Education and Resources to support small business owners secure a commercial lease in Seattle
Workshops
Video by GrowingBoyMedia.
Securing a Commercial Lease in Seattle: Featuring a panel of local business owners (2024)
In September 2024, Seattle Restored hosted three local business owners who shared their experiences securing commercial leases in Seattle.
Commercial Lease Workshop Slide Deck (2024)
Michelle Linden and George Maroussis of Atelier Drome offer in this insightful slide deck from their recent in-person workshop. The slide deck guides you through assessing a space’s feasibility to accommodate your vision.
Finding & Securing Your Commercial Lease (2023)
Commercial Matchmaking
Seattle Restored is building a commercial matchmaking program that leverages our relationships with property owners, managers, and small businesses. We understand that the commercial real estate market can be difficult to navigate. Our team is hoping to close some of these gaps and make connections between landlords and businesses in order to make storefronts more accessible and reactivate vacant space.
If you are a business seeking commercial space in the city of Seattle, you can submit a general interest form through the link below. Please note that there is no funding provided with this program. Anyone interested in matchmaking should be prepared to provide documentation including a business plan, funding sources, and profit & loss statements as required by landlords.
TEMPLATES
The materials below may be helpful for business owners in securing a commercial lease. While they may not always be required, they will significantly improve your likelihood of securing a lease. We would suggest working on these materials in advance of approaching commercial brokers or property owners. They can be revised as you grow your business.
If you need support in developing these materials, Seattle’s Office of Economic Development offers businesses limited no-cost support through its Accounting and Business Consulting (ABC program).
Space & Permit Consultants
The Seattle Office of Economic Development has several programs to support business owners as they secure a commercial lease. Programs offer businesses no-cost limited support.
Commercial Space Program
The Seattle Office of Economic Development’s Commercial Space program offers eligible businesses 10 FREE consultation hours for advocacy with landlords and/or general contractors, development budget preparation, kitchen operations, and locating a commercial space for your business.
Commercial Space Permit Coaching
The Seattle Office of Economic Development and the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection (SDCI) are partnering to offer eligible small businesses commercial space permit coaching and expedited services. Services provided to eligible small businesses include research and early permit coaching and expedited permitting services.
Referrals
Real Estate Agents & Commercial Brokers
Represents you as a business owner and assists with negotiating and preparing the lease. Typically, costs are paid for by the landlord upon closing of the transaction.
Rooted Northwest
West Coast Commercial Realty
Engel & Völkers Seattle Downtown
Architects & Designers
Your advocate to listen and translate your dream into a design that can be permitted and built. Coordinates other consultants and obtains permit approval.
Builders & General Contractors
Utilizes the architect’s drawings to build your space. Responsible for coordinating many different sub-contractors (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, low-voltage, sprinklers, framing, drywall, etc.).
Real Estate Attorneys
Helps business owners review a lease to ensure it is fair and comprehensive.
Communities Rise Legal Clinic and Direct Representation
Rational Unicorn Legal Services
Additional Questions?
Contact us at info@seattlerestored.org.