COVID-19 Support & Resources for Businesses

July 1, 2021: 

On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, Washington state reopened under the Washington Ready plan. All industry sectors previously covered by the Roadmap to Recovery or the Safe Start plan (with the limited exceptions noted below) may return to usual capacity and operations. Per Public Health - Seattle & King County, this means that most businesses and organizations may choose to operate as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic with no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements. Any organization or business may also choose to maintain capacity limits or physical distancing to protect those who are not fully protected by vaccines.

King County’s mask directive has ended. This means that WA State mask guidance is now in effect: unvaccinated people need to continue wearing masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces

More Information for Businesses 

Vaccine Eligibility

Gov. Jay Inslee has announced a suite of new incentives to help encourage unvaccinated Washingtonians to get the COVID shot.

The Washington State Lottery will be conducting a “Shot of a Lifetime” giveaway series during the month of June, working with state agencies, technology companies, sports teams and higher education institutions across the state to offer a myriad of different prizes to vaccinated individuals.

Read the rest of the story on the governor's Medium page.

Learn more about vaccines on the Department of Health's website or on Public Health – Seattle & King County’s website.

Current Loans & Grants

Inclusive Backing presented by American Express

Applications for the first round of Inclusive Backing small business grants are now open! We've teamed up with American Express to provide grants of $5,000 each to underrepresented small business owners as they navigate the pandemic and plan for long-term success and resilience. 

In partnership with Disability:IN and National ACE Foundation, the first grant cycle will provide grants to both small business owners with disabilities and/or those who identify as Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander.  

Learn More and Apply by Nov. 29

Child Care Stabilization Grant (Expires: June 30, 2022 )

Licensed and certified child care providers can apply for the Child Care Stabilization Grant in the WA Compass Provider Portal.

License-exempt Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers can apply for the Child Care Stabilization Grant on the DCYF FFN Stabilization Grant Website. 

Learn More and Apply

Collective Grants (Expires: January 14, 2022 )

Costco Wholesale Grant Application

Learn More and Apply

Google Ad Grants

Learn More

The Norcliffe Foundation

$10,000 Grants for Small Businesses Available from Comcast RISE.

Application Portal opens October 1

Comcast Rise was created to invest in the success of these critical businesses by providing valuable and practical support. Comcast has announced it will award $1 million in grants to 100 small businesses owned by people of color in King and Pierce Counties, as well as technology and marketing resources to eligible businesses in the area. Beginning on October 1, and through October 14, eligible businesses can apply for Comcast RISE monetary grants, and, or marketing and technology Services at www.ComcastRISE.com. Winners will be notified in November.
Businesses located in Kirkland are eligible to apply for this program in Washington if the business:

• Is at least 51% owned and operated by people of color Is independently owned and operated Is registered to conduct business in the US Established business operations for 3 or more years.
• 25 or fewer full-time and part-time employees 

COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program

On September 9, 2021, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the following major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

• Increasing the COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA will lift the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.
• Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period. The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination so that they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet.
• Establishment of a 30-Day Exclusivity Window. To ensure main street businesses have additional time to access these funds, the SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window of approving and disbursing funds for loans of $500,000 or less. Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.
• Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds. COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.
• Simplification of affiliation requirements. To ease the COVID EIDL application process for small businesses, the SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

To learn about eligibility and application requirements and how to apply, visit sba.gov/eidl. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. All eligible applicants should file their applications as soon as possible.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgiveness Portal

Paycheck Protection Program borrowers: If your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through SBA using our online portal. Follow the steps below.

1. Find out if your lender is participating. 
2. Watch a video about how to use the portal.
3. Apply for forgiveness.

For additional information, visit the SBA website.

The Small Business Flex Fund 

A flexible low-interest loan program for Washington State's smallest businesses and nonprofits. Supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Small Business Flex Fund pairs applicants with nonprofit, community-based lenders who provide help through every step of the loan process.

• Low rate
• Easy application
• Flexible working capital
• Loans of up to $150,000
• Fewer than 50 employees
• Revenue less than $3 million

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund

Applications for The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund by SIA Scotch are open now in collaboration with Hello Alice. Starting July 13, 2021, eligible, multicultural small business owners can apply to The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund by SIA Scotch. Twenty-five recipients will each receive a $10,000 grant, plus mentorship with Carin Luna-Ostaseski, the founder of SIA Scotch Whisky and a first-generation Cuban American entrepreneur who overcame a myriad of challenges during her entrepreneurship journey. Apply and share with us how a grant would grow your business and help you achieve the unexpected.

