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Bottom Line

News from Seattle's Office of Economic Development

Small business webinars on PPP updates: March 4-8

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Small business owner pouring drinks.

Following the February 22 updates to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) is hosting a series of webinars to help small business owners with fewer than 20 employees or who are self-employed understand key information. The SBA established a two-week PPP loan application period exclusively for the smallest businesses, which closes on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 2 p.m. PST.

Join the SBA, Public Private Strategies Institute and other stakeholders to hear about the steps you can take to take advantage of this opportunity, learn about additional changes made by the Biden-Harris Administration and ask SBA leadership questions.

Below is the list of webinars and links to register (all times PST): ·

Need help for applying for PPP or understanding what federal resources are available to you and your small business? Contact the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) at 206-684-8090 or OED@seattle.gov for support. Bilingual assistance is available in Amharic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Somali, Spanish, Thai, Tgrinya and Vietnamese. For more information, click here. OED is committed to building an inclusive economy which benefits the whole city by promoting access to economic opportunities for all of Seattle’s diverse communities.

Neighborhood Business Districts Webinar – Public Safety and City Update on Homelessness Response

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On March 3, the Only in Seattle (OIS) team hosted a webinar with neighborhood business districts and community partners to provide relevant and timely information for small businesses. This webinar focused on public safety and the City’s  homelessness response. Speakers included:  

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, to answer questions and concerns businesses may have. Previous webinars include Small Business Resource Updates, applying for a Street Closure Permit, and public safety. 

If there’s a topic or a question that neighborhood business districts would like to cover in a future webinar, please contact Heidi Hall at Heidi.Hall@seattle.gov.  

03.03 Neighborhood Business District Webinar: Public Safety and City Update on Homelessness Response Slide Deck (PDF) 

Paycheck Protection Program Updates Aim to Remove Barriers to Financial Support for Small Businesses

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Black woman using computer happily in a café.

On Monday, February 22, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the following changes to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) COVID-19 relief program to ensure equity:

  • From February 24-March 10, SBA will establish a 14-day Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application period exclusively for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees.
  • Sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals will receive more financial support.
  • Immigrant and refugee small business owners who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are eligible to apply for PPP.
  • Small business owners who were formerly incarcerated with prior non-fraud felony convictions are eligible to apply for PPP.
  • Small business owners who are impacted by federal student loan debt delinquency are eligible to apply for PPP.

PPP provides forgivable loans to help small businesses pay their employees and other expenses during the COVID-19 crisis. Applications are open for new and returning borrowers. Some highlights of the improved PPP program include:

  • First time borrowers can borrow up to 2.5 times the business’ average monthly payroll costs, up to a $10 million loan maximum.
  • Returning borrowers can borrow spent their previous PPP loan. The second loan can be up to 2.5 times the business’ average monthly payroll costs, up to a $2 million loan amount.
  • Hospitality and Food Businesses can borrow up to 3.5 times the business’ average monthly payroll costs, up to a $2 million loan maximum.
  • 100% of the loan will be forgiven based on a 60%/40% split.
    • At least 60% of loan is utilized for payroll, or paying yourself if you are sole proprietor or contractor.
    • Up to 40% is used for rent, mortgage, interest and/or utilities.
    • Expanded uses of the loan include operations expenses, property damage, supplier costs and worker health/protection expenditures.

The 14-day exclusive application period began on Wednesday, February 24, 2021; the other four changes will be implemented by the first week of March. All applications for PPP are due March 31, 2021.

Need help for applying for PPP or understanding what federal resources are available to you and your small business? Contact the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) at 206-684-8090 or OED@seattle.gov for support. Bilingual assistance is available in Amharic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Somali, Spanish, Thai, Tgrinya, and Vietnamese. For more information, click here. OED is committed to building an inclusive economy which benefits the whole city by promoting access to economic opportunities for all of Seattle’s diverse communities.

