By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The King County Department of Local Services Storefront Repair Program is providing an opportunity for small businesses in unincorporated King County to receive funding to repair damage caused by vandalism or break-ins that they’ve experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.
The program, which aims to tackle vandalism and improve security in business districts of the unincorporated areas, serves small businesses (10 employees or less) by providing a one-time grant up to $5,000 to repair and restore storefronts of commercial buildings occupied by operating businesses. Those eligible to apply are retail, grocery, food service, and personal, professional, or medical services.
“Improving the security and appearance of business districts is critical,”Michael Morales, DLS Economic Recovery Specialist. “It is critical to sustained economic recovery and positive customer experience.”
The funding, which comes from unused local Covid-19 small business assistance program funds, can only be utilized for repairs, and recipients can be reimbursed for repairs already completed. The list of damage examples includes broken windows or etching on windows, broken doors, broken locks, broken signs, broken fences, and broken gates. However, some security enhancements, like cameras, may be installed in alleys or sides of buildings with grant funds.
“The funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis,” says Morales. “For aged damages, an application can be submitted with estimates or invoices to have a place in line, but work will need to be completed before funds are disbursed.”
While the County recognizes that damages may exceed $5,000 for some businesses, the grant amounts will be capped at $5,000 to make sure the County can help as many businesses as possible with the limited resources they have. In cases of substantial damage that requires an insurance claim, grant funds may be used to reimburse deductibles.
In some instances, police reports are required for graffiti damage but are optional for other damage. Businesses can file a report to the King County Sheriff’s Office. Applicants have the option to provide a police report incident number in the application process as one of the required documents.
According to Morales, the timeline between the acts of vandalism eligible for the award are March 1, 2020, to the present. Theend date is December 31, 2023, or until funds are used up.
For program guidelines and applications, see the Storefront Repair Grant Program page online. For questions or application assistance, email localbusinessgrants@kingcounty.gov
Applications are currently being accepted through Dec. 31, 2023, and are subject to funding availability. The application process is a simple online application that requires applicants to submit basic business information, a description of the damage, upload images of the damage, along with any corresponding receipts and invoices.
