The City of Seattle is taking significant steps to fill empty storefronts and support businesses looking for new commercial space. A new law, CB 121047, is changing the City’s building code, specifically how “substantial alterations” are handled. This reduces the time, cost, and complexity for small businesses looking to open… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle is taking significant steps to fill empty storefronts and support businesses looking for new commercial space. A new law, CB 121047, is changing the City’s building code, specifically how “substantial alterations” are handled. This reduces the time, cost, and complexity for small businesses looking to open… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle’s small business and finance communities came together in September at Boon Boona Coffee on the Waterfront. They gathered to celebrate the progress made and to mark the next chapter of our Small Business Capital Access Program. This program is designed to remove barriers to financing and ensure that all… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle’s small businesses are the vibrant core of our neighborhoods and a crucial engine for our local economy. We are committed to listening to the needs of business owners and taking action to support them. Recent initiatives, announced by Mayor Bruce Harrell, demonstrate our dedication to cutting red tape, reducing… [ Keep reading ]
Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell released the 2026 Proposed Budget. In this budget, Mayor Harrell continues the investments and bold actions he began four years ago to address the needs of our communities and advance our One Seattle priorities. Mayor Harrell’s balanced budget proposal is focused on strengthening public safety, creating… [ Keep reading ]
Equitable access to affordable capital is a fundamental part of the work our office does to build an inclusive economy for all. As part of that effort, we are recruiting a new cohort of Capital Readiness service providers for 2025 – 2026 through the Request for Proposal process. Responses are… [ Keep reading ]
We’re excited to share that qualifying commercials filming anywhere in Washington state are now eligible for funding through the Washington Filmworks Production Incentive Program. Commercial film productions can receive 30%-40% cash back on money spent in Seattle. “This changes everything,” said Motion State’s Corey Koniniec, who noted that a recent… [ Keep reading ]
Peer Networks are monthly meetings organized by our Capacity Building Team to bring together neighborhood business district partners. We use this time and space to do a deeper dive into a specific topic, share relevant City resources, and offer information that will support organizational capacity, vibrancy, and core service delivery… [ Keep reading ]
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… [ Keep reading ]
The Capital Access Program is a dedicated initiative designed to empower small businesses, particularly those historically marginalized and facing financial constraints. By providing equitable access to affordable capital, CAP aims to create a more level playing field for these businesses. The program is guided by three primary objectives: CAP pays… [ Keep reading ]
