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 what they do best – growing their small business. Applications are open through December 2025, or until funds run out.
This program offers support in three areas:
- Storefront Repair Fund. Grants to reimburse business owners for the cost of fixing damages from vandalism or other property damage.
- Storefront Security Fund. Grants to reimburse the costs of improving security measures to prevent future storefront damage.
- Neighborhood Business District Investments. Funding to improve public safety in identified neighborhood business areas.
The Storefront Repair Fund is designed to ease the financial strain business owners face when dealing with property damage. The grants reimburse up to $3,000 to cover the cost of repairs and business owners can apply for up to three grants. Damages must have happened on or after July 1, 2024.
These grants can help pay for fixing items such doors, locks, fences, gates, signs, and windows. They do not cover the loss of stolen goods or graffiti. Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply for the Storefront Repair Fund.
The Storefront Security Fund provides a one-time reimbursement of up to $6,000 to help pay for preventative security improvements.
Business owners must first complete a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) security assessment with a certified expert before they apply. A CPTED assessment identifies plans and resources to help enhance safety and security while lowering crime risk. Reimbursement is only available for security measures purchased after completing the CPTED security assessment. Learn more about the Storefront Security Fund, eligible security measures, and how to schedule a security assessment.
In addition to grants for individual businesses, we’re making Neighborhood Business District Investments. Working in partnership with Business Improvement Areas and neighborhood organizations, we’re funding CPTED projects that improve public safety and make neighborhoods more welcoming across Seattle. Our goal is to support community-led solutions that address local challenges.
The Back to Business program builds on the success of the Storefront Repair Fund, which provided grants to small businesses to repair property damage between 2022 and 2024. During that time, our office allocated $1.85 million in federal relief funding to help small businesses impacted by break-ins and other property damage, supporting more than 600 Seattle businesses.