If you’ve visited Seattle’s Chinatown-International District lately, you know that this vibrant neighborhood—with its rich history and cultural significance—continues to face unique challenges. Small businesses that have been community anchors for generations are working harder than ever to keep their doors open. With foot traffic still down compared to pre-pandemic levels and ongoing economic pressures, the need for intentional support has never been greater.
That’s why this AANHPI Heritage Month, Intentionalist is partnering with local government, companies, and nonprofit organizations on AMPLIFY: Chinatown-International District, a community-driven initiative to support 35 small businesses throughout Chinatown, Japantown, and Little Saigon.
Intentional Spending for Lasting Impact
The Chinatown-International District isn’t just a neighborhood; it’s a vital part of Seattle’s identity. By amplifying these businesses, we’re helping ensure they remain part of our city’s future.
As Markham McIntyre, Director of the Seattle Office of Economic Development, shared:
“Small businesses are what make Seattle special. They are the soul of our economy and represent our best qualities: diversity, positivity, lifting up communities, and building livelihoods. More than ever, people are the key to thriving small business districts, and we’re proud to support the AMPLIFY campaign to encourage people from around the region to go to the Chinatown-International District to shop, eat, and meet up with family and friends.”
This isn’t just another “shop local” campaign.
We’re seeding relationships and providing tangible resources:
- Professional Visual Storytelling: We’ve partnered with Vlack Media to capture stunning photographs that showcase the personality and offerings of each business
- Beautiful Custom Designs: Local Filipina artist Shayla Hufana designed all campaign materials, ensuring the visual identity reflects the cultural richness of neighborhood
- Lasting Marketing Assets: Participating small businesses receive professional promotional materials they can use to connect with visitors and locals alike
- Exclusive Offers: Starting Saturday, May 17th, the AMPLIFY: Chinatown-International District Small Business Pass, presented by The Asian American Foundation, will feature special offers at participating businesses
Diane Le, co-owner of Phnom Penh Noodle House, emphasized the value of these resources:
“Many small businesses don’t have a marketing or advertising budget. We are so grateful to Intentionalist for including us in the AMPLIFY campaign. We now have beautiful photos and videos to leverage as needed. In addition to a greater audience reach across Intentionalist’s platform. It’s difficult to quantify the tremendous positive impact. We just know it feels good to have beautiful assets and to have others spread the word about our small business.”
The AMPLIFY: Chinatown-International District Small Business Pass
Starting Saturday, May 17, community members can access the AMPLIFY: Chinatown-International District Small Business Pass, presented by The Asian American Foundation, for free.
The pass features exclusive offers at 35 C-ID small businesses, encouraging the community to explore and experience the neighborhood while supporting small businesses.
A Story Behind Every Storefront
Peter Tomozawa, CEO of the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee shared how AMPLIFY: Chinatown-International District complements his organization’s commitment to local economic impact:
“As we prepare to welcome the world to Seattle for the FIFA World Cup 2026, it’s important that we celebrate and support the vibrant communities that make our city unique. The Chinatown-International District is a cornerstone of Seattle’s cultural and economic fabric, and through initiatives like AMPLIFY, we have an opportunity to put a spotlight on the small businesses that embody its spirit.
AMPLIFY: Chinatown-International District features a wide range of businesses—restaurants, coffee and tea shops, gift shops, and more:
Chinatown – BeanFish, Canton Wonton House, E-Jae Pak Mor, Fortune Garden, Fuji Bakery, Gan Bei, Hood Famous Cafe + Bar, Jade Garden, Jufeng Noodle House, Kau Kau BBQ, Kilig, Mam’s Books, Ping’s Dumpling House, Purple Dot Café, Seattle Best Tea, Szechuan Noodle Bowl, Tai Tung Restaurant, Vital T Leaf
Japantown – Itsumono, Kobo Shop & Gallery, Onibaba by Tsukushinbo, Sairen, Zakka-Ya
Little Saigon – Bubble Tea Fresh Fruit Juice, ChuMinh Tofu and Vegan Deli, Little Saigon Creative Marketplace, Hello Em, Joyale Seafood Restaurant, Phnom Penh Noodle House, Mi La Cay, Phin, Pho So 1, Spring Roll House Deli, Tan Dinh Deli, Thanh Vi
Our Partners Make A Difference
AMPLIFY: Chinatown-International District is presented by The Asian American Foundation, the City of Seattle’s Office of the Mayor, the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee, and Visit Seattle.
We also worked closely with the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA) and Friends of Little Saigon to curate the featured businesses.
Additional partners include: BECU, Copacino Fujikado, Dick’s Drive-In, Fulcrum Coffee, La Marzocco, Seattle Credit Union, Seattle Reign FC, Seattle Sounders FC, Slalom, Symetra, Vulcan Real Estate, and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Help Chinatown-International District Small Businesses Thrive
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District or excited to explore it for the first time, there are plenty of ways to participate:
✅ Sign up for the free AMPLIFY:Chinatown-International District Small Business Pass and plan to be in the neighborhood on May 17th
✅ Stop by the Intentionalist/CIDBIA table in Hing Hay Park and win prizes
✅ Use the Small Business Pass to enjoy special offers as you eat, drink, and spend like it matters at participating businesses
✅ Learn the stories behind the storefronts and the people who make them shine
The impact of intentional spending is all about the power of collective action. Each dollar spent at these businesses is an investment in preserving the cultural fabric of our city and supporting the small businesses who make our communities unique.
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