Seattle Tenant Improvement Program
City of Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED)
Up to $50,000
Seattle forgivable grants for signs and equipment
Forgivable loan program that functions as a grant for independently owned Seattle small businesses making signage or equipment upgrades. Sign package awards up to $15,000 cover replacement exterior signage; equipment package awards up to $50,000 cover commercial equipment from suppliers. The loan converts to a fully forgiven grant after the business remains operational for one year post-completion and meets community benefit requirements. Annual application cycle; 2026 window was March–April 13.
- Funding type
- Forgivable Loan
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount range
- $50,000
- Realistic amount
- Sign package recipients typically receive the full award for signage replacement. Equipment package recipients typically…
- Deadline
- Annual cycle — 2026 window: March 2 – April 13, 2026 (closed). Next cycle typically opens spring 2027.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- WA
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- For-profit, independently owned business (franchises, chains, and businesses affiliated with national brands are not eligible)
- Operating for at least 2 years
- Business owner has at least 3 years of experience in the business or industry
- Active Seattle Business License with filed Washington State B&O taxes
- Fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees
- Annual gross revenue below $2 million
- Located within Seattle city limits
- Operates no more than 2 locations (apply for only one per business per cycle)
- Project demonstrates a meaningful community benefit (e.g., serves underrepresented communities, anchors a commercial corridor)
- Employees must be paid a fair and standard wage
Hard requirements
- Max 50 employees
- Maximum $2,000,000 annual revenue
- Location restriction: City of Seattle — active Seattle Business License required
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Sign Package: exterior commercial signage materials (signs, lettering, vinyl graphics — materials only; installation labor is ineligible)
- Equipment Package: commercial-grade equipment purchased from commercial suppliers (kitchen equipment, refrigeration, specialized machinery — from commercial suppliers only, not consumer retail stores)
- Equipment Package does not cover installation — only the equipment purchase itself
Ineligible expenses
- Signage or equipment installation labor costs
- Equipment purchased from consumer retail stores (must be commercial suppliers)
- Interior improvements beyond equipment (renovation, construction, flooring, etc.)
- Franchise or chain business locations
- Inventory, supplies, or consumables
- Businesses with more than 2 locations or 50+ employees
- Nonprofits (including 501(c)(3), (c)(6), or (c)(19) organizations)
How to apply
-
1
Monitor the City's announcement for the next cycle opening
The 2026 cycle is closed (April 13, 2026 deadline passed). The 2027 cycle is expected to open in early spring 2027. Subscribe to the OED newsletter at seattle.gov/economic-development for advance notice.
-
2
Determine your package type (sign or equipment) and get quotes
Sign Package: for replacing exterior commercial signage (materials only — installation labor is excluded and must be paid by the business). Equipment Package: for purchasing commercial equipment from a commercial supplier (installation excluded). Obtain quotes from vendors before applying; award amounts are capped at actual costs up to the package maximum.
-
3
Submit application via the online portal during the open window
Complete the online application when the portal opens. Provide business license, B&O tax filings, revenue documentation, a description of community benefit, and vendor quotes. Applications not submitted before the window closes are not accepted.
-
4
Receive award notification and sign contract
Selected applicants are notified approximately 8 weeks after the application deadline (June 2026 for the current cycle). You must sign the award contract within 2 months of notification.
-
5
Purchase and install; request reimbursement; complete 1-year performance period
Purchase approved items and submit paid receipts for reimbursement draw requests. All spending must be complete within 6 months of contract signing. The loan converts to a grant after 1 year of continued operation and satisfaction of community benefit requirements.
Installation labor is explicitly excluded from both packages — budget for it separately. The loan-to-grant conversion requires 1 full year of continued operation after the last draw; if you close before then, the loan becomes due.
Deadline & timing
The program runs an annual application cycle. The 2026 window opened March 2 and closed April 13. Selected applicants are notified in June and must contract within 2 months of award and fully expend funds within 6 months of signing. Plan projects 12+ months ahead to align with the annual cycle.
Programs that stack well
Related programs
Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.