• July 13, 2021 – Applications open 9:00AM ET 
• August 10, 2021 – Applications close 6:00PM ET
• September 2 to 14, 2021 – Grant recipients notified and announced
• October 8, 2021 – Grant recipients receive funds  

Community Connect Grant

The Seattle Times is launching a grant program to support underrepresented local businesses with a total of $300,000 in marketing and advertising services. Six qualifying businesses will be awarded $50,000 each in Seattle Times advertising, including print or digital advertising, plus research and marketing consultation at no cost. Businesses of various sizes and nonprofits are invited to apply. For more, visit the website. 

Help for small businesses in unincorporated King County

Has your business been hurt by COVID-19? We have a new program to help small businesses in unincorporated King County. The program includes grant money, language support, and technical assistance to help you apply for other funds and services. For more information, visit the King County Local Business Help webpage. For more information, including in-language details, click here(PDF, 800KB) or see below. 

Small businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $150,000 and the money can be spent flexibly, including on payroll, utilities & rent, supplies, marketing & advertising, building improvements or repairs, and other business expenses.

NEA American Rescue Plan grants:

The NEA is currently accepting proposals for the American Rescue Plan. Nonprofit organizations with at least a three-year history of arts programming are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $150,000 general operations funds. 

The Endowment is actively seeking first-time applicants in communities across the country. Access the NEA's applicant resources and guidelines for the grants.

NAACP grants: 

Bacardi and the NAACP have teamed up to help Black-owned businesses in the hospitality and alcohol sales industries. Hosted by Hello Alice, the Backing the B.A.R. (Black-Owned Accounts & Retailers) Acceleration Grant is an initiative that will provide $10,000 grants and business support to qualified small business owners.

Through this initiative, 35 recipients will receive a grant as well as financial, educational, or mentorship support to help take their business to the next level. Whether you’re an established business or an owner looking to get a liquor license for the first time, Backing the B.A.R. wants to accelerate your business into the future.

To apply and learn more: visit the Hello Alice, NAACP Community page

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program: Now accepting applications. This program was included in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 27, 2020. Eligible organizations with a reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic will soon have the opportunity to receive up to a $10 million grant under the program. In total, the Economic Aid Act allocates $15 billion for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants. Learn more about this SBA grant opportunity on the SBA website. 

Black Founder Startup Grant

SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, and other sponsors to make a small step towards progress by providing several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. Visit the Black Founder Startup Grant webpage for details on how to apply. 

Community Grants through the Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation

Umpqua Bank, through the Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation, has evolved its community giving strategy and Community Grants program to reflect a deeper commitment to improving economic prosperity, especially for under-resourced individuals, families, and small businesses. For more information on this opportunity, visit the Umpqua Bank webpage.   

Nonprofit Community Recovery (NCR) Grants

The Washington State Department of Commerce is pleased to partner with ArtsFund to administer over $10 million in Nonprofit Community Recovery (NCR) grants. This recovery grant opportunity opened the week of May 10. 

SBA Cross-Program Eligibility 

The chart below indicates the effect that receipt of funding from a federal relief programs has on a business’s eligibility for other federal relief programs. More information on this can be found at the following link: SBA cross-program eligibility: PPP, EIDL, RRF, SVOG 

PPP Program Ended on May 31, 2021: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. Get FREE Help with PPP by contacting our Business Response Team. 

Second Draw PPP Forgivable Loans: PPP now allows certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a Second Draw PPP loan with the same general loan terms as their First Draw PPP loan. Second Draw PPP loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations. Maximum loan amount and increased assistance for accommodation and food services businesses. For most borrowers, the maximum loan amount of a Second Draw PPP loan is 2.5x the average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs up to $2 million. For borrowers in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (use NAICS 72 to confirm), the maximum loan amount for a Second Draw PPP loan is 3.5x the average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs up to $2 million.

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a First Draw PPP loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses
• Has no more than 300 employees; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Small businesses who originally took out an EIDL loan for up to $150,000 for six months can extend that loan for up to 24 months and receive additional funds for a total of $500,000 in relief. Businesses that received an EIDL loan for up to six months and $150,000 need not submit a request to increase their loan amount. Rather, the SBA will reach out via email for details on how businesses can request additional loan funds prior to the April 6 launch date of the extended program. https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

Targeted EIDL Advance. If your business was denied an EIDL Advance Loan: Effective immediately, applicants can send a request for reevaluation of a Targeted EIDL Advance application that was declined to the following email address: TargetedAdvanceReevaluation@sba.gov.

