businesses including arts and culture organizations.” The announcement notes that small businesses “account for more than half of all jobs in Washington State and employ nearly 200,000 people in Seattle.”

Here are the members announced by the mayor – we’ve highlighted those we know have local ties (please let us know if we missed someone!):

Co-Chair Joe Fugere, Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria
Co-Chair Taylor Hoang, Cyclo Corp., Ethnic Business Coalition
Co-Chair Donna Moodie, Marjorie Restaurant, Mint Holding
Co-Chair Tracy Taylor, Elliott Bay Book Company
Maryan Abdulle, Nasib Family Child Care
Zewditu Aschenaki, Salon Adidez
Joey Burgess, Queer/Bar, Grim’s Provisions and Spirits
Shaiza Damji, Hotel Nexus
Solomon Dubie, Café Avole
Annette Heide-Jessen, Kaffeeklatsch
Edouardo Jordan, Salare Restaurant, JuneBaby
Lacey Leavitt, Electric Dream Factory
Elise Lindborg, ZippyDogs LLC
Rachel Marshall, Rachel’s Ginger Beer
Michael Megalli, indie.biz
Debbie Millard, Ballard Oil Company
Molly Moon, Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream
Linda Morton, Terra Plata
Gayle Nowicki, Gargoyles Statuary
Kamala Saxton, Marination
Lei Ann Shiramizu, Momo
Leigh Stone, Crybaby Studios
Gail Stringer, Hawaii General Store
Chuck Wang, Stage
Edwin Wanji, Sphere Solar Energy
Beto Yarce, Ventures
Lara Zahaba, Stoup Brewing

The SBAC also will have two city councilmembers serving “ex officio”: West Seattle/South Park’s Lisa Herbold and, newly elected to citywide Position 8, Teresa Mosqueda. The group’s expected to meet quarterly, starting with its first meeting on February 21st.

9 Replies to "SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL: Here's who's in the new city-convened group"

  • dw February 2, 2018 (12:15 pm)

    No Tech Companies. Why are we ignore the biggest and most important driver of economic  growth that we have?

    • Mr J February 2, 2018 (12:23 pm)

      It’s a volunteer small business advisory council, emphasis on small and volunteer. 

  • CPA February 2, 2018 (12:25 pm)

    A whole heck of a lot of restaurants, no CPA firms?  Interesting council of mainly food service folks.

    • Diane February 2, 2018 (2:07 pm)

      agree; way too many restaurants; glad to see there is at least ONE re child care, which is essential for most biz

  • wsbizowner February 2, 2018 (2:56 pm)

    Lot’s of restaurants, hardly any serviced based business. Why have so many restaurants and so few personal trainers, tutors, music schools, spas, massage therapist, theaters, yoga studios, pet stores, jewelers, construction companies, retail, chiro, nails – anything?

    • Lei Ann February 2, 2018 (3:42 pm)

      Hi WSBIZOWNER, I’m on the council and I own a small boutique in the Chinatown/International District …  that counts for something other than restaurants! I don’t know what kind of business you own, but if you need me to speak up for you, I’m happy to try my best. I hope that helps. Lei Ann at Momo

      • Wsbizowner February 2, 2018 (8:54 pm)

        That would be fantastic! I’m retail/service mixed. What’s the best way to contact you?

  • Vanessa February 2, 2018 (5:40 pm)

    CONGRATULATIONS to two awesome West Seattle Women business owners and operators!!!

    Cheers! Cheers to All.
    Hey, TGIF. This was a long week.
  • MJ February 2, 2018 (10:41 pm)

    As a small business owner Saturday is simply another work day Vanessa as is Sunday.

    The challenge is that no one on the City Council has ever owned a small business, all the want to do is tax and regulate our affairs to the nth degree. 

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