SEA Sparks Small Business Economic Development Program
SEA Sparks is a limited-term small business economic development program that lowers barriers, reduces costs, and simplifies requirements for startup, 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 concessionaires to learn and adapt to SEA’s fast-moving ecosystem. SEA Sparks tenants receive training, coaching, and mentorship to navigate the demands of operating at SEA and explore pathways to compete for longer-term, inline Airport Dining and Retail (ADR) opportunities.
The SEA Sparks program features 25 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
- Convenience 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 Kitchens (QSR): Tenant built and equipped QSR kitchens for onsite production and service of meals, snacks, beverages, and desserts
SEA Sparks in Action
In August 2026, through the SEA Sparks program, the Port of Seattle will be launching the first two incubator Food & Beverage (Quick Service Restaurant) Kitchens in any North American airport. Taco Street (Mexican street food) will be opening in the Central Terminal Esplanade, and SEA KO (Korean fusion), will be opening in Concourse B (near Gate B-3).
In the recently revealed Concourse C Expansion (CCE), SEA Sparks added these new Specialty Retail Incubator tenants:
- 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 recently joined Theo Chocolate in the 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 two (2) years with two (2) one-year extension incentives for a maximum tenancy of four (4) years. Requirements, terms & conditions, and submittal instructions will be provided in SEA Sparks Request for Information (RFI 26-9), with expected publication during October 2026.
Please register your business to receive SEA Sparks meeting invitations, opportunity announcements, and program updates.