Applicants should follow these instructions when requesting a reevaluation:

• Send an email to TargetedAdvanceReevaluation@sba.gov
• Use the subject line “Reevaluation Request for [insert your 10-digit application number]”
• In the body of the email, include identifying information for the application such as application number, business name, business address, business owner name(s) and phone number
• Important: Include an explanation and any documentation that addresses the reason for the decline, if available. SBA will contact applicants if additional documentation is required to complete the review.

The COVID-19 Targeted EIDL Advance was signed into law on December 27, 2020, as part of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act. The Targeted EIDL Advance provides businesses in low-income communities with additional funds to ensure small business continuity, adaptation, and resiliency. Advance funds of up to $10,000 will be available to applicants in low-income communities who previously received an EIDL Advance for less than $10,000, or those who applied but received no funds due to lack of available program funding.

Applicants do not need to take any action.
SBA is reaching out to those who qualify.

Washington State House Bill 1368: Gov. Jay Inslee recently signed House Bill 1368, which appropriates $2.2 billion in federal funding that has been allocated to states in response to the ongoing COVID emergency. The legislation takes effect immediately.

The bill provides: 
$714 million in assistance for K-12 schools.
$618 million for public health’s response to COVID, including testing, investigation and contact tracing; and funding for vaccination efforts.
$365 million for emergency eviction, rental and utility assistance.
$240 million for business assistance grants.
$50 million for child care.
$26 million for food banks and other food programs .
$91 million for income assistance, including $65 million for relief for the state’s immigrant population.

Read the full bill here. The business assistance grants will be administered by the state Department of Commerce. Commerce is working on the application portal and expects it to open late March. Information will be posted at commerce.wa.gov/bizgrants. 

Archived

Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF): Applications Now Closed. The new Restaurant Revitalization Fund, part of the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act, provides $28.6 billion in grants to restaurants and bars in need. The application portal opened Monday, May 3. For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Following the 21-day period, all eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications. This article published by Sweeney Conrad provides some narrative explanation. Please email restaurants@sba.gov with questions. Read more about the RRF here. RRF information is also available in Espanol.

Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund: Applications are closed. Apply by May 15. If you are an immigrant experiencing hard times because of COVID-19, and you aren’t eligible for federal financial relief or unemployment insurance, this fund is for you. Apply for the Washington COVID-19 Relief Fund and receive a $1,000 one-time direct payment.
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Garifuna

Washington State Department of Agriculture Relief & Recovery Grants: Applications closed. Nearly $15 million in Relief and Recovery Grants are available from Washington State Department of Agriculture. Closed on Monday, April 26. Please learn more here and see below. 

Working Washington round 4 grants: This newest grant round focuses on brick-and-mortar businesses most directly impacted by COVID-19 public health measures. The Washington State Department of Commerce will open applications for Working Washington Grants: Round 4 on Monday, March 29. Business owners can find information about the program and a link to the application portal at commercegrants.com. This is the fourth round of the Working Washington grant program. Legislators approved $240 million for the current round as part of an early action bill that also provided additional funding for rent assistance and other COVID-19 response efforts. Apply here. 

Some of the criteria outlined in this legislation include:

• Businesses must apply the grant award toward expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
• Commerce must take into account previous Working Washington awards distributed by the agency or affiliated partners. This means grant awards will vary. The maximum grant award will be $25,000.
• Grants must be equitably distributed statewide and to historically underserved and disadvantaged populations.

The application portal will be open until 5:00 PM on April 9. Application information and technical assistance is available in multiple languages and is accessible to a wide range of people with disabilities. As of Monday, March 22, businesses can contact Commerce’s technical support center by phone or by email: (855) 602-2722 or commercegrants@submittable.com. 

The Kirkland Small Business Relief Fund was created by Google, the City of Kirkland, the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, and Banner Bank’s Kirkland branch to provide immediate grants to qualifying small businesses and small nonprofits in Kirkland impacted by COVID-19. The second round of grants closed in August. For more information, including application details and information on contributing to the fund, please visit the Chamber’s website.

Seattle Foundation has established a COVID-19 Response Fund, which will initially assist nonprofit organizations that work with communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and its consequences. Please note that this fund will not initially assist nonprofits that have lost revenue, though this may be considered in the future.

Facebook has established a Small Business Grants Program to assist businesses in addressing the impacts of COVID-19. These grants will include both cash grants and ad credits.

