The City of Burien is launching a new grant program to mitigate financial hardship and support the economic recovery of small businesses that have experienced property damage to their storefronts.
Through the Storefront Repair Grant Program, small businesses can apply for grant funding up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of repairing broken storefront windows or door glass that occurred on or after March 31, 2021.
“We have heard from our small business community that these property damage events are creating financial hardships for their businesses. This program is one tool we can offer to help mitigate the economic impacts of these storefront damage events on our vibrant small businesses and support their continued economic recovery from the impacts of the pandemic", said Adolfo Bailon, Burien City Manager.
The City received $10.8 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Federal Relief Funds (SLFRF) to provide direct relief to individuals and businesses in recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. On September 12, 2022, the Burien City Council approved an implementation plan for use of ARPA funding to include the creation of the Storefront Repair Grant Program.
The City has partnered with Ventures Nonprofit to administer the grant program. The application portal opened on December 19, 2022. Applications will be received from small businesses on a continued basis until all funding has been spent. Grant disbursements will begin in January 2023.
Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility and documentation requirements before applying. More details can be found at burienwa.gov/RepairGrants.
Downloadable Fact Sheets: