Small businesses looking for financial support to upgrade their spaces can now apply for the Tenant Improvement Program. We have two packages available in 2026: the sign package award of up to $15,000 and the equipment package award of up to $50,000. These packages help cover the cost of replacing essential items such as new external signs or upgrading equipment.
Applications are due by Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Businesses must meet several requirements; please review the full eligibility requirements on our website before applying.
Left: Recipient of a sign package Romie de Hillary, owner of Seattle Tattoo Emporium. Right: Wong Tung Seafood owners, recipients of an equipment package.
Are you interested in applying, but unsure what types of projects qualify?
The TI Program supports established Seattle businesses with upgrades to help stabilize and grow their business. To date, we supported 120 businesses with different types of projects throughout Seattle neighborhoods.
Here are some examples of how previous recipients used their sign and equipment funding:
- Chu Minh Tofu and Vegetarian Deli, Othello: Legacy business producing wholesale tofu purchased equipment to support distribution to local businesses.
- J Styles Barbershop, Columbia City: African American-owned business purchased equipment upgrades to maintain and attract new clients.
- KOBO at Higo, Japantown: Artisan gallery purchased new signage to enhance their visibility as a retail shop.
- Mediums, Capitol Hill: Latinx clothing retailer and collaborative space purchased new sewing and embroidery equipment to teach others.
- Seattle Tattoo Emporium, First Hill: Seattle’s oldest tattoo shop purchased brighter signage to create a safer storefront.
- Wong Tung Seafood, Chinatown-International District: Chinese woman-owned legacy seafood business replaced live seafood tanks.
If you’d like to read more about the projects and businesses previously funded, check out the blogs on the Tenant Improvement Program 2025 awardees or the 2024 awardees.
Do you have additional questions?
We’re hosting a virtual information session on Thursday, March 5, 1 – 2:30 p.m. (registration link) to discuss the program and answer your questions.
In-person and in-language application support is available through our partners at Lake City Collective. Please call (206) 701-1470 for assistance. They’re always willing to work with business owners and arrange meetings with them, including on the weekends.
You can also email oed_tiprogram@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-8090 for general questions about the application.
About the Tenant Improvement Program
Our office’s purpose is to shape the future of Seattle’s economy and make it more equitable, prosperous, and competitive. We do this work by leading projects and making investments that open up access to economic opportunities, reduce the racial wealth gap, and encourage innovation and growth. A pillar of the Future of Seattle Economy framework is building BIPOC community wealth. The Tenant Improvement Program is one of the innovative ways we’re fighting displacement and removing barriers to opportunities for small business owners. Through this program, we’re helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and strengthen their communities.