ኞ ፌብሩዌሪ 22 የባይድንና ሄሪስ አስተዳደር ፍትሃዊነትን ለማረጋገጥ በአሜሪካ አነስተኛ ንግድ አስተዳደር (SBA) COVID-19 የእርዳታ ፕሮግራም ላይ የሚከተሉትን ለውጦች አስታውቋል: 

  • ፌብሩዌሪ 24 እስከ ማርች 10 ቀን (SBA) ከ 20 ያነሱ ሠራተኞች ላላቸዉ የንግድ ድርጅቶች እና ለትርፍ ያልተቋቋሙ የ 14 ቀናት ደሞዝ ጥበቃ ፕሮግራም (PPP) የብድር ማመልከቻ ጊዜን ያቋቁማል። 
  • ብቸኛ ባለቤቶች ፣ ገለልተኛ ተቋራጮች እና በግል ሥራ ላይ የተሰማሩ ግለሰቦች የበለጠ የገንዘብ ድጋፍ ያገኛሉ። 
  • የግለሰብ ግብር ከፋይ መለያ ቁጥር (ITIN) ያላቸው የስደተኞች እና ሬፍዩጂዎች አነስተኛ ንግድ ባለቤቶች ለ PPP ማመልከት ብቁ ናቸው። 
  • ቀደም ሲል በእስር ላይ በማጭበርበር ያልሆነ የወንጀል ፍርዶች (non-fraud felony convictions) የነበሩ አነስተኛ የንግድ ባለቤቶች ለ PPP ማመልከት ይችላሉ። 
  • በፌዴራል የትምህርት ብድር ዕዳ ወንጀል ተጽዕኖ የተደረገባቸው አነስተኛ የንግድ ሥራ ባለቤቶች ለ PPP ማመልከት ይችላሉ። 

የ 14 ቀናት የማመልከቻ ጊዜ ረቡዕ ፌብሩዌሪ 24 ቀን 2021 ይጀምራል። ሌሎቹ አራት ለውጦች በማርች የመጀመሪያ ሳምንት ይጀምራሉ። ለ PPP ሁሉም ማመልከቻዎች እስከ ማርች 31 ቀን 2021 እንድገቡ ይጠየቃሉ። 

ለ PPP ለማመልከት ወይም ለእርስዎ እና ለአነስተኛ ንግድዎ ምን የፌደራል ድጋፍ ምንጮች  (ሪሶርስ) እንደሆኑ ለመረዳት እገዛ ይፈልጋሉ? ድጋፍ ለማግኘት የሲያትል የኢኮኖሚ ልማት ጽሕፈት ቤት (OED) በ 206-684-8090 ወይም OED@seattle.gov ያነጋግሩ።  የቋንቋ ትርጉም ድጋፍ አለ። ለበለጠ መረጃ እዚህ ጠቅ ያድርጉ። OED ለሁሉም የሲያትል የተለያዩ ማህበረሰቦች ኢኮኖሚያዊ ዕድሎችን ተደራሽነት በማስተዋወቅ መላውን ከተማ የሚጠቅም ኢኮኖሚ ለመገንባት ቁርጠኛ ነው ፡፡ 

更新的“工資保障計劃”( Paycheck Protection Program)旨在消除對小企業財務支持的障礙 

在2月22日星期一，拜登-哈里斯政府（Biden-Harris Administration）宣布了美國小企業管理局（SBA）有關COVID-19救濟計劃的以下變更，以確保公平性：  

  • 在2月24日至3月10日期間，SBA專為僱員少於20人的企業和非營利組織提供14天的“工資保障計劃”（PPP）貸款申請期。    
  • 獨資經營者、獨立承包商和自僱人士將獲得更多的財務支持。  
  • 持有個人納稅人識別碼（ITIN）的移民和難民小企業業主有資格申請PPP。  
  • 以前曾因非欺詐性重罪被定罪並監禁的小企業業主有資格申請PPP。  
  • 受拖欠聯邦學生貸款債務影響的小企業主有資格申請PPP。   

PPP提供貸款豁免政策，以幫助小型企業在COVID-19危機期間支付其僱員和其他費用。申請向首次和再次借款人開放。改進了的PPP計劃的一些重點包括：

  • 首次借款人可貸款相當於其企業平均每月工資成本的2.5倍，最高貸款額為1000萬美元。 
  • 已使用完上次PPP貸款的再次借款人可以貸款。第二筆貸款最高可達其企業平均月工資成本的2.5倍，最高貸款額為200萬美元。 
  • 住宿接待服務業和食品企業最多可貸款相當於其企業平均月工資成本的3.5倍，最高貸款額為200萬美元。 
  • 貸款需按照60％/ 40％的分配比例獲得全數豁免。   
    • 至少60％的貸款用於支付員工工資，或者支付您自己，如果您是獨資經營者或承包商。 
    • 最多40％用於租金、按揭、利息和/或水電費。 
    • 貸款的擴大用途包括運營支出、財產損失、供應商成本和維持員工健康/保護員工方面的支出。 

