We’re excited to share the 38 businesses selected for our Tenant Improvement Program last year! In its second iteration, the TI Program will provide these small businesses with tailored support and funding based on their unique needs.

The TI Program is designed to help businesses thrive at every stage of growth and is divided into three tracks: Emerge, Improve, and Expand. These tracks are divided into six different packages based on business need and readiness: pre-lease, design services, signage, equipment, health and safety, and new construction.

The 38 businesses selected are located throughout Seattle, include legacy businesses, and offer different services to the communities they serve.

Discover which program participants are in your neighborhood.

We wrapped up another incredible year at the Office of Economic Development. We focused on innovation and growth – trying new things and laying a strong foundation for the future.

Our work focused on three areas: embracing innovation, building on success, and achieving ambitious goals. We served more than 1,000 small businesses, launched first-in-the-nation programs, and passed new policies to help our economy thrive.

While we’re excited to continue this work in 2025, we’re taking a moment to share some of our favorite highlights from 2024.

Our 2024 year in review.  

Our office is extending the lease on the M5 Creative building through December 2025 to use the space solely for film production.

We launched M5 Creative last April, turning the former Cascade Public Media building in Seattle Center into a one-year initiative offering affordable space for creative uses. To date, 16 creative economy and three film productions leased the space, 14 film productions filmed in the building, and we hosted more than 40 industry and community workshops and activations.

As planned, current tenants will end their lease at the end of March. Now, the initiative will focus on creative businesses and activity that have a focus on film.

Read about the new plans for M5 Creative.

Are you a Native business owner or consultant working in or serving Seattle customers and clients? We’re asking you to take a survey to help design and advocate for an Indigenous Economic Development Center. The center will support Native-owned businesses with programs and offices or workspaces.

This survey is a collaborative effort of our office, sləp̓iləbəxʷ (Rising Tides) Indigenous Planning Group, the Office of Community Planning and Development, and the Seattle Indian Services Commission.

📝 Take the survey.

The City of Seattle has several opportunities for grant funding in 2025:

• The Seattle Office of Arts and Culture invests in Seattle’s arts and culture sector, including cultural organizations, art groups, and neighborhood and community groups. Grants include funding for community arts programs, performance opportunities, and support for middle and high school-aged youth. Learn about the different grants and funding opportunities for 2025.
• Make an impact on your neighborhood through the Neighborhood Matching Fund. The Department of Neighborhood’s funding program supports grassroots projects that build stronger communities. Opportunities include the Community Partnership Fund for large-scale projects like public art or park improvements, and the Small Sparks Fund for smaller activities, like block parties and neighborhood clean-ups. Learn about the funds and apply today.

Help steward public investment in Seattle’s transportation and keep the city moving as a member of the Seattle Transportation Levy Oversight Committee.

Members will oversee how levy funds are spent, which includes monitoring budgets, tracking project progress, and making sure funds are used as promised to Seattle voters. The committee is made up of 19 members, including five Mayor-appointed positions. Members serve four-year terms and are expected to dedicate about two hours per month for event committee meetings, plus an additional two to four hours per month for tasks outside of meetings.

📅 Deadline: Friday, February 28

📝 Levy Oversight Committee information and application.