PNWBBC

Launched in 2019, Pacific Northwest Black Business Coalition (PNWBBC) started as an informal group of concerned BIPOC community residents and small business owners located in Seattle, Washington.

The purpose of these informal gatherings was to have fun, enjoy tasty food, and fellowship. Concerned BIPOC community residents and small business owners would discuss current public policies that were adversely affecting marginalized communities. Often times, Seattle born residents shared countless memories about growing up in the Central District, attending neighborhood events, and how closely connected people used to be. Many community members reflected on how the black Churches were inviting and cohesive. 

Although many of them still exist, gentrification has caused thousands of blacks to move out of Seattle, proper. Tacoma, Tukwila, Kent, Renton, and Skyway have become home for many blacks. Therefore, commuting 45 minutes or more depending on traffic to attend Church is quite a stretch for many people. In one of the gatherings, several people discussed how the City of Seattle had spent 1% on services with black-owned businesses. This conversation led to the formation of PNWBBC.

During Fall and Winter of 2020, PNWBBC conducted an online survey of Black-led businesses throughout Greater Seattle Metropolitan Service Area. The goal was to find out how they were being impacted by Covid. Here are the partial listing of survey results:
1. 94% of respondents indicated need for access to capital.
2. 64% of respondents indicated need access to contracts and customers.
3. 23% are in need of back office support.
4. 77.1% of respondents have experienced racism and/or inequity while conducting business.
5. 42% of respondents can sell their products and services in bulk.
6. 100% of respondents are black from the African diaspora.