Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area
Saigon Drum

Small Business Accelerator Project (2026)

Free support for small businesses in the Chinatown–International District and Little Saigon

The CID Business Accelerator Project is a no-cost program designed to help local small businesses prepare for increased customer traffic ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—and to support long-term business growth beyond the event.

This program brings together university partners and community organizations to work as one team, providing hands-on, practical support tailored to your business needs.

What to Expect

Time Commitment

  • Program period: January 2026 – June 30, 2026
  • Initial discovery: ~2 hours total
    • Business survey & site visit (1 hour)
    • Follow-up discovery meeting to identify needs (1 hour)
  • Weekly meetings:
    • 1 hour per week with student teams (in-person, scheduled at your convenience at your business location)
    • Estimated total: 10–20 hours, depending on project scope
  • Kick-Off Event:
    • January 21, 2026 | 2 PM to 5 PM
    • Location TBD 

Program Services

1. Business Check-Up

  • On-site visit to your business
  • Guided survey to assess overall business health
  • One-on-one discovery with student interns and program partners

2. Recommendations & Insights

  • Delivered approximately one week after the discovery meeting
  • Clear feedback on what’s working well and where improvements can be made
  • Focus on high-impact short-term fixes and long-term growth strategies

3. 90-Day Action Plan + Hands-On Support

Our team helps you implement improvements, which may include:

  • A simple 3–4 page website or updates to your existing site
  • Social media and search visibility guidance
  • Basic financial tools and templates
  • Operational improvements
  • Simple marketing support
  • Workshops and training
  • Sales-focused operational enhancements

4. Connections to New Customers

  • Opportunities tied to World Cup activations and neighborhood programming
  • Participation in events, food tours, promotions, and district-wide initiatives

Interested in participating?

This program is designed to meet businesses where they are—practical, supportive, and tailored to the realities of running a small business in the CID.

For more information, email: tuyen@cidbia.org. 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Is this program really free?

Yes. The CID Business Accelerator Project is completely free for participating businesses. There is no cost to enroll or receive services.

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Who is this program for?

This program is open to small businesses located in the Chinatown–International District and Little Saigon, including restaurants, retail shops, and service-based businesses.

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Why is this program happening now?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Seattle, many businesses will see increased foot traffic and new customers. This program helps businesses prepare in advance while also building tools and systems that support long-term success beyond the World Cup.

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Who will I be working with?

You’ll work with a team made up of:

  • University student interns
  • Community and business support partners

All teams work together and are supported by experienced advisors to ensure recommendations are practical and useful.

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How much time do I need to commit?

Most businesses can expect:

  • About 2 hours for initial discovery and assessment
  • 1 hour per week during active project work
  • Total estimated time: 10–20 hours over the program period, depending on the scope of work

Meetings are scheduled at your convenience and held in person at your business whenever possible.

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What kind of help will I receive?

Support is tailored to your business but may include:

  • A simple website or website updates
  • Social media and search visibility improvements
  • Basic financial tools
  • Operational and workflow improvements
  • Marketing support
  • Sales and customer engagement strategies

The focus is on practical, doable improvements, not overwhelming changes.

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Will someone visit my business?

Yes. The program includes on-site visits to better understand your business, customers, and day-to-day operations.

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Do I need to be tech-savvy to participate?

Not at all. This program is designed for businesses at all levels of comfort with technology. Support is hands-on and explained in plain language.

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What happens after the program ends?

You’ll leave with:

  • A 90-day action plan
  • Tools and improvements you can continue using
  • New connections to neighborhood and World Cup-related opportunities

There is no obligation to continue after the program ends.

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How are businesses selected?

Space is limited. Businesses will be selected based on:

  • Location within the CID or Little Saigon
  • Readiness to participate during the program period
  • A desire to improve operations and prepare for growth
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How do I sign up or learn more?

Email tuyen@cidbia.org

Partners & Sponsors

University of Washington, Seattle University, Friends of Little Saigon, CID Business Improvement Area, The Asian American Foundation, Chase.

Interest Form

Fill out this form to express interest in the CID Business Accelerator Project. CIDBIA staff will follow up with next steps.

Interest Form