Briefings, trainings, convenings and the latest AI tech will support local businesses

 

SEATTLE – Today the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce launched its support resources for Washington state businesses in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 26 Seattle™.

“This is an opportunity for smaller businesses across Washington state to become household names for soccer fans everywhere by really contributing to them having an experience of a lifetime,” said Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber. “Supporting small businesses to enhance their operations and resilience is crucial not only to withstand challenges related to hosting a mega event, but also to seize economic opportunities presented by events like the FIFA World Cup 26 Seattle™ and other regional attractions.”

A goal of the Seattle Local Organizing Committee is to activate the entire state through base camps and fan zones. Organizers anticipate an additional 750,000 people in the Puget Sound region, with the expectation that visitors will be staying for up to one week and want to explore all that our state has to offer. Visit Seattle’s preliminary economic impact analysis showed the event could bring in $652.6 million in direct spending, $929 million in total economic impact, 20,762 total jobs and $106.5 million in total state and local taxes generated.

The Local Organizing Committee has named the Chamber as the official business support liaison, and by providing resources, training, and activation, small businesses can improve their efficiency, adaptability, and ability to capitalize on increased demand during major events.

The Chamber’s initiative, called World Cup Ready, will support businesses through:

  • Business planning support: Equipping small businesses with toolkits and frameworks to help them assess and adapt operations during the 2026 mega event.
  • Actionable insights: Sharing real-world case studies, guidance, and best practices from similar large-scale events to inform decision-making.
  • World Cup Ready AI: Conversational AI allowing business owners to engage in dialogue about mega event business preparations and get questions answered via chatbot, as well as an AI knowledge manager delivering accurate, up-to-date information aligned with official guidelines.
  • Community-centered engagement: Through the Chamber’s Community Business Connector program, grants will be provided to organizations for business area activations.
  • Legacy materials: Providing legacy information for small businesses to plan for future mega events.

The Chamber’s World Cup Ready web page is live and packed with resources, and additional briefings, trainings and convenings will be delivered throughout the coming year. Businesses can check back often for new resources, or sign up for a monthly business newsletter to be alerted of new tools.

Learn more at seattlechamber.com/world-cup

 

Media contact:
Jillian Henze, APR
Cell: (425) 785-6731
jillianh@seattlechamber.com

###

About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

The Seattle Metropolitan (Seattle Metro) Chamber of Commerce is the regional business advocacy organization that engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of its 2,500 members to promote inclusive economic prosperity. Founded in 1882 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is an independent organization representing a regional workforce of approximately 750,000. For more information, visit www.seattlechamber.com.