The Seattle Metro Chamber, which serves as the King County Associate Development organization, is working to ensure that $580,000 in federal funding reaches king County small businesses. This is part of the $10 million that Washington state received for small business support from the federal CARES Act. The application process is open through 5 p.m., Monday, September 28. For more information about the grants, including eligibility requirements, visit the King County Associate Development Organization website. 

Other Resources

King County's Hazardous Waste Management Program offers a Voucher Incentive Program for eligible businesses to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazardous waste improvements like safe storage for cleaning products and other chemicals. 75 percent of expenses can be reimbursed, up to $599. Expert staff can recommend improvements that will help keep staff and customers safe.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund

Applications for The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund by SIA Scotch are open now in collaboration with Hello Alice. Starting July 13, 2021, eligible, multicultural small business owners can apply to The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund by SIA Scotch. Twenty-five recipients will each receive a $10,000 grant, plus mentorship with Carin Luna-Ostaseski, the founder of SIA Scotch Whisky and a first-generation Cuban American entrepreneur who overcame a myriad of challenges during her entrepreneurship journey. Apply and share with us how a grant would grow your business and help you achieve the unexpected.

• July 13, 2021 – Applications open 9:00AM ET 
• August 10, 2021 – Applications close 6:00PM ET
• September 2 to 14, 2021 – Grant recipients notified and announced
• October 8, 2021 – Grant recipients receive funds

NAACP Grants:

Bacardi and the NAACP have teamed up to help Black-owned businesses in the hospitality and alcohol sales industries. Hosted by Hello Alice, the Backing the B.A.R. (Black-Owned Accounts & Retailers) Acceleration Grant is an initiative that will provide $10,000 grants and business support to qualified small business owners.

Through this initiative, 35 recipients will receive a grant as well as financial, educational, or mentorship support to help take their business to the next level. Whether you’re an established business or an owner looking to get a liquor license for the first time, Backing the B.A.R. wants to accelerate your business into the future.

To apply and learn more, visit the Hello Alice, NAACP Community page.

Black Founder Startup Grant: SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, and other sponsors to make a small step towards progress by providing several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. Visit the Black Founder Startup Grant webpage for details on how to apply. 

The Ally League Fund: This fund is used to provide technology grants to small, Black-owned businesses to help with web design, database development, inventory systems, social media management and online marketing. If you would like to learn more please email allyleaguefund@ypimpact.org

Hello Alice:  Hello Alice offers business support resources to assist small businesses to reopen and/or refuel their enterprises during and after the global pandemic. Hello Alice helps business owners navigate their new normal with access to funding, e-learning techniques and mentorship.

Resources for Black Owned Businesses
Resources for Hispanic Owned Businesses
Resources for Veteran Owned Businesses

Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (MWBE): Small business assistance https://omwbe.wa.gov/small-business-guide/Grow

Free money and services for MWBEs  https://omwbe.wa.gov/resources-small-businesses/money-loans/free-money-services

Technical Assistance Organizations for Businesses in Underserved Communities https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/technical-assistance-from-trusted-community-messengers/

Comcast Rise: Comcast Rise is a multi-year commitment to provide marketing, creative, media and technology services to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned small businesses. Comcast Rise is accepting applications from eligible small businesses that are BIPOC-owned. Selected businesses could receive one or more of the following business services through Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast, and Comcast Business, a leading provider of technology for businesses: Advertising and Marketing Consulting; Media; Creative Production; Technology Makeover; Monetary Grants (coming in 2021). Apply Here

Culturally & Linguistically relevant assistance for businesses: WA State Department of Commerce  https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/technical-assistance-from-trusted-community-messengers/.

Groundbreaking New Program Seeks to Fund Tech Start-up Founders From Underserved Communities 

Find Ventures, a Washington state-based nonprofit whose mission is to fund entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, today launched a new Equitable innovations Accelerator to fuel the start-up community at the earliest stage of  business development. This program aims to make “entrepreneurship for all” a reality by prioritizing entrepreneurs from underserved and historically marginalized communities.

The Equitable Innovations Accelerator is a first-of-its-kind program to provide 10 technology start-ups with up to $100,000 in non-dilutive philanthropic grants, programming and access to mentors and coaches. 

Executive Advisor Program for Non-Profits 

 Request up to 6 hours of free executive advising by tapping into our Exec2Exec program! The number of available spots is limited, so please request executive advising as soon as you can. If you would like to talk about Exec2Exec before requesting the service, please start a conversation with Dan Bridge at executiveadvising@501commons.org.

