Below are resources, support, and education to help business owners secure a commercial lease in Seattle.
Commercial Leasing Education
Are you a business owner that would like to locate a commercial property for a retail storefront or production space? This video workshop will offer you a 101 session on commercial leasing.
This session is hosted by Susanna Tran broker at West Coast Commercial Realty. Susanna came to commercial real estate from a dynamic background as a small business owner and operator in the beauty, restaurant and fashion industry, including owning a high-end optical retail boutique, holding strategic positions in the family restaurant business and owning several spas. She primarily focuses on tenant representation, leveraging her experience as a former retailer and business owner to help her clients achieve their location and expansion goals. Additionally, she holds several key positions in community development, such as Mercy Housing Northwest and South East Effective Development (SEED) where she is Vice Chair. She also serves on the Celebrate Asia Committee with the Seattle Symphony.
Michelle Linden and George Maroussis of Atelier Drome offer in this insightful slidedeck from their recent in-person workshop. The slide deck guides you through assessing a space’s feasibility to accommodate your vision.
Atelier Drome is a woman-owned, architecture, interior design and branding firm focused on residential, commercial, hospitality, and multi-family spaces. From their studio’s inception in 2012, they have cultivated a highly collaborative, unpretentious yet rigorous design approach driven by the conviction that good design truly has a positive impact and should be accessible to everyone. The highly curious and dedicated team values each client’s unique vision, desires, and needs, working to create designs that are not only meaningful but also enduring.
Commercial Matchmaking
Seattle Restored is building a commercial matchmaking program that leverages our relationships with property owners and managers, as well as our network of hardworking, dedicated small businesses. We understand that the commercial real estate market can be difficult to navigate and it can be hard to get to even get to the negotiation stage without being a major local or national brand. Our team is hoping to close some of those 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 any documentation such as business plan, funding sources, and profit & loss statements as required by landlords.
Commercial 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 for the following services:
Commercial Space Program
- Advocacy with landlords and/or general contractors
- Development budget preparation
- Kitchen Operations
- Locating a Commercial Space for your business
Eligibility and Application HERE
Commercial Space Permit Coaching and Expedited Services Program
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Research and early permit coaching
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Research property for most current permit information
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Develop a permit strategy for most streamline permitting options
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Support in minimizing costly requirements that could add to construction costs or complexity of permit type
Eligibility and Application HERE
TEMPLATES AND EXAMPLES
The below materials 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).
Commercial Leasing Referrals
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.
West Coast Commercial Realty
206-283-5212
Rooted Northwest
206-963-7171
Your advocate to listen and translate your dream into a design that can be permitted and built. Coordinates other consultants and obtains permit approval.
Atelier Drome
206.395.4392
La Union Studio
206.745.2436
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.)
Helps business owners review a lease to ensure it is fair and comprehensive.
Additional Questions?
Contact us at moc.liamg@derotserelttaes.
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