為期14天的專用申請期從2021年2月24日星期三開始；其他的四項變更將在三月份的第一周實行。 所有PPP申請將截止於2021年3月31日。  

您需要幫助申請PPP或想了解您和您的小型企業可以使用哪些聯邦資源嗎？請致電206-684-8090或發送電子郵件至OED@seattle.gov與西雅圖市政府經濟發展辦公室（OED）聯繫。會提供包括阿姆哈拉語、廣東話、普通話、韓語、索馬里語、西班牙語、泰語、特林尼亞語和越南語等雙語幫助。欲了解更多信息，請點擊這裡。OED致力於通過促進西雅圖所有多元化社區獲得經濟機會來建設全城都受益的包容性經濟。

更新的 “工资保障计划”( Paycheck Protection Program)旨在消除对小企业财务支持的障碍 

在2月22日星期一，拜登-哈里斯政府（Biden-Harris Administration）宣布了美国小企业管理局（SBA）有关COVID-19救济计划的以下变更，以确保公平性：   

  • 在2月24日至3月10日期间，SBA专为雇员少于20人的企业和非营利组织提供14天的“工资保障计划”（PPP）贷款申请期。    
  • 独资经营者、独立承包商和自雇人士将获得更多的财务支持。  
  • 持有个人纳税人识别码（ITIN）的移民和难民小企业业主有资格申请PPP。  
  • 以前曾因非欺诈性重罪被定罪并监禁的小企业业主有资格申请PPP。  
  • 受拖欠联邦学生贷款债务影响的小企业主有资格申请PPP。   

PPP提供贷款豁免政策，以帮助小型企业在COVID-19危机期间支付其雇员和其他费用。申请向首次和再次借款人开放。改进了的PPP计划的一些重点包括：   

  • 首次借款人可贷款相当于其企业平均每月工资成本的2.5倍，最高贷款额为1000万美元。 
  • 已使用完上次PPP贷款的再次借款人可以贷款。第二笔贷款最高可达其企业平均月工资成本的2.5倍，最高贷款额为200万美元。 
  • 住宿接待服务业和食品企业最多可贷款相当于其企业平均月工资成本的3.5倍，最高贷款额为200万美元。 
  • 贷款需按照60％/ 40％的分配比例获得全数豁免。   
    • 至少60％的贷款用于支付员工工资，或者支付您自己，如果您是独资经营者或承包商。 
    • 最多40％用于租金、按揭、利息和/或水电费。 
    • 贷款的扩大用途包括运营支出、财产损失、供应商成本和维持员工健康/保护员工方面的支出。 

为期14天的专用申请期从2021年2月24日星期三开始；其他的四项变更将在三月份的第一周实行。 所有PPP申请将截止于2021年3月31日。  

您需要帮助申请PPP或想了解您和您的小型企业可以使用哪些联邦资源吗？请致电206-684-8090或发送电子邮件至OED@seattle.gov与西雅图市政府经济发展办公室（OED）联系。会提供包括阿姆哈拉语、广东话、普通话、韩语、索马里语、西班牙语、泰语、特林尼亚语和越南语等双语帮助。欲了解更多信息，请点击这里。OED致力于通过促进西雅图所有多元化社区获得经济机会来建设全城都受益的包容性经济。

급여 보호 프로그램 업데이트는 중소기업체를 위해 재정적 지원의 장벽을 제거하는 것을 목표로 합니다 

 2월 22일 월요일, 바이든-해리스 행정부는 형평성을 보장하기 위해 U.S. Small Business Administration(SBA, 미 중소기업청)의 COVID-19 구제 프로그램에 관한 다음과 같은 변화를 발표했습니다: 

