2026 pop-up applications Are now closed.
Applicants will receive an update on their application status no later than January 30, 2026.
Overview
• Duration: Between five and six months, depending on location. This includes two weeks at the beginning and end for move-in and move-out.
• No-cost lease
•$2,500 participation support to cover the costs of opening and operating a pop-up
• General liability insurance coverage
• No-cost internet
• Marketing support
• Food Concepts: Businesses will not be able to sell food or beverages unless they are shelf-stable, grocery items. Food based businesses looking for pop-up space may submit this interest form to be notified of future opportunities.
Timeline
Selected applicants will be invited to interview with Seattle Restored staff in late January. All applicants can expect an update on their application status no later than January 30.
Pop-ups will launch as early as March 2026, with others launching between April and July 2026. We are still in the process of securing all locations for 2026 pop-ups.
locations
Seattle Restored is currently prioritizing locations in Belltown, Chinatown International District, the downtown retail core, and Pioneer Square.
Storefronts in Lake City may become available in 2026.
info session REcording
On December 15th, we hosted a virtual info session providing a brief overview of the Seattle Restored program, the application process, and participation requirements. Review the recording and slides below.
Benefits & Requirements
Benefits
• Receive financial support and a no-cost lease
• Find new audiences and customers across Seattle
• Contribute to efforts that revitalize commercial and community spaces
• Be included in a citywide media campaign, including digital, print, and radio
• Receive professional photography to document your Seattle Restored participation
• Access to small business support and events
• Connect with local business owners
eligibility
In order to participate in Seattle Restored, you must:
• Be 18 years or older.
•Be a for-profit business. This application is not open to non-profits or fiscally sponsored organizations.
• Have no more than one operating business location. This does not include pop-ups, markets, or production facilities.
• Have not received over $20,000 in funding from the Seattle Office of Economic Development between 2023-2025.
Participation Requirements
• Retail Hours: Pop-up shops must be open to the public as a retail storefront at least 32 hours per week, over five or more days. At least one of the five days must be either a Saturday or a Sunday. Hours will be verified via a GPS-based check-in system.
• Retail Focus: Pop-ups must operate with a primarily retail focus. On-site production is permitted only when retail is the main activity.
• Business Licenses: Pop-ups must have a City of Seattle Business License. A Washington State Business License/UBI is also required if your business earns more than $12,000 annually. See our Resources section for information on how to obtain these licenses.
• Public Access: By appointment only concepts are not eligible. Pop-ups must be open to the public.
• Reporting: Participants must submit monthly sales reports and complete pre- and post-program surveys.
• Financial Investment: Seattle Restored does not collect any fees to apply or participate; however, participants should be prepared to invest financially in their pop-up, as there will be additional costs related to furnishings, tenant improvements, staffing, marketing, parking, and other expenses not covered by the program.
selection criteria and review process
In partnership with Seattle Restored staff, a community advisory panel will review and score applications. The community advisory panel will consist of individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring valuable perspectives to the decision-making process.
Please note that while your proposal may be selected by our committee, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to match you with a property.
evaluation criteria
Impact: Will the proposed storefront provide a social and/or public benefit for the local community? Will it drive economic growth by sourcing products locally, creating jobs, and/or creating an active and inviting street-level storefront?
Readiness: Is the applicant prepared to move into a space and open a pop-up shop, and do they have adequate inventory and staffing? Do they have plans in place to drive foot traffic toward their storefront?
Equity: Is the business Woman and/or Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) owned, and/or does the project serve women/BIPOC communities?
Experience: Does the applicant have enough experience operating this business (or similar experience in business ownership/management) to manage a brick-and-mortar location?
interviews
High-scoring applicants will proceed to a 45-minute virtual interview with Seattle Restored staff. Questions will be provided in advance.
FAQs
What is the duration of the program?
Participants will be offered five or six-month-long pop-ups, with the length of time determined by specific locations. This will include the time it takes to move in and move out; additional time will not be provided for setup and breakdown of the pop-up.
What are my responsibilities as a Seattle Restored participant?
As a Seattle Restored participant, you are expected to follow the Participation Requirements above, including retail hours, public access, retail focus, and licensing. In addition, participants must:
• Complete a participant contract and attend a program orientation session.
• Create a profile page on the Seattle Restored website
• Attend regular check-ins with program managers.
• Submit monthly sales reports, complete pre- and post-participation surveys, and share monthly foot-traffic data as requested.
• Provide W-9 form and invoices as needed
• Sign an acknowledgment that continued non-compliance with program requirements may result in the immediate termination of your participation
• Have your name and business associated with the Seattle Restored program, Seattle Office of Economic Development, the Good Business Network of Washington, and any private funders
• Promote your participation in the program through social media, website promotion, and the display of a Seattle Restored branded A-board, window cling, and postcards at your location
• Be responsible for costs related to security, additional tenant improvement, staffing, production, marketing, parking, etc. (if applicable)
• Discuss any significant renovations, 3rd party leasing, or programming not outlined in your initial application with your program lead prior to implementation
• Secure all licenses and permits as required for desired operations, including change of use permits, construction permits, alcohol service permits, and large event permits
Can I host events in the space?
Yes! In fact, we encourage it. Hosting events is a great way to increase visibility of your pop-up and draw foot traffic into your storefront. You will be responsible for acquiring any additional permits (for example, a banquet permit to serve alcohol), security, and/or event insurance if necessary.
Can I hold workshops within the space?
