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Celebrating the success of the Capital Access Program

Seattle’s small business and finance communities came together in September at Boon Boona Coffee on the Waterfront. They gathered to celebrate the progress made and to mark the next chapter of our Small Business Capital Access Program. This program is designed to remove barriers to financing and ensure that all… [ Keep reading ]

Powering Seattle’s small businesses: How OED is driving change

Seattle’s small businesses are the vibrant core of our neighborhoods and a crucial engine for our local economy. We are committed to listening to the needs of business owners and taking action to support them. Recent initiatives, announced by Mayor Bruce Harrell, demonstrate our dedication to cutting red tape, reducing… [ Keep reading ]

Mayor Harrell Releases 2026 Proposed Budget – OED Highlights

Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell released the 2026 Proposed Budget. In this budget, Mayor Harrell continues the investments and bold actions he began four years ago to address the needs of our communities and advance our One Seattle priorities. Mayor Harrell’s balanced budget proposal is focused on strengthening public safety, creating… [ Keep reading ]

OED seeks Capital Readiness service providers to help small businesses access financial resources

Equitable access to affordable capital is a fundamental part of the work our office does to build an inclusive economy for all. As part of that effort, we are recruiting a new cohort of Capital Readiness service providers for 2025 – 2026 through the Request for Proposal process. Responses are… [ Keep reading ]

Washington Filmworks announces 30%-40% commercial film incentive expansion to Seattle

We’re excited to share that qualifying commercials filming anywhere in Washington state are now eligible for funding through the Washington Filmworks Production Incentive Program. Commercial film productions can receive 30%-40% cash back on money spent in Seattle. “This changes everything,” said Motion State’s Corey Koniniec, who noted that a recent… [ Keep reading ]

Peer Networking and Rainier Beach Pearls

Peer Networks are monthly meetings organized by our Capacity Building Team to bring together neighborhood business district partners. We use this time and space to do a deeper dive into a specific topic, share relevant City resources, and offer information that will support organizational capacity, vibrancy, and core service delivery… [ Keep reading ]

Building on success: Introducing the Back to Business program

Small businesses are the heart of our communities and the backbone of our economy. Unexpected expenses from vandalism and property damage can create real and burdensome financial challenges from repairs and restoration. We designed the Back to Business program to help businesses overcome these challenges so they can focus on… [ Keep reading ]

Capital Access Program – Making dreams a reality for hundreds of Seattle-based businesses

The Capital Access Program is a dedicated initiative designed to empower small businesses, particularly those historically marginalized and facing financial constraints. By providing equitable access to affordable capital, CAP aims to create a more level playing field for these businesses. The program is guided by three primary objectives: CAP pays… [ Keep reading ]

Rita Meher and Tasveer Film Festival and Market Honored with 2025 Mayor’s Film Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film

SEATTLE – Today, Rita Meher and Tasveer Film Festival and Market were awarded the 2025 Mayor’s Film Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film. During the opening night gala for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), Rita Meher and Tasveer Film Festival and Market were recognized for their contributions to the… [ Keep reading ]

Applications open: 2025 Tenant Improvement Program helps businesses grow

We’re excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Tenant Improvement Program are open! This year’s program will invest $800,000 in sign and equipment funding. Businesses can apply for up to $15,000 to purchase a sign, or up to $50,000 to purchase equipment that is essential to their business purpose…. [ Keep reading ]