Apply

Seattle Restored pop-up shop applications are open now! Test your pop-up concept in a furnished storefront location in Downtown Seattle.

Application Deadline: Sunday, January 5th, 8pm pt

Applications for art installations, residencies, and long-term leases are currently closed.

Overview

• Pop-Up Duration: Two (2) months (Participants will have two weeks before and two weeks after for setup and breakdown)
• No-cost lease
• $2,000 participation stipend
• $500 to support tenant improvement venue set-up
• General liability insurance coverage
• Entrepreneurial technical support education
• Marketing support
• Businesses will not be able to sell food or beverages unless they are shelf-stable, grocery-style items

Application Timeline

December 2 – Applications Open
December 9 – Application Info Session – Register
January 5 – Applications Close
January 6 – 17 – Selection Panel Review Period
January 20 – 23 – Applicant Interviews
January 24 – Final Selections and Notifications
March 3 – 10 – Move In Window for Selected Application

locations

We currently have several pop-up properties in Downtown and Pioneer Square.

You may list your preferences in the application but participants final selection location will be determined by Seattle Restored.

If selected, participants will have the opportunity to accept placement at the location we offer or an applicant may choose to not participate in the program. Acceptance will not be deferred to future application cycles.

It is unlikely we will secure spaces beyond Downtown or Pioneer Square in the near future so if you are not interested in being placed in these neighborhoods please consider waiting for a future application cycle. Applications are tentatively scheduled to open again in the Spring of 2025.

There will be no opportunity for extensions or pursuing the space independently after participation; this is a short-term program. If interested in securing a long-term lease after participation Seattle Restored is happy to offer introductions to commercial brokers and property owners.

Benefits & Requirements

Pop-Up Participation Benefits

• Receive financial support and a no-cost lease
• Find new audiences and customers across Seattle 
• Be included in a citywide media campaign, including digital, print, and radio
• Contribute to efforts that revitalize commercial and community spaces
• Receive professional photography to document your Seattle Restored participation
• Access to entrepreneur business support and events
• Connect with local artists and entrepreneurs

Pop-up Shop Requirements

• Pop-up shops must be open to the public as a retail storefront 24 hours per week/ minimum of 4 days per week
• Pop-up shops may not be open by appointment only
• Production may be completed onsite if your primarily activity is retail
• City of Seattle Business License: Applicants can apply for a city business license and renew online at filelocal-wa.gov.
• Washington State Business License/Unified Business Identifier (UBI): If you earn more than $12,000 annually you must acquire and submit a Washington State Business License/UBI on your Seattle Restored application. Applicants can search or apply for this license online at wa.gov/businesses.

Participant eligibility

• Be a for-profit business. This application is not open to non-profits or fiscally sponsored organizations
• Be 18 years or older
• 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 2022-2024
• If you have previously applied for the Seattle Restored program, you will need to complete a new application in order to be considered for the 2025 phase of the program.

participation commitment

• Complete a Seattle Restored participant contract
• Attend a program orientation session
• Create a participant profile page on the Seattle Restored website
• Complete pre- and post-participation surveys
• Attend regular check-ins with Seattle Restored program managers
• Complete monthly sales reports
• 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 activation

participation acknowledgments

As a Seattle Restored participant, you will:
• Have your name and business associated with the Seattle Restored program, Seattle Office of Economic Development, Seattle Good Business Network, Shunpike, 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.
• 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 including change of use permits, construction permits, alcohol service permits, and large event permits 
• Share monthly foot-traffic data as requested

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

Compelling: Is the proposal thorough and thoughtful? Does the applicant clearly communicate the project and provide proof of business experience?

Impact: Will the proposal provide a social and/or public benefit for the local community? 

Readiness: What is the proposal’s status and viability?

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 proposal demonstrate that the business owner has the necessary experience to implement their proposed project?

interviews

High-scoring applicants will proceed to a 45-minute virtual interview with Seattle Restored. Questions will be sent in advance of interviews.

Resources

Additional Questions?

Contact us a info@seattlerestored.org.