Who Should Apply? 

This program is aimed at entrepreneurs with an existing small business looking to grow their sales while enhancing their knowledge of how to operate a business. The ideal candidate should be looking to explore a brick-and-mortar concept at an affordable rate, create connections with other small business owners, build their brand, and learn more about how to run a business with efficiency, flexibility, and thoroughness.  

Business owners of all races, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds are encouraged to apply to Smål Market.

Eligible Businesses

Smål Market is most appropriate for retail-focused businesses who do not need large or water-intensive commercial equipment to operate.

Examples of eligible businesses include, but are not limited to:

• Home decor, plants, clothing, soaps/personal care products, candles, shelf-stable groceries, wine, books, ceramics, gifts, art, shoes, cosmetics, accessories, etc.

We welcome businesses that sell groceries or pre-packaged grab-and-go food items prepared offsite. Refrigerators, food display cases and warmers will be allowed on-site.

You do not need to sell Scandinavian goods to participate!

Ineligible Businesses:

Due to the nature of our commercial space, we are unable to offer tenancy to the following businesses:

• Restaurants or other businesses that must utilize a commercial kitchen.

• Appointment-based services including hair salons, nail salons, tech-repair services, etc.

• Professional, legal, financial or other services best-suited for an office setting.

Criteria to Apply 

• Please ensure your business meets the following criteria before submitting yours  application:  

• Must be a for-profit business with fewer than 10 full-time employees  

• Must be open to the public without appointment  

• Must have an active City of Seattle Business License  

• Must have (or be able to acquire) a general liability insurance policy of at least $1,000,000.  

• Must be present (or have an employee present) at the business for a minimum of 30 hours per week 

• Must be willing to operate in a small footprint shared space with limited storage access 

• Must be willing to open in March of 2025 

Must participate in cohort meetings and educational programming 

Before you complete your application, please review the following:

• Read our FAQ

• View Application Questions

  The application form will not auto-save your answers. We recommend completing the application questions in a word document to ensure they do not get deleted.

• Prepare Your Business Plan and Budget

  The application will prompt you to attach a business plan, including a 1-page budget. Please ensure your budget includes the following:

  • Operational costs for typical expenses such as: rent, staff, benefits, utilities, inventory, manufacturing, etc.  

  • Revenue sources (broken down by category): Online sales, in-person sales, custom items, in-store pop-ups, farmers markets, etc. 

  • Sources of outside income (eg. Investor funding) 

• Prepare Additional Documents, including:

  • Photos of your products

  • Photos/drawings of your logo

  • A Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement, (if available)

  • A recent tax return (if available)

You may use the following resources as you prepare your business plan and budget:

• Write your business plan (SBA)

• Manage your finances (SBA)

• Startup Costs Template (SBA)

• Balance Sheet Template (SCORE)

Cohort 1 applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning February 20th, 2025.

The process to select a specific commercial space within Smål Market will take place after applicants are accepted to the program.