GSBA

Today, GSBA honors Juneteenth, a day of remembrance, celebration, and reflection on the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equity, and justice. ❤️🖤💚

Our offices are closed today, June 19, in observance of the holiday and will reopen on Monday, June 22.

Juneteenth is also an opportunity to intentionally support Black communities. One meaningful way to do that is by choosing to spend your dollars with Black-owned LGBTQ+ and allied businesses across Washington. These entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners help shape our neighborhoods, strengthen our economy, and create opportunities for others to succeed.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we also recognize the importance of intersectionality and the many identities that make up our community. We encourage you to take time today to learn about the history of Juneteenth, support Black-led organizations, attend community celebrations, and explore Black-owned LGBTQ+ and allied businesses through the GSBA Business Directory: https://bit.ly/GSBAdirectory

Happy Juneteenth from all of us at GSBA!🌈💚

Want to learn more about Juneteenth or how to support?

NMAAHC Digital Toolkit: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/juneteenth/digital-toolkit

King County NAACP Webpage:
https://www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org/

Our friends at Lavender Rights Project
https://www.lavenderrightsproject.org/

You're glowing everyone! 🐋💚
 
This summer, domestic and international visitors alike will be exploring Seattle's neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, and cultural destinations in search of what makes our city welcoming and unique.
 
A number of GSBA members and friends were nominated and selected to receive Unity SEA Beacons, becoming part of a citywide network designed to help people discover outstanding small businesses and community spaces across Seattle.
 
From coffee shops and restaurants to retailers, gathering places, and one-of-a-kind experiences, these businesses represent the creativity, hospitality, and entrepreneurial spirit that help define our city. They're the places where friendships are formed, celebrations happen, communities gather, and visitors create memories they'll carry home with them.
 
As Seattle prepares to welcome guests from near and far, these businesses are ready to do what they do every day: open their doors, share their stories, and offer an authentic taste of the city we love.
 
We're proud to see these businesses recognized as part of this effort and grateful for the role they play in making Seattle a more welcoming place for every community. 💚🌈🏳️‍⚧️
 

Did you know GSBA has a Capitol Hill Safety Advisory Committee?

Every month, representatives from across Capitol Hill come together to share what they're seeing in their neighborhoods, discuss community safety priorities, and help shape Jen's efforts on the Hill.

“Everyone has a role to play in creating a safer Capitol Hill. The committee brings together people with different perspectives and experiences so we can learn from one another, build relationships, and work together to address community concerns.” — Mac McGregor

Our latest blog takes a look inside the committee and the role collaboration plays in strengthening safety across Capitol Hill, check out the comments.

We need to make a correction to a post we made earlier today regarding our new From The Bottom Up: Founder Chats series.

The event we previously listed with Nat Stratton-Clarke on July 23 was shared in error.

Here's the correct lineup:

☕ July 23, 2026 | Michi Suzuki, Founder of Michi M. Suzuki PR

Recently recognized as GSBA's 2026 Small Business of the Year, Michi will join GSBA President & CEO Ilona Lohrey, for a conversation about building a purpose-driven communications firm, growing a business, and lessons learned along the way.

🌿 November 3, 2026 | Nat Stratton-Clarke, Founder of Cafe Flora

Since opening Café Flora in 1991, Nat has helped shape one of Seattle's most beloved restaurants. Join us for a conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and building a business that stands the test of time.

Thank you for your patience as we get this new series off the ground. Registration is now available for both events, and we'd love to see you there.

🔓🏴🦄Congratulations: Pride Month Checkpoint Unlocked

Absolutely wild to think we are already halfway through Pride Month, here’s where we’ve been spreading the agenda.

1. GLAMAZON Presentation 💅
GSBA President & CEO Ilona Lohrey, joined GLAMAZON to share insights on growing your career as your whole self.
Progress saved. Next level: Seattle Pride Parade.

2. Seattle Seawolves Rugby Pride Night 🏉
We tabled, stepped onto the field, made it onto the televised big screen, and launched shirts into the crowd.

3. Capitol Hill Art Walk 🎨
With our friends at Team Diva Real Estate. Art, community, and running into half of Capitol Hill.

4. Lifelong Pride Gala 👛
A beautiful evening celebrating community, plus a Miz Cracker, Macy Gray, Laverne Cox, Brad Goreski, Chris Olsen, and Jake Shears sighting.

