Good Business Directory
Good Business Network of Washington (formerly Seattle Good Business Network) launched in 2010 with Think Local Seattle, a citywide awareness campaign about why local matters and a directory of Seattle’s local independent businesses.
With the Business Directory, we’ve come full circle, reimagining Think Local Seattle and leveling up to recognize and celebrate all the GOOD local businesses and organizations do for our neighborhoods, our city, and our region. It’s part of a larger initiative to not only recognize stewardship of people and place, but to also help businesses and organizations with the resources they need to further their good practices.
Seattle Made
A thriving manufacturing and production sector is essential to a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable city. In 2015, Good Business Network of Washington worked with dozens of local manufacturers, the city of Seattle, and allied organizations to launch Seattle Made, an initiative to grow and support a diverse ecosystem of urban manufacturers and producers that expand opportunities for local ownership and meaningful employment, build our region’s long-term resiliency, and celebrate Seattle’s unique cultural identity.
Over 700 members strong, Seattle Made is raising the visibility of the important role of urban manufacturing to the future of our place. Visit seattlemade.org to browse our manufacturer directory, view program services and events, and get involved.
Good Food Economy
- Good Food Forum, the online platform connecting the Puget Sounds food community.
- Good Food Kitchens, a food assistance, economic development, and local food resilience program that funds restaurants and caterers preparing free nourishing meals to community members facing food insecurity.
- Seattle Restaurant Week gives diners a unique chance to celebrate and support our culinary community, highlighting its craft, diversity, resilience, and great food.
- Membership in the Eat Local First Collaborative building the WA Food & Farm Finder
Seattle Restored
Seattle Restored calls our local small business owners to reinvigorate our city by activating empty storefronts. These projects benefit Seattle neighborhoods by creating vibrant and engaging streetscapes, while encouraging the public to support local businesses – particularly historically underrepresented groups.
We provide no-cost leases, as well as financial support and technical assistance to small businesses for short term pop-ups, bringing new attention and energy to downtown while offering access to new markets and opportunities for our participants.
Our program is currently focused on retail and service based businesses, but we would like to hear from food based businesses interested in pop-up and other opportunities. You can submit a general interest form through this link.
Northwest Sewn
Northwest Sewn (previously Seattle Sewn) is an initiative to grow and support a vibrant sewn-trades economy, creating the conditions for job creation and meaningful employment, increased local manufacturing capacity, and industry collaboration.
In January of 2020, NW Sewn received approval for Washington state’s first registered apprenticeship program for Industrial Sewing Machine Operators. The employer site for that first program is KAAS Tailored, who have currently turned over their entire operation to sewing masks and PPE. Many of our NW Sewn businesses are similarly stepping up to support this effort to save lives.
Seattle Explored
Seattle Explored provides pathways for locals and visitors alike to take advantage of the unique businesses and experiences Seattle has to offer—in a handy digital format available via smartphone.
Sustainability
It is our collective responsibility to protect the city we love by mitigating our environmental impact in every way possible. Good Business Network of Washington works to develop initiatives, and provide resources and programs to help local businesses, organizations, and communities live in a safer and healthier environment.
A circular economy aims to redefine the way we live, work, and do business. It changes our extractive “take, use, and throw away” model to a more environmentally and socially regenerative one.
Good Business Network works to build a more ‘circular local economy’ by helping to de-silo community stakeholders and organizations by making connections where they matter, and closing the loops.
Youth Program
Our Youth programming helps to connect Seattle youth, from all backgrounds and levels of experience, to meaningful learning, career, and leadership opportunities. Find out how you can engage, support, and empower local youth through our youth board, tours, internships, job shadowing, and more!