  • 2월 24일부터 3월 10일까지 SBA는 오로지 직원수가 20명 미만인 사업체 및 비영리단체만을 대상으로14일간 급여 보호 프로그램(PPP) 대출 신청 기간을 설정할 것입니다. 
  • 개인영업 소유주, 독립 계약업자 및 자영업자는 더 많은 재정 지원을 받게 될 것입니다. 
  • 개인 납세자 식별 번호(ITIN)를 소지한 이민자 및 난민 중소기업주들은 PPP를 신청할 수 있습니다 
  • 이전에 사기죄가 아닌 중범죄 유죄판결을 받아 수감되었던 중소기업주들은 PPP를 신청할 수 있습니다.   
  • 연방 학자금 대출 연체 영향을 받은 중소기업주들은 PPP를 신청할 수 있습니다. 

PPP는 중소기업들이 COVID-19 위기 동안 직원들의 급여와 기타 운영비용을 지불할 수 있도록 탕감을 받을 수 있는 대출을 제공합니다. 신규 및 재 대출자들 모두 신청이 가능합니다. 개선된 PPP 프로그램의 주요 내용은 다음과 같습니다: 

  • 1차 대출자는 사업체 월평균 급여 비용의 최대 2.5 배, 최대 천만 달러까지 대출이 가능합니다.  
  • 이전에 PPP 대출을 받아 사용한, 추가 PPP를 신청하길 원하는 재 대출자도 대출이 가능합니다. 2차 대출은 사업체 월평균 급여 비용의 최대 2.5 배, 최대 이백만 달러까지 대출이 가능합니다 
  • 숙박 및 식품 사업체들은 사업체의 월평균 급여 비용의 최대 3.5 배까지, 최대 이백만 달러까지 대출 가능합니다. 
  • 60% 대 40%의 분할에 따라 대출금의 100%가 탕감될 것입니다. 
    • 대출금의 60% 이상이 급여 또는 귀하가 개인영업 소유주 또는 독립 계약업자인 경우, 자신에게 지불하는 급여에 사용됨. 
    • 임대료, 담보 대출, 이자 및/혹은 공과금에 최대 40%가 사용됨. 
    • 대출금의 확장된 사용처에는 운영 비용, 재산 피해, 공급 업체 비용 및 근로자 건강/보호 지출이 포함됨. 

14일간의 단독 신청기간은 2021년 2월 24일 수요일에 시작되며; 나머지 네 개의 변경사항은 3월 첫째 주부터 시행될 예정입니다. 모든 PPP 신청은 2021년 3월 31일까지입니다. 

PPT를 신청하거나 귀하와 귀하의 중소기업체가 이용할 수 있는 어떤 연방 자원들이 있는지 이해하기 위해 도움이 필요하십니까? 지원을 받으려면 시애틀 Office of Economic Development(OED, 경제개발국), 206-684-8090 또는 OED@seattle.gov로 문의하십시오. 이중 언어 지원은 암하라어, 광둥어, 만다린어, 한국어, 소말리아어, 스페인어, 태국어, 티그리냐어 및 베트남어로 제공됩니다. 자세한 내용은, 여기를 클릭하십시오. OED는 시애틀의 다양한 지역사회 모두에게 경제적 기회에의 접근을 촉진함으로써 도시 전체에 혜택을 주는 포괄적 경제를 구축하기 위해 최선을 다하고 있습니다. 

Isniintii, Febraayo 22, Maamulka Biden-Harris wuxuu ku dhawaaqay isbeddelada soo socda ee barnaamijka ganacsiga yar yar ee Mareykanka (SBA) COVID-19 si loo hubiyo sinnaanta: 

