Small businesses are the heartbeat of Seattle. They define our city’s unique character, shape our diverse neighborhoods, and power our local economy. They’re more than storefronts – they represent the entrepreneurial and creativity that makes our community truly special.
We know running a business is as challenging as it is rewarding. That’s why our office is committed to ensuring business owners of all backgrounds have the tools and support they need to thrive. Whether they’re just starting out or looking to grow, we created programs to help business owners succeed and common-sense policy solutions to remove unnecessary barriers.
Making it easier to do business
Based on feedback from local entrepreneurs, we partnered with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to cut red tape for businesses through the Small Business Expediting Program. Projects receiving assistance had permits reviewed and issued 57% faster, helping businesses open their doors sooner. This saves both the time and money it takes to launch.
We also crafted and passed legislation making it faster, cheaper, and easier to open a business. The City now exempts small commercial spaces less than 7,000 square feet from “Substantial alteration” requirements, which could require expensive, building-wide upgrades. This law also removed vacancy as a trigger for these requirements.
Learn more about permitting changes and how they impact small businesses.
Programs to support businesses
Back to Business program
In 2025 we launched the Back to Business program to help small businesses overcome the financial setbacks caused by vandalism and property damage. This year, we expanded the program with an additional $3.3 million in funding.
Back to Business supports business owners through two types of grants:
- The Storefront Repair Fund offers grants that reimburse up to $3,000 to cover the cost of repairs to fix items such as doors, locks, fences, signs, and windows. Business owners can apply for up to three grants.
- 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 security assessment with a certified expert before applying for a grant. The assessment will identify plans and resources to help enhance safety and security while lowering crime risk.
We are currently accepting applications for the Back to Business program. Learn more and apply for a grant today.
Capital Access Program
Our Small Business Capital Access Program supports minority-owned businesses by improving access to affordable loans and financing. We work with community lenders to provide financial assistance in the form of principal paydowns on eligible loans and other financing options. This program creates more opportunities for small businesses, especially those that haven’t had equitable access to financial services.
To date, CAP paid down $8 million in loans, making $36 million available for 389 businesses.
Consulting programs
Our office offers four consulting programs that provide business owners free consultation for business support, acquiring a commercial space, and permit coaching.
Accounting and Business Consulting Program
Our Accounting and Business Consulting Program provides small businesses with up to 10 free consulting hours to achieve operational sustainability, boost revenue, and enhance financial management practices. By providing access to experts on issues like cash flow management, developing business and marketing plans, and credit building, this program helps businesses build a solid foundation for long-term success. Explore available consulting services.
Commercial Space Consulting
The Commercial Space Consulting Program offers eligible businesses 10 free consultation hours for advocacy with landlords, development budget preparation, kitchen operations, and locating a commercial space for your business.
Permit Coaching and Expedited Services
In partnership with SDCI, we offer Permit Coaching and Expedited Services. Eligible small businesses receive coaching, research support, and development of a permit strategy as they prepare to submit permits. At submittal, you’ll be assigned a single point of contact, as well as a prioritized appointment and a reduced timeline for completing a plan review for your application.
Small Business Legal Assistance
This program offers free individual counseling and legal workshops to Seattle-based businesses. Consulting services provided through the Small Business Legal Assistance program help owners implement sustainable solutions around complex legal issues associated with owning and operating a business, as well as addressing operations strategies like corporate and intellectual property education, commercial leasing, and more.
Learn more about the suite of consulting services we offer to support small businesses.
Commercial space support for businesses at all stages
Business Community Ownership Fund
The Business Community Ownership Fund investment model addresses the rising cost of commercial rent in Seattle, which often affects neighborhoods and businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ people. These communities continue to have less access to capital due to systemic inequities, racism, and related barriers.
The BCO Fund works with our private partner, Grow America, to secure fixed, affordable rents for business owners. This financial stability keeps current neighborhood businesses in place and brings displaced business owners back to their communities. Read more about the BCO Fund.
Seattle Restored
Our Seattle Restored program works with property owners and entrepreneurs to match small business owners with vacant commercial storefronts, leading to short-term placements like pop-up shops and subsidized long-term lease funding. By minimizing the up-front investment and risk business owners take to test their product in the market, small businesses can learn at a lower cost and take bigger risks without assuming all the risk.
It also benefits neighborhoods and property owners by creating vibrant and engaging streetscapes that encourage the public to visit neighborhoods where these popups are to support local businesses and artists. Learn more about Seattle Restored.
Tenant Improvement Program
Our Tenant Improvement Program offers funding and support to businesses to improve their existing spaces, based on their needs and readiness. This program aims to ease the financial burden of equipment upgrades, allowing business owners to focus on growing their services and increasing revenue.
In 2025, we awarded more than $1.7 million to 45 businesses for equipment, signage, and construction. Learn more about the TI Program.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for program updates and spotlights on local small businesses.