Yes! Workshops are another great way to drive traffic to your storefront and increase engagement with your customer base. You should be mindful of any permitting or insurance needs and limit your workshops to activities that can be safely and cleanly managed within the restrictions of your location.
I own an events or service-based business. Can I apply?
Yes, you can apply for a Seattle Restored pop-up with an event or service-based business. Our program requires a minimum of 32 open retail hours per week, across at least five days. At least one of the five days must fall on a Saturday or Sunday. We encourage you to explain how you will manage and staff your retail hours, and how you will attract customers/clientele to your storefront.
Will it cost me anything to apply to and participate in Seattle Restored?
There is no fee to apply to Seattle Restored, and we do not collect any fees to participate. Our program provides a no-cost lease, general liability insurance, and internet, as well as a small stipend to support the operation of each pop-up. However, there may be other costs associated with opening and managing a retail pop-up, such as increased inventory and staffing, marketing materials, and furniture/display fixtures, which may exceed the provided stipend. Businesses that apply should be prepared to take on possible additional expenses during their participation.
Do pop-up bar and/or restaurant concepts qualify?
Businesses will not be able to sell food or beverages unless they are shelf-stable, grocery items.
Due to the higher start-up costs and additional permitting requirements of opening food-based businesses, Seattle Restored is primarily focused on retail businesses in 2026.
Food based businesses looking for pop-up space may submit this interest form to be notified of future opportunities.
How often will my storefront need to be open?
Seattle Restored requires a minimum of 32 open retail hours per week, and at least five days. One of the five days must fall on the weekend. Pop-ups may be staffed by employees. Location hours will be verified through a GPS check-in app.
I work a regular office job. Can my 32-hour requirement be fulfilled mostly on the weekends?
Storefronts will be required to be open at least five days per week. You can have longer operating hours on the weekends, but participants will need to meet the minimum requirement of five days.
How big will my storefront be?
Available storefronts vary in size. Previous locations have been anywhere from 500 to 5,000 square feet, but most are around 1,000 square feet on average. Our team will do our best to place participants in appropriately sized locations, but we may not always be able to place you in your ideal space. If you have smaller-sized inventory, we encourage you to think creatively about how you might arrange a space that is larger than what you need, and vice versa.
I do not need a lot of retail space. Is it possible to combine multiple participants in one space?
Yes, it is possible to combine multiple businesses into one space. This can be a great way to manage hours, staffing, and merchandising needs. Seattle Restored will not facilitate a shared location; however, any businesses interested in applying together must determine one person/business to represent them in the application and in ongoing communications with our team. Only one stipend will be provided per storefront, so it is up to the applicants to determine how funding will be shared and distributed.
What have statistics on foot traffic typically been like?
Foot traffic varies greatly by neighborhood and can change significantly from block to block. We encourage you to think strategically about how you will market your pop-up and direct traffic toward your storefront so that you are not only relying on walk-by engagement.
Resources
Application Support
Launch Industries can support you with your application through the City of Seattle ABC Program.
*All requests for application support must be submitted to the ABC program by Friday, January 2.
About
The Accounting and Business Consulting Program helps Seattle-based businesses and non-profits by offering up to 10 hours of personalized, one-on-one counseling in each of the various categories at no cost to the participant.
This program gives small businesses expert advice to improve their finances, operations, and long-term growth. These services include, but are not limited to: Accounting system setup or migration, bookkeeping, cash flow management, loan readiness, marketing plan assistance, tax preparation and compliance, and website and SEO optimization.
How To Register
1. Before registering, make sure you meet the ABC Program eligibility requirements:
• Your business or nonprofit is physically located within Seattle city limits
• You hold an active City of Seattle business license
• You have no more than two locations
• You employ 50 or fewer full-time staff
• Your business generates less than $5 million in annual gross revenue
2. Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, fill out the ABC Program registration form on the City’s website.
3. In the form, be sure to select “Launch Industries” under the Business Development support category and include “FOR IMMEDIATE SEATTLE RESTORED APPLICATION SUPPORT” in your application.
4. After submitting, you’ll be prompted to sign an NDA, and the program will then connect you directly with Launch Industries to begin working on your application.
5. Once connected, Launch Industries will provide you with a scheduling link where you can easily book a Zoom meeting for live assistance and support.
*All requests for application support must be submitted to the ABC program by Friday, January 2.
Business Licenses
Pop-ups must have a city business license. A state business license is also required if your business earns more than $12,000 annually.
City of Seattle Business License
• Applicants can apply for or renew a city business license online at filelocal-wa.gov.
• If you need technical assistance, the Seattle Finance Department can help:
• Email: tax@seattle.gov
• Phone: 206-684-8484 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM)
• In-person support is available by appointment at Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave, Lobby, Window 5, typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Schedule an appointment online at seattlelta.timetap.com.
Washington State Business License/Unified Business Identifier (UBI)
• If your business earns more than $12,000 annually, you must acquire a state license and submit your UBI on your Seattle Restored application.
• Applicants can search or apply for a state license online at wa.gov/businesses.
Download Application Questions
Applicants can preview the full application by downloading the PDF or Word document below.
Please note: All applications must be submitted through Submittable. Documents downloaded here are for reference only.
Translation and Accessibility
Seattle Restored encourages everyone to participate in its programs and activities.
If you require disability accommodations, materials in alternate formats, or accessibility information, please contact us at info@seattlerestored.org.
Additional Questions?
Contact us at info@seattlerestored.org.