  • Laga bilaabo Febraayo 24-Maarso 10, SBA waxay bilaabi doontaa 14 maalmood oo ah Barnaamijka DifaacaLacag-bixinta (PPP) muddada amaahda oo keliya oo loogu talagalay ganacsiyada iyo kuwa aan macaash doonka ahayn oo ay ka yaryihiin 20 shaqaalahe. 
  • Milkiileyaasha kaligaa, qandaraaslayaal madaxbanaan iyo shaqsiyaad iskood u shaqeysta ayaa heli doona taageero maaliyadeed oo dheeri ah. 
  • Soogalootiga iyo milkiileyaasha ganacsi ee yaryar ee haysta Lambarka Aqoonsiga Canshuur Bixiye Shakhsiyeed (ITIN) waxay xaq u leeyihiin inay codsadaan PPP. 
  • Milkiileyaasha ganacsiyada yar-yar oo horey loo xiray iyagoo aan dambiyo culus oo khiyaano ah lagu xukumin ayaa xaq u leh inay codsadaan PPP. 
  • Milkiileyaasha ganacsiyada yar-yar ee ay saamaysay deyn-bixinta amaahda ardayga ee federaalka waxay xaq u leeyihiin inay codsadaan PPP. 

Muddada codsiga gaarka ah ee 14-ka maalmood waxay bilaabmaysaa Arbacada, Febraayo 24, 2021; afarta isbedel ee kale waxaa la hirgelin doonaa usbuuca ugu horeeya ee bisha Maarso. Dhammaan codsiyada loogu talagalay PPP waxay dhacayaan 31-ka Maarso, 2021. 

Ma u baahan tahay caawimaad xagga codsashada PPP ama fahamka ilaha federaalka ee aad heli karto adiga iyo meheraddaada yaryar? La xiriir Xafiiska Seattle ee Horumarinta Dhaqaalaha (OED) 206-684-8090 ama OED@seattle.gov wixii taageero ah. Waxaad heli kata turjubaan kaa caawina luuqada. Wixii macluumaad dheeraad ah, guji halkan. Xafiiska Seattle ee Horumarinta Dhaqaalaha (OED) waxaa ka go’an inay sameyso dhaqaale loo wada dhan yahay kaasoo ay ka faa’iideysanayso magaalada oo dhan iyadoo horumarinaysa helitaanka fursadaha dhaqaale ee dhammaan bulshooyinka kala duwan ee Seattle. 

Las actualizaciones del Programa de protección de cheques de pago tienen como objetivo eliminar las barreras al apoyo financiero para las pequeñas empresas 

El lunes 22 de febrero, la administración Biden-Harris anunció los siguientes cambios en el programa de asistencia COVID-19 de la Administración de pequeñas empresas de EE. UU. (SBA) para asegurar la equidad: 

  • Del 24 de febrero al 10 de marzo, la SBA establecerá un período de 14 días para la solicitud de préstamos del Programa de protección de cheques de pago (PPP), exclusivamente para empresas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro con menos de 20 empleados. 
  • Los negocios de propietarios únicos, los contratistas independientes y los trabajadores autónomos recibirán más apoyo financiero. 
  • Inmigrantes y refugiados que son propietarios de negocios pequeños que tienen un Número de identificación personal del contribuyente (ITIN), cumplen con los requisitos para solicitar PPP. 
  • Los propietarios de negocios pequeños que estuvieron previamente encarcelados con condenas por delitos graves no fraudulentos tienen derecho a solicitar PPP. 
  • Los propietarios de pequeñas empresas que se ven afectados por la morosidad de la deuda de préstamos estudiantiles federales tienen derecho a solicitar PPP.  

El PPP ofrece préstamos condonables para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas a pagar a sus empleados y otros gastos durante la crisis del COVID-19. Las solicitudes están disponibles tanto para los prestatarios nuevos como los recurrentes. Algunos aspectos destacados de las mejoras al programa de PPP incluyen: 

  • Los prestatarios por primera vez pueden pedir prestado hasta 2.5 veces los costos de nómina mensual promedio de su empresa, hasta un préstamo máximo de $10 millones. 
  • Los prestatarios que regresan pueden pedir prestado una vez que hayan gastado su préstamo PPP anterior. El segundo préstamo puede ser hasta 2.5 veces el costo de nómina mensual promedio de su empresa, hasta un monto de préstamo de $2 millones.  
  • Los negocios de hostelería y alimentación pueden pedir prestado hasta 3.5 veces los costos de nómina mensuales promedio de su empresa, hasta un préstamo máximo de $2 millones de dólares. 
  • Se condonará el 100% del préstamo en base a la división 60% / 40%.  
    • Al menos el 60% del préstamo se utiliza para la nómina o para pagarse a usted mismo si es propietario único o contratista. 
    • Hasta el 40% se utiliza para alquiler, hipoteca, intereses y/o servicios públicos. 
    • Los usos ampliados del préstamo incluyen gastos operativos, daños a la propiedad, costos de proveedores y gastos de salud/protección de los trabajadores. 

