Financial Support

Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Seattle with new businesses starting-up every day. As businesses start-up or decide to expand, their owners face new sets of challenges, including navigating the permitting process, securing financing, deciding how and where to expand, and addressing issues related to attracting and retaining quality employees. OED is here to help current and potential business owners access local resources and help them get their businesses off the ground.

Loan and Grant Programs

Community Development Loan Program

The Office of Economic Development's Community Development Loan Program provides low-rate loans to large projects that meet federal eligibility criteria and the program's national objectives under federal block grant guidelines. Funding may be available for construction bridge financing, low-income housing development projects and site acquisition through Section 108 Loans and Float Loans.

• For more information on float loans, contact Ken Takahashi at 206-684-8378 or email ken.takahashi@seattle.gov

Rainier Valley Community Development Fund

The Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) is a self-sustaining, community controlled financial institution that preserves and strengthens cultural diversity, long-term livability, and economic opportunity for Rainier Valley residents, businesses and institutions. The Office of Economic Development, in partnership with Sound Transit and the Rainier Valley community, helped to establish the RVCDF and provides ongoing support of its activities.

Community Capital Development

Community Capital Development (CCD) provides technical and financial assistance, business development and expansion services, and policy advice to women, minority and low-income entrepreneurs that might otherwise have difficulty obtaining conventional bank financing. CCD provides small business loans through the Seattle Economic Development Fund (SEDF).

• Find out more about CCD loans

U.S. Small Business Administration

Washington's district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers small business financing assistance, including loans, equity financing, and surety bond.

• Apply for a SBA loan

Washington CASH

Washington CASH provides training and lending services for low-income women, people with disabilities, immigrants and other low-income individuals to help them start or expand their own business.

• Learn more about Washington CASH financing programs

ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia

ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia offers small business loans and technical assistance to low-income entrepreneurs and businesses that create family wage jobs in low-income communities.

• Apply for a ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia loan

Alliance of Angels

The Alliance of Angels is a regionally-focused group of individual investors and representatives of investment corporations that acts as a "matchmaker" for young technology companies and interested investors.

• Submit your business plan to Alliance of Angels

Tax Incentives

The City of Seattle prioritizes long term economic development planning that promotes job growth, attracts new businesses, and helps existing businesses expand and grow profitably. To support the efforts of OED, Washington State offers a number of flexible business incentive programs. These programs include a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, renewable energy, high technology, and more.

• Visit the Washington State Department of Revenue Incentive Programs website for more information

For additional funding assistance, contact:
Brian Surratt, Business Development Team Manager
brian.surratt@seattle.gov
206-684-8591