Apply for a Back to Business grant

The Back to Business program is accepting applications to help small businesses recover and stay protected. The program offers grants to small businesses impacted by vandalism and property damage:

• Storefront Repair Fund. Apply for up to three $3,000 grants to reimburse the costs for fixing damages from vandalism or other property damage.

• Storefront Security Fund. Apply for a $6,000 grant to reimburse business owners to cover the cost of improving security.

Information, required documentation, eligibility requirements, application assistance, and frequently asked questions are available in eight languages. 📅 Applications are open through December 2025, or until funds run out. Nearly half of the Back to Business funding is already allocated – submit your application today!   ✅ To apply, visit seattle.gov/back-to-business.

Seattle’s film industry gets a boost with new incentive

🎬 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 change aims to attract more projects and jobs for local cast and crew. Learn more about how our office contributed to these efforts and details on the commercial film incentive on our blog.

City and State opportunities and resources

Equitable Development Initiative funding available!

The Request for Proposal for the 2025 Equitable Development Initiative is now open, awarding up to $24.3 million in funding. The program will continue to fund existing EDI projects as well as fund new projects for both capacity building and capital. The RFP has three distinct funding areas, each with their own application portal. The Office of Planning and Community Development will provide technical assistance to applicants.

📆 Applications are due September 29, 2025.

📝 Visit the EDI website for more information.

⚽ Game Ready Activation grants ⚽

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is offering Community Business Connector’s Game Ready Activation grants. These grants will support short-term, community-led activations across King County in 2025 to promote public engagement, tourism, and small business visibility in anticipation of the FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup.

Grants of $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000 are awarded on a rolling basis.

📆 Funding is limited and may be exhausted well before the final deadline of November 10, 2025.

📝 Guidelines to apply for the Game Ready Activation grants.

Greater Seattle Export Accelerator 🌍🚀

The Greater Seattle Export Accelerator is now accepting applications for its next cohort! This program offers small and medium-sized businesses in the region the tools to expand their reach into international markets. With personalized support, expert mentorship, workshops on key topics, and networking opportunities, the accelerator is designed to empower businesses to thrive on the global stage. 📆 Applications for Cohort 4 are due September 8, 2025. (Applications received after this date will be considered for the spring 2026 cohort.) 📝 Apply to go global with Greater Seattle Export Accelerator.

2025 Regional Contracting Forum

Introduce your business to contractors, consultants and the region's largest government entities at the 2025 Regional Contracting Forum. The Regional Contracting Forum will present upcoming projects and bid opportunities. In addition, government contracting representatives from the City of Seattle, King County, Washington State Department of Transportation, and many others, will be available for one-on-one sessions and for networking.

📆 September 17, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

🆓 Register for free tickets.