Technology Matching Fund Spotlight: Helping Rainier Valley Small Businesses Go Digital
Small businesses are the heart of Rainier Valley, but a growing digital divide has made it harder for immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs to reach new customers, keep up with technology, and stay competitive. That’s why the Rainier Avenue Business Coalition used funding from Seattle’s Technology Matching Fund (TMF) in partnership with Verizon to help local businesses build stronger digital skills and online tools.
This project ran from July 2025 to July 2026 and focused on ten small businesses in Southeast Seattle. All of them faced challenges using online tools like Google Maps, Apple Maps, websites, and social media. Many owners spoke languages other than English, had limited digital experience, or felt unsure about technology because of past scams or negative online reviews.
Helping Businesses Build Their Online Presence
During the project, business owners received one‑on‑one help from trusted community members who spoke Somali and Tigrinya. These digital navigators worked with owners, meeting them at their stores to guide them step‑by‑step. Together, they verified and updated business listings, created basic websites, and learned how social media tools could help them reach new customers.
A few businesses took things even further by building e‑commerce websites so customers could place online orders without using expensive third‑party delivery apps. For two years, the project will host these websites, helping owners save money while growing their online presence.
To help business owners manage these new tools, the project also provided tablets for participating businesses.
Solving Real‑World Problems
The project also supported business owners with other digital tasks that are often overwhelming or hard to access:
- Filing online police reports after vandalism
- Applying for reimbursement through the City’s Back to Business Program
- Connecting with legal aid after fraud
- Preparing permits for commercial kitchen equipment
- Learning how to accept EBT payments
- Connecting with a community development fund to explore capital options
These steps made a big difference. Many owners shared that they felt more confident using digital tools and safer navigating online systems.
Participants expressed how valuable the support was. One owner said, “Today, people order everything online… You have to be in touch with the world.” Another shared, “Being online helps the customer get to know about us. People don’t come in person like before, so we need this.”
Impact by the Numbers
- 10 business owners served
- 235 hours of one‑on‑one support
- 7 new or updated websites launched
- 9 tablets distributed
Participants included speakers of Somali, Tigrinya, Oromo, and Arabic, reflecting the diverse cultures of Southeast Seattle
Building Digital Confidence for the Future
This project will continue to help business owners as they grow their digital skills. For many, technology is now a key part of running their business, including marketing new products, keeping their information up to date, or staying safe online.
“This project shows how powerful it is when small business owners get in-language services to help with technology so that they can strengthen their businesses and thrive in today’s digital world. It not only impacts them as individuals, but also their families and communities.” – Meira Jough, Digital Equity Advisor
The Rainier Avenue Business Coalition hopes to keep supporting these businesses through its ongoing Only in Seattle program, ensuring owners have trusted help right in their community.
Learn More
For more information about this organization, visit Rainier Avenue Business Coalition – For the South End’s small businesses.
For more about Technology Matching Fund outcomes, see our TMF Dashboard:
Seattle IT – TMF Grant
To apply for a Technology Matching Fund grant, visit our webpage:
Digital Equity Grant Opportunities – Tech | seattle.gov
Have questions? Send us an email: communitytechnology@seattle.gov
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