SEA Sparks Micro Business Development Program
SEA Sparks is a limited-term micro business economic development program that lowers barriers, reduces costs, and simplifies requirements for mid-stage and emerging concepts interested in conducting concessions operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The program shapes and scales opportunities for inexperienced airport concessions tenants to adapt to SEA’s fast-moving ecosystem. SEA Sparks tenants receive training, coaching, and mentorship while navigating the demands of operating at SEA and pursuing pathways to compete for longer-term, inline Airport Dining and Retail (ADR) opportunities.
The ADR concessions ecosystem is unlike Pike Place Market (Seattle) or Ruston Marketplace (Tacoma). SEA is an airport, not a traditional retail environment, and consumer (passenger) behavior tends to be unpredictable and impulsive. SEA Sparks tenants are challenged to curate category assortments and products mixes that reflect a Pacific Northwest sense of place, advance culturally inclusive storytelling, and resonate with global audiences. By shaping and scaling opportunities, SEA Sparks decreases financial, managerial, and operational pressures by coaching, supporting, and mentoring tenants from onboarding and orientation through contract completion.
The SEA Sparks program features +20 limited-term opportunities across seven (7) categories at SEA, including:
- Kick Starter: Port-owned Grab & Go food & beverage merchandise cart recently relocated to Concourse A
- Mirco-Business Vending: Tenant-owned, operated, and maintained automated vending machines selling convenience products
- Specialty Retail Incubator: Port-owned spaces for retail sale of fast-moving consumer products and consumer packaged goods
- Specialty Retail Accelerator: Tenant funded and constructed kiosks for retail sale of fast-moving consumer products and consumer packaged goods
- Food & Beverage Incubator Kitchens (QSR): Port-owned, fully equipped QSR kitchens for onsite production and service of meals, snacks, beverages, and desserts
- Food & Beverage Incubator Coffee: Port-owned, partially equipped kitchens for onsite production and service of coffee, soft drinks, pastries, snacks, and desserts
- Food & Beverage Accelerator Kitchen (QSR): A tenant built and equipped QSR kitchen for onsite production and service of meals, snacks, beverages, and desserts
SEA Sparks in Action
Lillie's Soulful Plate Market has been awarded a one (1) year contract to operate the SEA Sparks Kick Starter category with anticipated opening during October 2026. The menu will feature inventive Southern cuisine and soul food packaged for refrigerated and shelf-stable grab & go across from Gate A-3.
In August 2026, through the SEA Sparks program, the Port of Seattle launched the first two incubator Food & Beverage (Quick Service Restaurant) kitchens in any North American airport. Taco Street (Mexican street food) opened in the Central Terminal Esplanade, and SEA KO (PNW Korean fusion), opened in Concourse B (near Gate B-3).
In the recently revealed Concourse C Expansion (CCE), SEA Sparks added these tenants to its Specialty Retail Incubator category:
- Hi Ducky (plush toys and stuffed animals)
- Transcend SEA (upcycled apparel and accessories)
- Clara Jane Studio (handmade jewelry and accessories)
- Seattle Glassblowing Studio (glass art, jewelry, and custom designs)
Cobb's Gourmet Popcorn and Theo Chocolate operate in SEA Sparks' Specialty Retail Incubator category in Concourse A (near Gate A-1).
In SEA Sparks Accelerator category, Cupcake Royale (gourmet cupcakes and sweet treats) joins Lowrider Cookie Company (gourmet cookies and more) in Concourse A and Show Pony Boutique (fashion-forward apparel and accessories) and Chalo & Co (travel accessories) in the North Satellite.
Upcoming Opportunities
SEA Sparks will be soliciting information from interested and qualified micro and small businesses for its newest category: Food & Beverage Incubator - Coffee. This opportunity will feature an initial term of three (3) years with one (1) one-year extension incentive for a maximum tenancy of four (4) years. Requirements, terms & conditions, and proposal instructions will be provided in SEA Sparks Request for Information (RFI 26-9) QSR Coffee, with expected publication during December 2026.
Please register your business to receive ADR and SEA Sparks training invitations, opportunity announcements, and program updates.
