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. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 27 at 5 p.m.
Our goal of the Tenant Improvement Program is to support established businesses with upgrades that will stabilize their business. This program allowed Binko Chiong, owner of Kobo at Higo, to improve her space in the Japantown neighborhood.
“There are few opportunities for a small commercial business such as ours to find any funding source to improve our physical space other than to take on more debt, which would have put us into financial jeopardy,” said Chiong. “The TI funds were our only pathway to make these improvements to our space.”
To apply for funding, businesses must meet several requirements, including:
- Be a for-profit, independently owned business (no franchises or chains), and located within Seattle city limits.
- You operate two (2) locations or less.
- Your business employs fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees.
- The annual gross revenue is less than $2 million.
- In business for at least two (2) years.
- You signed a lease with five (5) years remaining (including options) OR have a letter from the landlord stating that they will extend your lease if awarded.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, May 27 at 5 p.m. Read more about the TI Program eligibility requirements and apply today!
The City of Seattle encourages everyone to participate in its programs and activities. If you need assistance, including help with translations, disability accommodations, or materials in a different format, please contact our office at (206) 684-8090 or at OED@seattle.gov.