El período de solicitud exclusiva de 14 días comienza el miércoles 24 de febrero del 2021; los otros cuatro cambios se implementarán en la primera semana de marzo. Todas las solicitudes para PPP vencen el 31 de marzo del 2021 

¿Necesita ayuda para solicitar el PPP o comprender qué recursos federales están disponibles para usted y su negocio pequeño? Comuníquese con la Oficina de desarrollo económico de Seattle (OED) al 206-684-8090 o escriba a OED@seattle.gov  para obtener ayuda. Se cuenta con asistencia bilingüe en amárico, cantonés, mandarín, coreano, somalí, español, tailandés, tigriña y vietnamita. Para obtener más información, haga clic aquí. La OED está comprometida con la construcción de una economía inclusiva que beneficie a toda la ciudad al promover el acceso a oportunidades económicas para todas las diversas comunidades de Seattle. 

Cập nhật mới nhất của Paycheck Protection Program (PPP, Chương Trình Bảo Vệ Tiền lương) nhằm mục đích xóa bỏ các rào cản để có thể hỗ trợ về tài chính cho các doanh nghiệp nhỏ 

Vào thứ Hai, ngày 22 tháng 2, Cơ Quan Quản Lý Biden-Harris đã công bố những thay đổi sau đây đối với chương trình cứu trợ COVID-19 của Small Business Administration (SBA, Cơ Quan Quản Lý Doanh Nghiệp Nhỏ) của Hoa Kỳ để đảm bảo sự công bằng:  

  • Từ ngày 24 tháng 2 đến ngày 10 tháng 3, SBA sẽ thiết lập thời gian đăng ký khoản vay của Chương Trình Bảo Vệ Tiền Lương (PPP) trong 14 ngày dành riêng cho các doanh nghiệp và tổ chức phi lợi nhuận có ít hơn 20 nhân viên.  
  • Các chủ sở hữu độc lập, các nhà thầu độc lập và các cá nhân tự kinh doanh sẽ nhận được nhiều hỗ trợ tài chính hơn. 
  • Các chủ doanh nghiệp nhỏ là người nhập cư và người tị nạn có Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN, Mã Số Nhận Dạng Người Nộp Thuế Cá Nhân) sẽ đủ điều kiện để đăng ký PPP. 
  • Các chủ doanh nghiệp nhỏ trước đây đã từng bị giam giữ với tiền án không gian lận đủ điều kiện để đăng ký PPP. 
  • Các chủ doanh nghiệp nhỏ bị ảnh hưởng bởi khoản nợ quá hạn cho tiền học của sinh viên của liên bang đủ điều kiện để đăng ký PPP.  

PPP cung cấp các khoản vay có thể xóa nợ để giúp các doanh nghiệp nhỏ trả lương cho nhân viên và các chi phí khác trong cuộc khủng hoảng COVID-19. Thời gian đăng ký được mở cho những người vay lần đầu và người vay lần hai. Một số điểm nổi bật của chương trình PPP cải tiến bao gồm:  

  • Người vay lần đầu có thể vay gấp 2,5 lần số tiền lương trung bình hàng tháng của doanh nghiệp, khoản vay tối đa là 10 triệu đô la. 
  • Những người vay lần hai có thể vay khoản vay PPP trước đó của họ. Khoản vay thứ hai có thể lên đến 2,5 lần số tiền lương trung bình hàng tháng của doanh nghiệp, khoản vay tối đa là 2 triệu đô la. 
  • Doanh Nghiệp Khách Sạn và Thực Phẩm có thể vay gấp 3,5 lần số tiền lương trung bình hàng tháng của doanh nghiệp, khoản vay tối đa là 2 triệu đô la.  
  • 100% khoản vay sẽ được xóa dựa trên mức chia 60%/40%.  
    • Ít nhất 60% khoản vay được sử dụng để trả lương cho nhân viên hoặc tự trả lương cho bản thân nếu quý vị là chủ sở hữu hoặc nhà thầu độc lập. 
    • Không quá 40% khoản vay được sử dụng để trả tiền thuê mặt bằng, thế chấp, lãi suất và/hoặc các tiện ích. 
    • Khoản vay được mở rộng để sử dụng cho các chi phí hoạt động, thiệt hại tài sản, chi phí hàng hóa và chi phí để bảo vệ sức khỏe nhân viên. 