(re)STARTUP425’s Business Response Team can provide free technical advising to assist in accessing financial options (like grants and SBA loans), becoming loan-ready, and retaining employees. They’ve partnered with Business Impact NW, a community-development financial institution and nonprofit, to bring Eastside businesses one-on-one advising from local experts in small business resilience.

Smart WA Business Decision Support Tool is a new tool to help businesses re-open safely. 

Startup425 invites you to Boost Your Business!

Calling tech providers, digital tools vendors, e-commerce providers, consultants, service firms and others!

Please register to participate as valuable vendors as we help small, eastside businesses bridge the digital divide at our inaugural Boost Your Business: Tools and Resources for Going Digital Bootcamp Workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 25. This is a NO COST opportunity to connect with small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and prospective clients from across the greater Eastside.

The Boost Your Business workshop series is being led by Startup425 with support from Bellevue College and OneEastside SPARK. This one-day, virtual workshop is FREE to participants, and will be hosted on the Brazen virtual events platform. The workshop will provide participants access to solutions to get their business online and/or boost their existing digital presence. We need YOUR business to help other small businesses succeed! Vendor participation is free and quick. Please register your interest on the Vendor Application Form.  

Following morning education sessions, vendors will connect one-on-one with workshop participants in a vendor fair to engage with small business participants, access new potential customers. Please visit the Startup425 website for more information on this opportunity. To register as a vendor, please use the Vendor Application Form.

Boost Your Business is free for vendors and participants

OneEastside SPARK: 

OneEastside SPARK: Center for Business Resilience and Innovation is a new resource center focused on supporting small businesses and non-profits throughout East King County. The program is funded by a grant to OneRedmond from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration.

OneEastside SPARK builds on the work of the Eastside Recovery Hub to provide responsive dynamic programs to meet the ever changing needs of our Eastside business and non-profit community including free one-on-one advising on topics such as SBA COVID relief programs, tax advising, marketing, accounting, and legal issues.

For more information visit OneEastside SPARK at www.oneeastside.org/SPARK.

Grow Your Business with Google: Now more than ever, Americans need digital skills to land the jobs they want, advance their careers, and grow their businesses. Grow with Google aims to help by providing free training, tools and expertise. Making tools and training easily accessible online for free is just one part of Grow with Google. The program also brings workshops, in-person training, and one-on-one coaching to cities and towns across America, in partnership with community groups and local leaders.

Visit the Grow with Google webpage for more information and access to resources. 

Comcast Rise: Comcast Rise is a multi-year commitment to provide marketing, creative, media and technology services to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned small businesses. Comcast Rise is accepting applications from eligible small businesses that are BIPOC-owned. Selected businesses could receive one or more of the following business services through Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast, and Comcast Business, a leading provider of technology for businesses: Advertising and Marketing Consulting; Media; Creative Production; Technology Makeover; Monetary Grants (coming in 2021). Apply Here.

Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center: Do you need help to negotiate rent arears or other COVID-19 related conflicts? The Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center is here to help and is available for Kirkland residents. Information is available in multiple languages and interpretation services are provided as needed. To find out more, please call the Conflict Resolution Center at 425-452-4091, or visit the Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center webpage. 

Resource for information and technical assistance for small businesses: A new website created by the Washington State Small Business Recovery Working Group aims to simplify and supplement details provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and provide current information on available relief programs for Washington's small businesses and eligible non-profits, as well as the organizations that assist them. Funding for this resource was provided via a $250,000 grant from the state’s Department of Commerce.

The goal is to help as many Washington small businesses and non-profits as possible access the help they need. Information will be added and updated as new guidance is released and as new resources become available.

Visit the Events & Trainings page to learn about upcoming training opportunities.

Public Health - Seattle & King County has a full range of re-opening and COVID-19 resources available for download and free use by businesses. Find them here. 

Improving indoor air: Public Health - Seattle & King County reminds us that COVID-19 is an airborne virus and can spread easily indoors. Visit the Public Health ventilation webpage to learn three ways to improve indoor air in our homes, businesses, schools, and other places where people gather indoors. You'll find Guidance on Improving Indoor Air Quality, an online toolkit aimed at building operators and business owners. 

