GSBA is proud to offer the GSBA Storefront Security Program, a grant initiative designed to support brick-and-mortar businesses on Capitol Hill in making safety-focused and community-forward improvements to their spaces.

This grant program supports projects aligned with CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles — including upgrades like lighting, visibility enhancements, entryway improvements, and other environmental changes that help create safer, more welcoming spaces.

Award Amounts

Between $5,000 and $10,000.

These awards will be for proposed improvements made by the business AFTER having a CPTED security assessment.

Private security personnel and security cameras are ineligible for funding. 

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, first-come-first-served until all funds are awarded, between now and December 1st or until funds run out. 

REQUIREMENTS

Please note: This program is only open to applicants who have a physical location on Capitol Hill and have completed a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) security assessment with a certified expert, such as a Crime Prevention Coordinator from the Seattle Police Department or Jen Carl from GSBA.

If you have not yet attended a training, please reach out to jenc@thegsba.org to schedule your training session. 

Only security measures purchased after the CPTED security assessment is complete are eligible for reimbursement.

To qualify for the GSBA Storefront Security Fund, eligible businesses must:

• Receive a CPTED security assessment.
• Demonstrate plans to purchase an eligible CPTED informed security investment after a CPTED security assessment.
• Have an active City of Seattle Business License.
• Be in compliance with all federal, state, and city laws and regulations.
• Be located in [capitol hill]
• Be an independently owned, non-franchise, and non-chain business.
• Be a for-profit business or a nonprofit entity, 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19).
• Have no more than three (3) locations.
• Currently open and active for business.

Additional criteria:

• Each business location, owner, or identifier (like EIN, SSN, UBI number, Business License number, home, and/or business address) can only submit one application.
• Business must be in operation for at least 12 months prior to date of application submission.
• Business must operate from a physical location and/or mobile truck that serves the public.
• If awarded, businesses must complete a W-9.

Criteria by business size:

• Business must have no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees.
• Business must make more than $1,000 and not exceed $7 million in annual net revenue as reported in Business and Occupation taxes to the City of Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services in 2024.

What's Covered:

This grant will only cover investments informed by a formal Crime Prevention through Environmental Design assessment. If you have any questions about eligible expenses, contact Jen. Some examples of eligible expenses include:          

• Temporary window or door board up
• Window repair or replacement
• Door repair or replacement
• Gate repair or replacement
• Exterior light repair or replacement
• Doors
• Locks
• Signs
• Security window film
• Shatterproof glass
• Permitted street planters. See street furniture guidelines. 
• or other expenses suggested by the Crime Prevention Coordinator during your CPTED Assessment

Private security personnel and security cameras are ineligible for funding.

Funding provided by the Seattle Office of Economic Development

Capitol Hill has the highest concentration of small businesses in Washington State. It is home to hundreds of small and micro-businesses and considered one of Seattle’s most economically and culturally important business districts, as well the city’s historic epicenter for the LGBTQ+ business and residential community.

Despite its vibrancy, the Capitol Hill neighborhood is an expensive place to do business. Commercial rent and build out costs, even in a spot with less foot traffic, can be debilitating, especially for a small and/or new business. The recent expiration of the credit for tips and benefits, resulting in a steep and sudden wage increase, is also putting financial strain on businesses, especially those with fewer than 500 employees.

Amongst a wave of small business closures, crime and safety have risen to the surface as a top concern for remaining businesses in the neighborhood. GSBA is excited to partner with OED to assist small businesses in Capitol Hill by investing directly in their sustainability, safety, and financial security through the Neighborhood Investments Fund.

Complete the application below to be considered for funding. If you have questions about eligibility or the process, contact GSBA Grant Manager, Devonshire Lokke at devonshirel@thegsba.org.