5. Belgium vs. Egypt FWC26Seattle Match ⚽
Joey headed to Seattle's first FIFA World Cup match courtesy of our friends at DoorDash. Peep that Seattle Pride Match scarf they’re handing out for the June 26 match.

6. Have you noticed our new jerseys yet? 🎽

7. Business of Pride (Puget Sound Business Journal) 👑
Celebrating LGBTQ+ business leaders and the impact they're making across our region.

8. Seattle Mariners Pride Night ⚾
GSBA scholar Jamie threw the first pitch and we sold out 2,000 Pride tickets raising money for the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund.

9. White Center Pride 🌈
Tabling alongside our Queering Consent Scholars.

10. Seattle Pride Flag Raising (City of Seattle Government)🏳️‍🌈
Got to get our turn on the crank, paired with powerful remarks from our friends Deaunte Damper and Aleksa Manila.

11. Seattle Pride Hockey Association 🏒
Scholarship team came for the community and left with a new favorite hat.

Behind every strong team is a whole lot of communication, trust, and usually a few good systems.

That's the idea behind Jordie Neth & Associates, a Gay, Trans, Queer-owned business focused on helping employers create workplaces where people can thrive. By improving systems, clarifying responsibilities, and taking some of the day-to-day stress off managers and owners, Jordie and Finn help teams work better together, giving leaders more time to focus on what they do best.

You may also know Jordie as the Treasurer of the GSBA Executive Board, while his business partner Finn volunteers with setup and takedown for the Fremont Solstice Parade's Naked Bike Ride.

We're grateful to have Jordie and Finn's leadership and perspective as part of the GSBA community.

Say hello in the comments 👋

Visiting Seattle for the World Cup in the middle of Pride month and need to find some local businesses where you feel like you belong? Don't worry, we'll show you around one of our favorite neighborhoods. ⚽🌈

Capitol Hill is where Seattle stays out late. Where you’ll find packed cafés before kickoff, patios full after the match, q***r nightlife that doesn’t quit, indie bookstores, farmers markets, drag shows, cocktails, comedy, music, and some of the best food in the city — all within walking distance.

This is the neighborhood locals bring their friends to when they want to show off Seattle.

☕ Need a coffee?
Bonito Café y Mercadito, Boon Boona Coffee, Open Form, Piedmont Café, and Wunderground

🍷 Getting drinks or dancing?
Aluel Cellars, Birch Road Clubhouse, Cuff, Flight Wine + Chocolate, Hotel Sorrento, Massive, Nomadic Wine Dispensary, Pitch the Baby, Pony Bar, The Tilted Table, Union and Wildrose

🍽️ Looking for a sit-down meal?
A Stir, Capitale Pizzeria, Communion Restaurant & Bar, Café Flora, Koko’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar, Liberty Bar, Mint & Martini, Nue, Poquitos, Rhein Haus, Glo’s, and Tavolata, Terra Plata

🍦 Maybe just a snack?
Cinnaholic, Molly Moon’s Handmade Ice Cream, Plenty of Clouds, Pure Green, Salt & Straw, Top Pot Doughnuts, and VooDoo Doughnuts

🎭 Something to do during your downtime?
Capitol Hill Farmers Market, Chop Suey, Emerald City Comedy Club, Galerie Orsay Paris–Seattle, Henry’s Gymnasium, Intiman Theatre, Kerry Hall / STG, Seattle Men’s Chorus, Seattle Women’s Chorus, Three Dollar Bill Cinema, and Town Hall Seattle

🛍️ How about some shopping?
bluedot, Cone & Steiner General Store, Elliott Bay Book Company, Joybird, Queertique, and Red Balloon Company

Save this for your FIFA Seattle itinerary ⚽

Capitol Hill Members: https://bit.ly/gsbacapitolhill
GSBA Travel Out: https://bit.ly/4skK6Ap
See the full directory here: https://bit.ly/GSBAdirectory

Here’s something every small business should know:

Even if you can’t pay your L&I premiums, you still need to file your quarterly report.

Filing on time can help you avoid additional penalties and keep more options open for payment plans or relief programs. Skipping the filing can lead to estimated charges and added complications.

When in doubt—file first, then figure out next steps.

Learn more about filing at https://Lni.wa.gov/quarterlyreports and if you need assistance, reach out to Toraya at [email protected].