Applications closing, neighborhood stories, and small business resources

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📣 There’s still time to apply for sign and equipment funding! 📣

Tanya Nguyễn, owner of Chu Minh Tofu, holding a sandwich

Applications for the Tenant Improvement Program are due this Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. We have two packages to help cover the cost of replacing essential items: the sign package award of up to $15,000 and the equipment package award of up to $50,000.

Are you or someone you know interested in applying, but unsure what types of projects qualify? Read the following blog posts featuring previous awardees to get inspired:

🥖 Chu Minh Tofu uses Tenant Improvement Program to share love and tofu with the community

❤️‍🔥 Seattle Tattoo Emporium uses Tenant Improvement Program to preserve history, create a safe, welcoming space

🥊 Building community inside and outside of the ring, Arcaro Boxing uses TI Program to expand services

Funding to upgrade your small business equipment available

 

Apply now

Seattle neighborhood highlights

People taking the light rail across lake

🚉 Thousands turned out to celebrate the light rail reaching across Lake Washington, connecting Downtown Seattle to the Eastside!

Connected by rail

Graphic of Japanese Cultural Festival

🌸 Honoring the renewal of life, the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival is happening April 10 – 12 at the Armory.

Seattle Center Festál

Staff at Capitale Pizzeria

🍝 Celebrate our diverse culinary community and explore restaurants all over the city at Seattle Restaurant Week returning April 19 – May 2.

Restaurant Week

People smiling at Best Day Ever

😍 The Best Day Ever series kicked off in South Park, bringing people together to celebrate vibrancy, shop locally, and spark neighborhood pride. New dates and neighborhoods are coming soon!

Best Day Ever

Quynh’s Pharmacy continues serving Little Sài Gòn

Mary Bui, owner of Quynh’s Pharmacy, stands in front of the repaired glass door

Quynh’s Pharmacy and its owner, Mary Bui, are treasures in Little Sài Gòn. When vandals broke the glass entry door and both security gates at the pharmacy, Mary faced a steep bill and monthly payments to repair the damage. Mary applied for our office’s Back to Business program, which reimburses business owners to cover the cost of repairs.

“We are very small, our profit is not big. We appreciate the programs that help small businesses survive here. It’s very important that we have a Vietnamese pharmacy here,” said Mary.

💻 Read more about Quynh’s Pharmacy’s story.

City and State opportunities and resources

⚽️ Opportunities for food and beverage vendors during fan celebrations ⚽️

There will be multiple viewing parties and fan experiences across Seattle during the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, including at Seattle Center, Pacific Place, Waterfront Park, Victory Hall in SODO, and more. If you’re a food vendor, you can submit a general interest form or an application for the Waterfront activation on Pier 58.

📅 The Pier 58 activation application is specifically for food vendors interested in participating on June 19, June 24, and July 6.

💻 Forms and info at Seattle Fan Celebration Food Vendors.


🎉 Hosting an event during 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup? You may need a permit (or two)

Our Special Events Office is your first stop to plan an event during the Men’s World Cup and will help you navigate the process. Depending on the size, location, and what you’re planning, you might need permission from the City of Seattle, FIFA, or both.

📅 Permit timelines vary depending on location and event activities.

💻 Visit our permitting during the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup page for details.


Small business resources at OED

Growing small business badge with Seattle skyline in background