Today’s featured member, Monique Valenzuela, Executive Director at Ventures, says the organization is a Seattle-based nonprofit that strengthens well-being and economic mobility through business education, incubation, and access to capital for individuals from underrepresented communities.
Tell us about your business
We serve entrepreneurs who face the greatest barriers to traditional business support, with a focus on providing access to business support to communities that face systemic barriers. Our mission is to empower individuals with limited resources and unlimited potential to improve their lives through small business ownership, our vision is that entrepreneurship should be attainable for all.
One of the ways we support local entrepreneurs is through Ventures Marketplace, our incubator in the heart of Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. The shop features jewelry, art, body care products, housewares, pantry food, and more. We carry hundreds of unique handmade gifts, crafted by more than 40 unique Ventures clients. Since Ventures entrepreneurs are working to grow their income through small business ownership, the Incubator sells the client items at a consignment model, with 50% of the sale going directly into the client’s hands.
The Ventures Marketplace and the Marketplace Online (venturesmarketplace.com) serve as a business incubator to provide a nurturing environment filled with training, coaching, and hands-on learning opportunities to help aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Since opening in 2011, the Ventures Marketplace has helped our clients take home over $1,104,241 in revenue.
We urge everyone to visit the Ventures Marketplace for unique gifts and one-of-a-kind items. The Ventures Marketplace is open 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
What does the journey look like for a Ventures client?
Every Ventures client’s story is unique, but the journey begins with our Information Session and Business Basics Course. After graduation, clients receive ongoing technical assistance at no cost, which includes one-on-one coaching and access to advanced training through programs like Incubation and Capital.
Our incubation program prepares entrepreneurs to be truly brick and mortar ready. They learn merchandising, pricing, cost of goods, sell-through rates, inventory management, and sales techniques. Many use the Ventures Marketplace as their first retail environment to gain experience and test their products with customers. Beyond the Marketplace, Ventures also partners with PCC Community Markets to help clients enter a conventional store environment. It has been incredible to see Ventures clients on shelves throughout PCC stores across Seattle.
From intake to incubation to selling in the Marketplace and eventually in retailers throughout the region, Ventures provides a full support system that helps entrepreneurs build income, stability, and long-term financial opportunity for themselves and their families.
Ventures Marketplace Client Highlight:
Queer in Common
Queer In Common is an LGBTQIA+ owned small business that celebrates identity, joy, and belonging through handcrafted artisan soaps. Each bar is made with vibrant colors and affirming themes that reflect the beauty and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their soaps are more than everyday essentials, they are small acts of self-care and pride that help people feel seen and supported. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for the holiday season and an easy way to support a local creator. Queer In Common brings artistry and affirmation together to create soaps that make you smile, smell amazing, and show some love to Seattle’s small business community.
Little Love Teas
Little Love Teas is a woman owned small business crafting beautiful teas inspired by warmth, wellness, and the simple joy of slowing down. Every blend is thoughtfully made in small batches with real herbs, flowers, and spices, creating flavors that feel like comfort in a cup. Whether you want a soothing nighttime blend, a bright pick me up, or something floral and fragrant to sip on a cozy winter morning, Little Love Teas has tea for every mood. This is the perfect holiday gift for tea lovers and a sweet stocking stuffer that supports a local maker. Little Love Teas turns everyday rituals into moments of peace and is the kind of small business that makes Seattle’s creative community shine.
To learn more about membership with the Seattle Metro Chamber, please visit our membership page.
Thank you to Ventures for being part of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce network. Here at the Chamber, we have 2,500 companies across the region and 13 different business sectors, from your favorite neighborhood restaurant to brands known around the world. Our member feature program is based on referrals. If you would like to learn more about how to be featured in our member features series, please contact Cori Lumens.