Tukwila

White Supremacy, Displacement, and Gentrification

Why Immigrant and Refugee Businesses Are Being Displaced in Tukwila, and What We Can Do About It by Puget Sound Sage (2017)

Gentrification battle moves to SeaTac as immigrant-owned businesses face displacement by Nina Shapiro, Seattle Times

New Tukwila Justice Center could displace East African community and business hub by By Hannah Myrick, Real Change (2018)

Somali community faces SeaTac displacement: Proposed redevelopment threatens the heart of the Somali business community by Aaron Kunkler, Tukwila Reporter (2019)

Food & Culture

Spice Bridge - Food businesses have traditionally been a way for striving immigrants and low-income families to gain a foothold in the economy, but many South King County chefs face barriers to starting a business. These barriers include a lack of affordable commercial kitchen and restaurant space, as well as challenges navigating unfamiliar systems.

In 2017, Food Innovation Network launched our Food Business Incubator to help South King County women of color and immigrants start and grow food businesses. Participants incubate businesses for up to two years, receiving culturally sensitive business support and growing a peer network. We assist entrepreneurs with permits, subsidized kitchen and retail rent, connections to market channels, and coaching on food industry standards.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, our program expanded in 2020 to support 13 businesses, and we launched Spice Bridge, providing Food Business Incubator participants with an affordable space to prepare and sell food.