Seattle Storefront Security Fund
The City of Seattle’s Back to Business Program provides financial assistance to eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations for storefront repairs and security improvements.
Through the Storefront Security Fund, eligible businesses may receive reimbursement for qualifying security improvements designed to help prevent vandalism and property damage.
If you own or operate a qualifying storefront in Seattle and are considering security screens or doors, explore the information below to learn more about the program and application process.
What is the Back to Business Program?
The City of Seattle’s Back to Business Program helps eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations recover from property damage and invest in improvements intended to better protect their storefronts.
The program includes both the Storefront Repair Fund, which assists with eligible repairs following property damage, and the Storefront Security Fund, which helps reimburse eligible preventative security improvements.
What is the Storefront Security Fund?
The Storefront Security Fund provides eligible businesses with a one-time reimbursement toward qualifying security improvements intended to help prevent vandalism and property damage.
Because the program operates on a reimbursement basis, businesses generally pay for eligible improvements first and then apply for reimbursement with the required documentation.
Certain requirements must be completed before purchasing security improvements, so we recommend reviewing the City of Seattle’s current program requirements before beginning your project.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is determined by the City of Seattle and includes requirements related to factors such as business location, licensing, operating history, size, revenue, and type of organization.
Eligible applicants generally include qualifying independently owned businesses and certain nonprofit organizations operating from physical locations within Seattle city limits.
Because eligibility requirements may change, we recommend reviewing the City’s current requirements directly before making purchasing decisions based on anticipated reimbursement.
How does the application process work?
Businesses seeking reimbursement through the Storefront Security Fund must follow the City of Seattle’s required process.
Importantly, applicants must complete a qualifying Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) security assessment before purchasing security improvements they intend to submit for reimbursement.
The City provides an application guide outlining the process, documentation requirements, and information applicants should prepare.
Ready to apply?
Applications for the Back to Business Program are submitted directly to the City of Seattle.