Thời gian áp dụng độc quyền 14 ngày bắt đầu từ Thứ Tư, ngày 24 tháng 2 năm 2021; bốn thay đổi khác sẽ được thực hiện vào tuần đầu tiên của tháng Ba. Hạn chót nộp đơn cho tất cả các đơn đăng ký PPP là ngày 31 tháng 3 năm 2021.  

Quý vị có cần sự trợ giúp để đăng ký PPP hoặc để biết thêm những nguồn lực hỗ trợ của liên bang nào có sẵn cho quý vị và doanh nghiệp nhỏ của quý vị không? Hãy liên hệ với Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED, Văn Phòng Phát Triển Kinh Tế Seattle) theo số 206-684-8090 hoặc OED@seattle.gov để được hỗ trợ. Hỗ trợ song ngữ có sẵn bằng tiếng Amharic, tiếng Quảng Đông, tiếng Quan Thoại, tiếng Hàn, tiếng Somali, tiếng Tây Ban Nha, tiếng Thái, tiếng Tgrinya và tiếng Việt. Để biết thêm thông tin, bấm vào đây. OED cam kết xây dựng một nền kinh tế toàn diện mang lại lợi ích cho toàn thành phố bằng cách thúc đẩy khả năng tiếp cận  các cơ hội kinh tế cho tất cả các cộng đồng đa dạng của Seattle. 

Creative Leaders that are Making a Difference in Seattle’s Creative Industry

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As part of our commitment to amplifying Black creative businesses, workers and their contributions to Seattle’s identity and economy during Black History Month and beyond, we are thrilled to share these interviews between local creatives and business owners Nathan Nzanga and Talaya Logan.

Nathan Nzanga is a first-generation Congolese American storyteller from Seattle. He describes himself as having “a whole lot of love to share” and not “just a rapper, but a Storyteller.” 

 My name is Nathan Nzanga! I was born in Seattle and grew up in Shoreline. I’m a love advocate! When I was growing up I learned about the power of storytelling. Stories break down barriers and bring people together. Stories have the power to connect people in the midst trials and tribulations or the midst of triumphs and celebration. Being an artist is my opportunity to find myself and be there for someone else at the same time!

The pandemic really hit the performing arts community hard! I was just beginning to start traveling to perform before the lockdown. The virtual adjustment has been fun, but I definitely still miss sharing the music in the same physical space. I miss the eye contact and the universal connection made between everyone in the room! We’ve moved forward by trying to rock as many virtual shows as possible! I think The lockdown has helped me tighten up my own abilities too! I’ve been recording myself and sending vocals to my team back and forth all year. It’s now always an option to work whether I’m in the studio or not. 

We recently produced a short film called Enough: A Dream, A Nightmare, A Musical. It’s two part music video and documentary that captures interviews  of me growing up. It’s all about the pursuit of love and empathy while dealing with racial tensions and policing. Enough is the lead single to a project we’re releasing this year called Accountabilabuddy. The concept behind it is that I’m willing to have your back in hopes that you’ll be willing to have mine. 

I’m really looking forward to putting out our new music and one day being on stage again. I’m looking forward to all the new people our art may allow us to meet on the journey. Seattle’s got a great community of artists and creative business owners, so it’s amazing seeing more and more folk from the hometown shining and bringing a light on our city.

For more creativity from Nathan, visit his:  website, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Instagram or Twitter. 

Nathan sat down with his friend, fellow creative and business owner, Talaya Logan to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on her business, her experiences within the industry, her growth and success, and hopes for the future and others in the industry!

Nathan: How has the pandemic affected you as a producer, engineer and recording artist?  

Talaya: Oddly enough, I’m one of the people that have benefited the most during the pandemic. People are coming to me saying that they realize how much they don’t really need their 9-5, and that they’re ready to make their passion for music a career. Most times that starts with recording their music. I’ve been blessed to share what I’ve learned and been able to help people actualize their music. It’s amazing to witness.  

