Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 12

10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 many of Seattle’s small businesses — especially those within our creative industries. The Office of Economic Development has worked hard to listen to business owners, workers, and community to develop programs like Shop the Beat to support those who need it. As we begin to recover, Seattle is stepping up once again to support small businesses and our community to help them build back better from this pandemic,” said Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. Shop to the Beat performances will begin on November 27 for Small Business Saturday and continue throughout the holiday shopping season to provide a unique shopping experience for patrons and economic benefit for businesses and musicians. This initial pilot launch will capitalize on increased foot traffic and revenue generated during the holiday shopping season. OED intends to launch the second phase of this program in 2022 to capitalize on spring and summer activities. Small retail businesses and local musicians interested in participating in the program can learn more and apply by visiting our Shop to the Beat website . Small retail businesses can participate in this program for free. Additionally, OED, Gigs4U and other partners will conduct outreach to small businesses and musicians for enrollment and placement — particularly Black, Indigenous and other musicians of color, small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, and businesses located in underserved neighborhoods. “Economic recovery requires us to think creatively and try programs that are innovative. Shop to the Beat is a notable example of investing in our artists, businesses and communities,” said Pamela Banks, Interim Director of the Seattle Office of Economic Development. The COVID-19 pandemic was devastating for so many of Seattle’s small businesses— especially those within our creative industries