Small Business Resource Updates
On Monday, January 11, the Only in Seattle (OIS) team hosted a webinar with neighborhood business districts and partners to provide relevant and timely information for small businesses. This webinar focused on the reopening of the U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Disaster Injury Loan (EIDL).
Staff from OED and the National Development Council provided an overview of the federal resources available and the latest updates to PPP and EIDL. Key changes in PPP include:
- Applications are now open to new and previous borrowers
- Businesses in the Accommodation and Food Services industries may receive loans of up to 3.5 times average monthly payroll
- Forgiveness applications are simplified for loans less than $150,000
The webinar also provided updates on OED’s Small Business Stabilization Fund and the Seattle Hospitality Worker Emergency Relief Fund.
In response to COVID-19, the OIS team works to improve language access for small businesses, and coordinates with Seattle’s neighborhood business districts to provide resources for community stakeholders, businesses, property owners, and local organizations to achieve economic development outcomes determined by the community.
OIS conducts business district webinars every 2-3 weeks, answering questions and concerns businesses may have. Previous webinars include applying for a Street Closure Permit, public safety, and connecting businesses to resources. If there’s a topic or a question that neighborhood business districts would like to cover in a future webinar, please email Heidi Hall, Heidi.Hall@seattle.gov.