Storefront Repair Fund

The Storefront Repair Fund is administered by the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development as part of its broader Back to Business program, which aims to support small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by vandalism and property damage. The program reflects the City’s commitment to maintaining vibrant commercial corridors and reducing the financial burden on independently owned businesses operating within Seattle city limits. By offering reimbursement-based funding, the program helps ensure that businesses can recover quickly from unexpected incidents while maintaining continuity of operations. The primary purpose of the Storefront Repair Fund is to reimburse eligible businesses for the cost of repairing storefront property damage caused by vandalism or similar incidents. The program covers repairs completed on or after July 1, 2024, and allows businesses to receive reimbursement for up to three separate incidents per calendar year. Each incident is treated as an individual grant, with a maximum reimbursement amount of $5,000 per incident. Eligible repair categories include doors, locks, fences, gates, signs, and broken or etched windows, though the list is not exhaustive. The program explicitly excludes reimbursement for stolen goods and graffiti removal. Funding is provided strictly on a reimbursement basis, meaning applicants must have already completed repairs and paid for them prior to applying. Applicants are required to submit documentation such as paid invoices or receipts that match the reimbursement amount requested. Estimates or quotes are not accepted. Additionally, each incident must be supported by a Seattle Police Department incident report number, which may be obtained through retroactive reporting if necessary. This requirement ensures that all claims are tied to verified incidents of damage. Eligibility is limited to businesses that meet several criteria. Applicants must hold a valid City of Seattle business license, operate within city limits, and be in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Businesses must be independently owned, though franchises may qualify if independently operated. Both for-profit businesses and certain nonprofit organizations, including those with 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19) status, are eligible. Additional requirements include having no more than five locations, employing no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees, and generating annual net revenue between $1,000 and $7 million. Businesses must also operate from a physical location or a mobile unit serving the public. The application process is conducted online and must be completed in a single session, as the system does not allow saving progress. Applicants may apply for multiple incidents within a single submission, provided each incident occurred on a different date. Required materials include proof of payment, incident documentation, and responses to application questions detailing the nature of the damage and its impact on the business. Applications are reviewed in stages, and applicants receive status updates via email throughout the review process. Applications for the Storefront Repair Fund are currently open and will remain available through December 2026 or until allocated funds are exhausted. The program operates on a rolling basis within this timeframe, and applicants are encouraged to apply promptly following eligible incidents. There is no formal pre-application requirement, and awards are issued following review and verification of submitted documentation. The City provides support services including translation, accessibility accommodations, and direct assistance via phone or email to ensure equitable access to the program.

Ensure all receipts and invoices match the reimbursement amount exactly and include a valid police incident report to avoid delays or rejection