It’s been a rough couple of years for Seattle businesses! Crime is on the rise, and suggestions of defunding the police haven’t exactly been helpful. Fortunately, now Seattle has put its money where its proverbial mouth is to help small businesses.
Here are Five Fast Facts about Seattle’s storefront repair initiative:
- 💔 The Problem - In recent years, small businesses in Seattle have seen less foot traffic and more vandalism to their storefronts. At the same time, sharp increases in insurance costs have deterred many from filing claims to make repairs. That’s a nasty combo for the good guys.
- ⏳ The Ask - Business owners and civic leaders have urged immediate action by the city to help struggling businesses. Untimely help is no help at all, so the time is now!
- 💰 The Solution - In response, Seattle city leaders recently announced the allocation of $2 million in fed dollars for a new Storefront Repair Fund to help small businesses struggling to recover from vandalism and property damage. Bucks to the rescue!
- 🛠️The Parameters - Small businesses can apply for grants up to $2k for repairs of current damage or for reimbursement of past damages (that happened after Jan 1, 2021). Past and present? Move over, insurance.
- 🧾✖️2️⃣ The Documentation - Businesses can apply twice if they’ve had multiple incidents of damage. They have to provide documentation -- like a police report and repairs receipts -- as proof of the damage. And let’s hope the businesses with multiple incidents don’t just pack up and move!
🔥Bottom line: While this isn’t specifically Paycheck related, it does ease the financial impact of vandalism and crime on our small businesses. No matter how you slice it, that’s a GREAT thing, and benefits everyone!
What do you think about this initiative?
Vandalism is squarely the responsibility of local and state elected reps! Feel like exerting some influence on those folks? Here’s three small things you can do that make a BIG impact:
