October 9, 2025
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves over 52 million passengers a year — that’s about 135,000 people every day. Gaining exposure to such a large, diverse audience can be a game-changing opportunity for a small business.
The Port of Seattle’s new SEA Sparks Incubator Program is making it easier for small business owners and entrepreneurs to share their culturally-influenced products, flavors, and stories to millions of travelers from around the world.
Small local and regional early stage, mid-stage, and emerging businesses and brands are encouraged and invited to enroll in SEA’s Airport Dining and Retail (ADR) Concessions Inquiry portal to receive program updates, meetings and tours, and opportunity announcements.
During the next few months, the ADR team will be conducting informational meetings, site tours and First-Time Bidder classes, explaining the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, and announcing multiple limited-term retail concessions and food and beverage opportunities.
Register in the Concessions Inquiry portal for more information on upcoming opportunities and to learn how to participate.
- First Time Bidder’s Training
- Specialty and Convenience Retail Kiosks
- Quick Service Restaurants (Food and Beverage)
What is SEA Sparks?
SEA Sparks is a new program, but its roots go back to 2012 when the ADR team launched the nation’s first airport incubator. Over the past decade, this model has helped small businesses flourish in an environment once dominated by large operators.
SEA Sparks is a limited-term, small business economic development initiative designed to give owners and operators — from local makers to emerging food entrepreneurs — a structured pathway to operate at the airport. The incubator creates space and provides support and resources that small businesses need to adapt, grow, and thrive.
Removing barriers
Historically, airport concessions have been tough for smaller businesses to break into. High upfront costs, complex lease terms, and unfamiliar operational requirements have put airport opportunities out of reach for many small and minority-owned businesses. By lowering barriers for entrepreneurs and small businesses, SEA Sparks enriches the traveler’s experience, strengthens the local economy, and ensures that SEA reflects the diverse community it serves.
SEA Sparks directly addresses barriers and provides support to tenants by:
- Reducing startup costs — The Port builds and owns most of the spaces, so tenants can focus on adoption, operations, and growth
- Structuring rent based on revenue — Tenants pay a fixed percentage of gross revenue as monthly rent. Terms and conditions are specified in lease agreements and contracting documents
- Providing mentorship and training — Opportunities include orientation workshops, site tours, and one-on-one support with business managers and concessions experts
- Simplifying complex processes — Tenants will be provided step-by-step instructions, guidance, and process simplification
