Seattle.gov (Seattle)

The Capital Access Program is a dedicated initiative designed to empower small businesses, particularly those historically marginalized and facing financial constraints. By providing equitable access to affordable capital, CAP aims to create a more level playing field for these businesses. The program is guided by three primary objectives: CAP pays down 20% of the principal […]

SEATTLE – Today, Rita Meher and Tasveer Film Festival and Market were awarded the 2025 Mayor’s Film Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film. During the opening night gala for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), Rita Meher and Tasveer Film Festival and Market were recognized for their contributions to the film industry, promoting Seattle as […]

We’re excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Tenant Improvement Program are open! This year’s program will invest $800,000 in sign and equipment funding. Businesses can apply for up to $15,000 to purchase a sign, or up to $50,000 to purchase equipment that is essential to their business purpose. The deadline to apply is […]

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 […]

Written by Eric Moss, Communications Director Seattle’s sleeping giants of industries are the backbone to almost all other industry and economic activity in the region, yet we don’t regularly hear about their health and status. That’s because when the maritime, manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing industries are working well, you never know the size and scale […]

Written by Celwyn Green, Commercial Space Consultant Manager We’re refreshing and expanding the consultant roster for immediate use and for future needs of the Commercial Space Consultant Program and Tenant Improvement Program through the Request for Qualifications process. Updating this roster will make our services more effective and give our participants a broader range of […]

It’s our mission to attract, grow, and keep film production in Seattle. In partnership with Seattle Center, we activated the M5 Creative building (401 Mercer Street) for temporary use for film production and office space, conferences, workshops, controlled events, and filming. This provides a central, accessible, film-centered space for filmmakers to convene and work. Affordable […]

We’re excited to share the list of new awardees of the Tenant Improvement Program in 2024. Through the program, the 38 participants receive different support and funding based on business need and readiness. These small businesses are located throughout the city, include legacy businesses, and offer different services to the communities they serve. Discover these […]

A letter from our director In 2024, our office focused on innovation and growth: we took chances on bold ideas and prioritized meaningful impact to lay a strong foundation for the future. The Future of Seattle Economy framework, adopted as City policy by the Mayor and Council, continues to guide our work to build an […]

Last April, the Seattle Office of Economic Development launched the M5 Creative space at the former Cascade Public Media building on the Seattle Center campus, as one-year initiative offering affordable space for creative uses. Businesses in the creative economy were offered highly discounted leases on office and production spaces.    Since opening the doors of the […]