CDC Resuming Business Toolkit: The Resuming Business Toolkit is designed to assist employers in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and lowering the impact in their workplace when reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business settings. Not sure whether you’re ready to resume business? Use CDC’s decision tools as a start. Download the Resuming Business Toolkit PDF

Nonprofit resources from 501 Commons: COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits

New resource for information and technical assistance for small businesses: A new website created by the Washington State Small Business Recovery Working Group aims to simplify and supplement details provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and provide current information on available relief programs for Washington's small businesses and eligible non-profits, as well as the organizations that assist them. Funding for this resource was provided via a $250,000 grant from the state’s Department of Commerce.

The goal is to help as many Washington small businesses and non-profits as possible access the help they need. Information will be added and updated as new guidance is released and as new resources become available.

Visit the Events & Trainings page to learn about upcoming training opportunities. 

The Employee Tax Credit can be a game changer for small businesses, offering an opportunity to claim up to $33,000 per employee in 2020 and 2021! Read more in this OneEastside SPARK article. Contact our Business Response Team for assistance, or OneEastside Spark here. 

Communities Rise: Communities Rise has launched a virtual COVID-19 Legal Clinic to assist small businesses and nonprofits in Washington state with COVID-19-related business legal issues. They have set up a new streamlined online platform to match clients and volunteer attorneys with minimal processing time.

Washington State Employment Security Department: COVID-19 Assistance

Guidance and Resources for COVID-19 Topics Related to Labor & Industries (L&I)

Help for businesses wanting to keep employee health coverage: The State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has let all health insurers know they have flexibility in defining who is eligible for coverage under the employer-sponsored health plan. If an employer would like to try to keep their employees covered or have other questions, they should reach out directly to their health insurer. Visit the Coronavirus and Health Insurance webpage for more information.

LEASES

The City Council created a moratorium on small business and nonprofit organization evictions(PDF, 746KB)  in Kirkland due to nonpayment of rent or the expiration of leases during the COVID-19 proclamation of emergency or 60 days after the directive (dated March 31, 2020), whichever happens sooner. The moratorium can be extended beyond 60 days with ratification of the City Council. On June 16, the Council passed Resolution R-5432(PDF, 746KB), which extends the moratorium 60 days from June 10, 2020, or until the end of the emergency proclamation, whichever happens sooner. 

Communities Rise have published a Lease Amendment Toolkit to assist small businesses and nonprofits in negotiating their commercial leases. 

UTILITIES

• The City of Kirkland is suspending all late fees, tag fees, and water shut offs until 30 days after rescission of Governor’s Executive Order. Although utility charges are not being discounted or waived, deferral of your utility bill allows you to delay payment of current charges.
• Puget Sound Energy is not disconnecting utility service for non-payment at this time. Additionally, it is temporarily waiving late fees for non-payment. It will work with customers on options like payment plans and bill extensions.
• Comcast Xfinity is not disconnecting internet service or assessing late fees at this time. Eligible customers can get more information and contact Comcast.
• CenturyLink is not disconnecting internet service or assessing late fees at this time. Eligible customers can get more information and contact CenturyLink.
• T-Mobile is not disconnecting small business customers due to inability to pay at this time. Additionally, it is temporarily waiving any late fees that small business customers incur due to the COVID-19 situation. Eligible customers can find more information from T-Mobile.

TAXES

• State Department of Revenue is offering filing extensions and penalty waivers for state-level B&O taxes. Eligible businesses can get more information and apply.
• The federal Internal Revenue Service extended the April 15 tax filing and payment deadline to July 15, regardless of the amount owed. Individual taxpayers unable to meet the July 15 due date were able to request an automatic extension of time to file until October 15.The IRS can provide additional information.

CARES ACT INFORMATION

• Summary of the CARES Act(PDF, 242KB) from the Committee on Small Business.
• How to Apply for Nonprofit Relief Funds from the CARES Act 

WASHINGTON STATE

• King County is currently in Phase 2 of Washington's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Please visit the Public Health - Seattle & King County webpage for more information on Phase 2. 
• COVID-19 Resource List for Impacted Washington Businesses and Workers

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

• The Paycheck Protection Program closed its application process on August 8, 2020.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to Washington small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.  Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
• Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Applicant eligibility form for SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
• SBA Seattle District Office List of Participating Lenders

Outdoor Café Permit renewal: 2020 Sidewalk Café Application and Checklist(PDF, 255KB).

Temporary "Parklet" Street Use Permit Application Form(PDF, 206KB) for Kirkland restaurants to expand outdoor seating into adjoining on-street parking stalls.

Temporary Private Parking Conversion for Kirkland businesses and restaurants to expand outdoor seating or outdoor retail space into private parking stalls on their property.