Community Resilience Fund
Capacity building and mentorship for the CD Black arts, culture, and business community.
Our approach
We created this project to offset the harm caused during COVID-19. The Central Area Black arts, cultural, and business community experienced delayed projects and canceled opportunities due to the pandemic. These disproportionate impacts on our community created negative economic consequences, triggering a critical evaluation of business models to boost new and renewed economic vitality.
The inaugural Community Resilience Fund (CRF) cohort of three Black-owned businesses worked with a team of consultants on marketing, branding & communications, and infrastructure, growth, & planning for their businesses. CRF projects were completed September - December 2023, and each business cohort member received a stipend to invest in their businesses.
The CRF team included Project Managers Marie Kidhe and Taelore Rhoden of RieImagine Solutions, Marketing & Branding Consultant Briaan Barron, and Business Development Consultant Kenny Shelton. This project was made possible thanks to support from the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and the King County Office of Equity and Community Partnerships.
Meet the cohort
Founded by David Dixon, James Dixon, Matt Dixon, and Mario Savage in June 2022, they are the second Black-owned brewery in the Central District and the state, with a storefront on the SE corner 23rd Ave S & S Jackson St.
A longtime Seattle-based, award-winning mixtape, club, & radio mixshow DJ, Topspin aka Blendiana Jones is known for his signature blends, impeccable selection, and timing in his approach and craft to deejaying and music production.
Abstract Mixed Media Artist and Muralist from Seattle, Washington. Her artwork is bright, bold, sensual, and full of texture. Her art is inspired by Black women and her manifestations of feminine energy captured on canvas.
