Small Business Support
Meet Your Small Business Advocates
Each day our Small Business Advocates are in Seattle neighborhoods working with business owners to connect them with resources they need, and to serve as their voice in City government. Learn more about your Small Business Advocates below, and please get in touch with the team member who can best serve you!
Meet Your Small Business Advocates from City of Seattle OED on Vimeo.
Conozca a sus Representantes de Pequeñas Empresas
Cada día, nuestros Representantes de Pequeñas Empresas están en los vecindarios de Seattle, trabajando con los propietarios de pequeñas empresas para conectarlos a los recursos que necesitan, y para servir como su voz en el gobierno de la Ciudad de Seattle. Aprenda mas sobre sus Representantes de Pequeñas Empresas, y por favor, póngase en contacto con el miembro de nuestro equipo que mejor pueda servirle!
Seattle's Office of Economic Development (OED) is dedicated to serving small businesses, as both key employers in our economy, and the cultural fabric that defines and connects our unique neighborhood business districts.
Our Small Business Development team works with individual businesses to learn about their priorities, needs, and challenges, and focuses on outcomes and connects them to services that will help them grow and remain competitive. Typical business services include access to technical assistance resources (such as 1-on-1 business consulting), connections to alternative financing options, and help navigating government regulations and processes.
Nominate a Small Business of the Month!
Each month, OED recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who contribute to the economic vitality and cultural vibrance of our city. These businesses exemplify the innovation, tenacity and spirit of community that are the hallmarks of Seattle small businesses.
This Month's Winner
Pedro Gómez
Director of Small Business Development
Fun Fact
"My first business was as a 6-year-old selling water and sodas to farmworkers in the fields of California."
Key Neighborhoods
South Park, South Lake Union, Lake City, Queen Anne, Fremont, Belltown
Contact Pedro
206-733-9445 | pedro.gomez@seattle.gov
Languages
English, Español
AJ Cari
Small Business and Construction Impacts Advocate
Fun Fact
“I enjoy being active and outside all seasons. Whether it’s cycling in the spring, paddle boarding in the summer, hiking in the fall or skiing in the winter, it’s always good to get out with my family and friends.”
Contact AJ
(206) 684-0133 | aj.cari@seattle.gov
Sarah Domondon
Small Business Advocate
Fun Fact
"I believe in small business as a tool for building community power. My role as an advocate allows me to serve the community that raised me."
Contact Sarah
(206) 256-5123 | sarah.domondon@seattle.gov
Languages
English, Tagalog
Stephanie Gowing
Green Business Advocate
Fun Fact
“I hold an annual clothes exchange with friends — I haven't purchased anything new for a while!”
Contact Stephanie
(206) 684-3698 | stephanie.gowing@seattle.gov
Domonique Meeks
Small Business Advocate
Fun Fact
"I have a Masters degree from the University of Washington’s School of Information and have a passion for sharing community stories through my podcasts and documentary work."
Contact Domonique
206-256-5433 | domonique.meeks@seattle.gov
Scott Plusquellec
Nightlife Business Advocate
Fun Fact
"Once got invited on a first date to hang out backstage at a production of Phantom of the Opera in London. Ended up helping with costume changes during scene turnovers."
Contact Scott
(206) 247-4789 | scott.plusquellec@seattle.gov
Yonas Seifu
Small Business Advocate
Fun Fact
"I received my Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington Foster School of Business with a focus on marketing and product management."
Key Neighborhoods
Beacon Hill, Central District, Columbia City, Othello, Rainier Beach, West Seattle
Contact Yonas
206-733-9743 | yonas.seifu@seattle.gov
Languages
English, Amharic
Jennifer Tam
Food Business Advocate
Fun Fact
"I grew up in the restaurant industry, I’ve worked in restaurants, and I believe food is a universal language that brings cultures together. Everyone has to eat!"
Contact Jennifer
206-684-3436 | jennifer.tam@seattle.gov
Languages
English, conversational Cantonese, conversational Mandarin
Maria “Lupita” Gomez
Resource Team Lead
Fun Fact
“I wake up and go to sleep to music.”
Contact Lupita
(206) 561-2124 | maria.gomez@seattle.gov
Languages
English, Spanish
Shaprece Richardson
Small Business Advocate
Fun Fact
"I once sang with Prince!"
Contact Shaprece
(206) 914-7207 | shaprece.richardson@seattle.gov
Eduardo Rojas Esparza
Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist
Fun Fact
"I order all the sauces when I visit Red Robin."
Contact Eduardo
(206) 561-5181 | eduardo.rojas@seattle.gov
Languages
English, Spanish
Bereket “Bobby” Tameru
Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist
Fun Fact
"I have a passion for pickup basketball, football, soccer, kickball, and anything else that involves being active and competitive."
Contact Bobby
(206) 561-2009 | bereket.tameru@seattle.gov
Languages
English, Amharic