Supporting small businesses 💙

Seattle’s small businesses define our city's character. They shape our neighborhoods, power our economy, and reflect and enhance our culture. Mayor Bruce Harrell recently signed new legislation that cuts red tape, reduces costs, and supports small businesses.  

OED Director Markham McIntyre joined Mayor Harrell and Council President Sara Nelson to share more about how the City is acting on recommendations from business owners, members of the Small Business Policy Group that convened, and City of Seattle partners. This includes reforms like simpler permitting processes, changes to business taxes, a proposal to increase investment in our Back to Business Program, and successful advocacy for changes to state law to increase the reimbursement cap for businesses relocation when a major infrastructure project displaces them. All of these initiatives are designed to make it easier for small businesses to open and grow.

Read about the initiatives to support small businesses.  

Easing permitting

Starting this month, a new law will make it easier, faster, and less complex to fill empty storefronts. We partnered with Seattle's Department of Construction and Inspections, the Mayor's Office, and City Council to pass CB 121047, a practical change to the City's building code. 

What's changing? Buildings and spaces under 7,000 square will now be exempt from “substantial alteration” rules that used to trigger expensive upgrades even when there was no safety risk. Vacant buildings are no longer automatically flagged just because they sat empty for two years. A change in occupancy is only considered substantial if it affects more than twenty percent of the building. These changes will cut substantial alteration permits nearly in half - a step to turn "For Lease" signs into "Grand Opening" banners across Seattle. 

Learn how this new law effects business owners, landlords, and property owners.   

Celebrating the success of the Small Business Capital Access Program 🎉

The small business and finance communities gathered to celebrate the progress of our Small Business Capital Access Program and kick off its next chapter. CAP aims to break down financial barriers and provide entrepreneurs, particularly those from historically underserved communities, with the opportunities they need to grow and succeed. 🚀 In just a few years, CAP reduced more than $7.6 million in loan principal for nearly 330 local businesses, while unlocking over $32 million in affordable lending capital. During the event, business owners shared how this program helped them expand to new locations and provided relief during a time of rising costs. 🔗 Business owners share how CAP helped them grow and thrive.

Strengthening partnerships

Director Markham McIntyre joined Mayor Bruce Harrell and City Councilmembers along with 10 Tribal Nations and 120 Tribal and City leaders for the second Tribal Nations Summit on September 16.

It was a powerful day and a significant step towards better upholding tribal sovereignty and trust and treaty rights throughout local policy issues. Mayor Harrell also discussed more than $9 million in new investments in housing, cultural space and health services in his proposed 2026 budget.

Read more about the 2025 Tribal Nations Summit. 

City and State opportunities and resources

Back to Business

We’re here to help you get Back to Business! If your small business has experienced vandalism or property damage, our program can help.  This program offers grants to reimburse business owners to help cover the cost of repairing property damage from crime or purchasing security measures to prevent future damage. 📅 Applications are open through December 2025, or until funds run out. Over half of the Back to Business funding is already allocated – submit your application today!   📝 Learn more and apply today

Shop locally this Latinx Heritage Month 🛍️🎉

Celebrate the Latinx Heritage Month by supporting Latinx, Hispanic, and Latino-owned businesses in your community. 

Be intentional about supporting these small businesses when you eat, drink, and shop! Upload your receipts by Wednesday, October 15 to the Intentionalist for a chance to win prizes. 

Check out the list of local Hispanic- and Latinx-owned businesses you can support this month and year-round at the Intentionalist. 

Arts in Parks 🏞️🖼️

Arts in Parks grants are now taking applications. The Office of Arts and Culture and Seattle Parks and Recreation created the grant to support community groups, collectives, and individual artists who want to bring arts and culture to Seattle’s parks.

The grant funds new and established projects that encourage arts participation, celebrate diversity, and build community. It aims to connect with audiences from historically underserved communities that represent Seattle’s rich diversity.

Learn more and apply for a grant today.