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Goal: To retain existing businesses and recruit new ones to stabilize and grow the White Center central business district.
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White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA)
The WCCDA is a 501(c)(3) community-based economic development organization which was formed in 2002 with financial support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Impact Capital and the Seattle Foundation. Technical assistance was provided by staff from King County.
The WCCDA concentrates it efforts on economic development, affordable housing and advocacy.
More information can be obtained by visiting the WCCDA website at: www.wccda.org (external link).
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Technical assistance to business owners and entrepreneurs
In partnership with Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) and Community Capital Development (CCD), BRED established the Small Business Assistance Center at White Center.
The Center is located in the offices of the WCCDA and provides one-to-one counseling to entrepreneurs and business owners in the White Center area. Technical assistance provided includes help with business and financial planning, marketing assistance, resources for organizational development and employee training and recruitment.
The partners are supported by technical assistance from the Small Business Development Centers at CCD and Highline Community College . The Center is open Tuesday through Thursday. To call for an appointment please contact the WCCDA at (206) 694-1082.
With financial support from US Bank the University of Washington Business School's Business and Economic Development Program (BEDP) held four small business seminars during the Winter of 2004. Space was provided by the WCCDA.
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Improving the appearance of businesses, buildings and streets
BRED is working with community partners, city and state government and the University of Washington to improve the physical appearance of the business community. The initiatives we and our partners are currently involved in include:
The UW School of Architecture opened a "studio" in the White Center business district in April 2004 to assist a façade improvement program. Students of the school designed and created computerized renditions of façade enhancements for business and property owners in the business district. The studio was supported financially by the City of Seattle through the Department of Neighborhoods and the Office of Economic Development and BRED's Historic Preservation Program. Additional resources were provided by the WCCDA and BRED's Economic Development Program. The students completed their work in July 2004.
BRED assisted the staff of the WCCDA with the organization's Main Street application to Washington State 's Department of Community Trade & Economic Development (CTED). The WCCDA received its Start Up designation from CTED and has organized committees within the structure recommended by the Main Street program. The Main Street program is designed to assist local Community Development Corporations with the revitalization of their central business districts.
BRED is working with WCCDA to secure funding to develop commercial façade improvement grant/loan program for businesses located within the White Center Business District.
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Partners
With the assistance of the partners listed below, resources are available to help the White Center community with its business district revitalization efforts.
- White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA)
- Annie E. Casey Foundation
- City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
- City of Seattle Office of Economic Development
- University of Washington School of Architecture and Urban Planning
- University of Washington Business and Economic Development Program (BEDP)
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Highline Community College
- Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED)
- Washington State Employment Security Department
- Community Capital Development
- US Bank
- Key Bank
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