The Seattle Times launches business grant for underrepresented communities
July 7, 2021 | By Amber Aldrich
The Seattle Times announced the launch of The Community Connect business grant. The grant’s mission is to increase visibility for businesses owned by underrepresented communities in the Puget Sound region, particularly businesses owned by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color). The grant will award a total of $300,000 in marketing and advertising services.
The Seattle Times Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, comprised of employee volunteers from throughout the company, will select six local businesses to each receive $50,000 worth of Seattle Times Media Solutions services. These services include digital marketing, advertising, web services, branded content and personalized marketing plans. An expert marketing team will work with grantees to help determine which options best align with the grantees’ individual business needs and goals. The six awardees will also be featured in a Branded Content article sponsored by Seattle Times Media Solutions.
Businesses in the Seattle Designated Market Area (DMA) may apply. BIPOC-owned businesses are especially encouraged to apply. To qualify, a business must be at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a person identifying as African American, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian, Latinx or Hispanic, South Asian, Arab, Native American, LGBTQ+, women and people with disabilities. Religious and politically affiliated businesses do not qualify for this grant.
The Community Connect grant reflects The Seattle Times’ commitment to supporting businesses that represent the diversity of the communities it serves. Through this partnership, The Seattle Times aims to increase the profile of businesses from underrepresented communities.
“We look forward to teaming up with entrepreneurs and business owners through this grant,” said Alan Fisco, President and CFO of The Seattle Times. “Together, we can demonstrate the power of inclusive marketing. Fostering more representation in business is not only the right thing to do — it also strengthens our local economy. Small and medium businesses are the heart of our state’s prosperity.”
