Cindy, owner of Le's Deli, is a 2024 TI Program recipient. National Small Business Week is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of small businesses and the vital role they play in our community. In Seattle, small businesses are more than just the backbone of our local economy: they represent the creativity, vibrancy, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit that make our city truly special.
As Mayor Harrell said this past week, “Small businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods and the engines of our economy. That’s why the City of Seattle is committed to taking bold steps to ensure business owners of all backgrounds have the tools, resources and support they need to start, grow, and succeed.”
Our office offers a variety of resources to help small businesses grow, thrive, and navigate challenges.
Problem-Solving Resources
The Accounting and Business Consulting Program
The ABC 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 expert advice 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.
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.
Access to Capital
Small Business Capital Access Program
The Small Business Capital Access Program supports minority-owned businesses by improving access to affordable loans and financing. In partnership with community lenders, our office helps lower borrowing costs by covering 20% of the principal or $30,000 (whichever is less) on qualifying loans. This initiative is designed to reduce debt and strengthen the financial health of eligible businesses. Businesses don’t need to apply directly for CAP, eligibility is determined by your lender upon loan approval. Learn more about eligibility requirements for CAP.
A Continuum of Services for Commercial Space, From Pop-Up to Ownership
Permit Coaching and Expedited Services
In partnership with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection (SDCI), we offer eligible small businesses coaching, research, and development of a permit strategy as you 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.
The Tenant Improvement Program
The Tenant Improvement Program offers funding and support to businesses to improve their existing spaces, based on their needs and readiness. Applications are now open for businesses looking to upgrade or replace equipment or signage. This program aims to ease the financial burden of equipment upgrades, allowing business owners to focus on growing their services and increasing revenue. The application deadline is Tuesday, May 27 at 5 p.m. Learn more about the Tenant Improvement Program and apply here.
The Business Community Ownership Fund
The BCO 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
Seattle Restored works with property owners, entrepreneurs, and artists to match small business owners and artists with vacant commercial storefronts, leading to short-term placements like pop-up shops and art installations as well as 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 have a longer runway to success.
It also benefits neighborhoods and property owners by creating vibrant and engaging streetscapes that encourage the public to visit Downtown Seattle, Lake City, and other commercial corridors to support local businesses and artists. Learn more about Seattle Restored.
The Liberty Project
This innovative business growth project works to increase revenues owned by people from underrepresented communities in Seattle – particularly Black-owned businesses.
Using the M3 model, the program provides services to Seattle businesses that:
- Improve their management capacity.
- Grow access to money through loans and investments.
- Increase access to markets through corporate and government contracting opportunities and access to new customers in downtown Seattle and throughout the region.
Selected businesses will participate in the program for one year, then will be part of an alumni network offering ongoing assistance and support. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more about the Liberty Project and apply here.
In addition to these programs, we facilitate and support business improvement areas, which are funding mechanisms for business district revitalization and management. We also partner with business chambers and associations across the city. Our office continually works with small businesses and our partners to understand common barriers, larger trends, and overall conditions so that we can make it easier to successfully operate a small business here in Seattle.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for program updates and spotlights on local small businesses.