In 2024, The Ballard Alliance received a federal grant to create a small business incubator in the Ballard Neighborhood. Funding was secured through the office of Senator Patty Murray, written into the federal budget under the FY 2024 Community Project Fund, and administered through the US Small Business Administration (SBA).   

The Ballard Alliance used a portion of the grant funding to secure a 3-year lease in a premier commercial space on Market Street, and divide the space into smaller, affordable stalls for small businesses to occupy.  

For a one-year incubation period, tenants will operate out of the space and receive supportive services on behalf of the Ballard Alliance and community partners. 

Through Smål Market, we aim to:  

• Lower the barrier of entry into the Ballard neighborhood by providing an opportunity for small businesses to gain a foothold in the Ballard commercial market, grow their business, and secure a long-term commercial space at market rate. 

• Increase neighborhood vibrancy and vitality by filling commercial gaps with a variety of businesses that fit the needs and desires of the community. 

• Address commercial space vacancies in our neighborhood by enhancing the capacity of small businesses to fill them.