The Seattle Metro Chamber has received two prestigious honors from Business Retention & Expansion International (BREI) for its innovative “Small Business Readiness Playbook: A Practical Guide for Mega-Event Preparation in Washington State.” The awards were presented during the BREI 2026 Conference on June 17, 2026.
The Chamber received both the 2026 Award of Excellence in the State/Province category and BREI’s Impact Award, recognizing the project’s exceptional innovation, statewide collaboration, and long-term economic development impact.
Developed in partnership with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee and numerous public, private, and community partners, the Playbook was created to help small businesses prepare for and benefit from major international events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™. The initiative provides practical guidance, planning tools, readiness checklists, and business support resources that help organizations navigate increased demand, operational challenges, and emerging economic opportunities.
“These awards reflect the strength of partnership and shared vision across our region,” said Joe Nguyen, President & CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber. “The Small Business Readiness Playbook is the result of deep collaboration, and we’re proud it’s helping businesses prepare, compete, and succeed.”
The project has already produced several implementation tools, including a Community Business Connector portal, educational webinars, and an innovative graphic novel version of the Playbook designed to increase accessibility and engagement among diverse business communities. By engaging stakeholders from across Washington State, the initiative has established a first-of-its-kind framework for helping small businesses prepare for large-scale events while strengthening long-term economic resilience.
“This project is a great example of how business retention and expansion efforts can help support local businesses and communities while impacting the wider region,” said Ryan Kelly, Executive Director of Business Retention & Expansion International. “Our selection committee loved this project and was pleased to present Vaughn Taylor and the Seattle Metro Chamber with both the State/Province Award and the BREI Impact Award in recognition of its innovation, statewide reach, and long-term economic impact.”
BREI judges highlighted the Playbook’s collaborative development process, focus on underserved business communities, practical implementation tools, and ability to create lasting benefits that extend well beyond a single event. The project serves as a model for communities seeking to ensure that local businesses are prepared to capitalize on opportunities generated by major international events.
Business Retention & Expansion International is a global network of professionals dedicated to strengthening local economies through business retention, expansion, and community development strategies.