National Small Business Week is a time to celebrate the important contributions of our small businesses to Seattle’s economy. They bring character to our neighborhoods, drive our economy, and embody what makes Seattle special.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. For every dollar we invest in a small business, 75 percent comes back to the community,” said Beto Yarce, acting director of our office. “We choose a whole week to celebrate, but we should be supporting our small businesses every day.” Learn more about Beto’s journey as a small business owner.
There are several ways to support and celebrate Seattle’s small business community this week and year-round. Additionally, our office is committed to making sure entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can start and grow their businesses in Seattle. We have programs in place to help business owners.
National Small Business Week events
- National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, May 5 and 6. Open to established and aspiring business owners, the free, two-day summit includes presentations by industry experts, free resources, and business advice.
- 2026 Annual SCORE Awards Gala, May 6. Awards will be presented to small business winners from the Small Business Administration, SCORE, Washington Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, and more.
- The Intentionalist. Use the local directory to find local businesses in your neighborhood and spend like it matters all year long.
Programs to support businesses
Back to Business program
We launched the Back to Business program to help small businesses overcome the financial setbacks caused by vandalism and property damage in 2025. This year, we expanded the program with an additional $3.3 million in funding.
We are currently accepting applications for two types of Back to Business grants:
- The Storefront Repair Fund offers grants that reimburse some or all of 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 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.
Learn more about the Back to Business program and apply for a grant.
Capital Access Program
Our Small Business Capital Access Program supports small businesses by improving access to affordable loans and financing, especially in communities that haven’t had access to financial services. 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 with 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.
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 Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, 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
The Small Business Legal Assistance program offers free individual counseling and legal workshops to Seattle-based businesses. Consulting services provided through this 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 BCOF 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 Business Community Ownership 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 leaps without assuming all the risks.
It also benefits neighborhoods and property owners by creating vibrant and engaging streetscapes that encourage the public to visit neighborhoods where these popups are located to support local businesses.
Learn more about Seattle Restored.
Tenant Improvement Program
The 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.
In addition to our technical assistance and direct support, our office crafts policies in partnership with the Mayor’s Office to make doing business in Seattle easier, more affordable, and helps business owners open their doors sooner. We also work with Business Improvement Areas to help keep business districts clean, safe, and more vibrant.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for program updates and spotlights on local small businesses.