Nathan: How have you had to adjust artistically and/or financially?  

Talaya: This is an area of life that I expected to take the hardest hit during the pandemic, but it’s taken the greatest rise because people are really focusing on their careers. I’m working with more clients and revaluing work by setting appropriate pricing for engineering, vocal production, songwriting and recently artist development. The past year has truly allowed to me grow my small business and pool of community resources.  

Nathan: What’s it like making connections in a male-dominated field?  

Talaya: It’s been somewhat of a challenge. I’ve had people tell me that I don’t need to mention that I’m Black or a woman and I completely disagree with that because there are about 7 million people in the state of Washington and about 318,000 of those people are Black (2018 census). When you factor in age (21) and gender, that leaves probably about 10 people in my field that look like me. I only know of two other Black femme identifying engineers in Washington, so I feel the need to make who I am known because people who look like me and do this work deserve representation. 

Nathan: Do you take pride in being a Black artist from Seattle and why?  

Talaya: I do take pride in being a Black artist from Seattle mainly for the reasons mentioned previously. There are so few of us and often it feels like crabs in a barrel, but there’s a Renaissance coming. In fact, I believe it’s already started. There are so many new artists on the scene with incredible talent and hunger. I think it’s going to build a great infrastructure for the future of Seattle music. 

Nathan: As the year goes on, what’s something you’re looking forward to? 

Talaya: Something I’m looking forward to is releasing my first album and financial stability. I’m really excited to have a space of my own and really step into adulthood. Sometimes I still feel imposter syndrome. Like, who I am to be grown and live off my passion? But I know that I’m completely capable and my hard work is going to pay off soon. I’m really looking forward to that moment where I can say I finally did it. I got to the next platform in which I will then decide what my next goal is and crush it. 

Talaya Logan is an engineer, vocal producer, songstress and beat maker from Seattle. She is inspired to “connect ears with hearts one song at a time.” One recent collaboration she produced is with creative Charles Zaid, who released his debut EP this week. Talaya did the recording, vocal production, mixing and mastering on the project.  

For more creativity from Talaya, visit her page, SoundCloud, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Seattle Office of Economic Development and Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Expand Youth Web Design Program supporting Black Owned Small Businesses and BIPOC Students

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Check out the Youth Web Design Program Re-cap video here!

Yesterday, Mayor Jenny Durkan, Council President Gonzalez, and Councilmember Morales joined the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) to celebrate the success of the Youth Web Design Pilot Program and announce its expansion for 2021. OED and ULMS held a virtual program  to recognize the first cohort of students and small business participants. The Youth Web Design program was created in partnership with ULMS as a COVID-19 response, providing an opportunity for BIPOC students to learn web design and create websites for Black-owned small businesses that were without or had limited web presence prior to the pandemic.   

The pandemic instantly reduced or eliminated funding for paid career opportunities and internships for students, while Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order and subsequent phased re-opening guidelines required small businesses to change their operation models to stop the spread of the virus—greatly impacting the businesses revenue, customer base, or ability to function at all. In response to these economic and social challenges, OED and ULMS developed this pilot program to educate, train and employ young people, and support Black-owned businesses’ ability to stay open and operate in our new virtual reality.  

“The past year has brough unprecedented challenges to everyone in our City – but it has been even more challenging for our black and African American youth and small business owners, who have been disproportionately impacted by the economic downturn during COVID-19. The Youth Web Design program teaches Seattle’s BIPOC youth new skills while simultaneously providing assistance to black-owned businesses who need it most,” Said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “As Seattle begins to recover from COVID-19, the effort needs to be equitable and thoughtful. By supporting the future careers of Black youth and uplifting Black-owned small businesses in our community, OED and ULMS have done more than just provide a short-term fix – they are building the groundwork for a more just, equitable, and economically vibrant future for our city.”  

 
“The Youth Web Design Program directly responds to the needs of our young people and Black-owned, small businesses. I will continue to ensure the City of Seattle invests in programs that help people survive and navigate these current crises. We must continue to work and innovate together to equip people and small businesses to come out stronger on the other side of this pandemic. Thank you to the OED staff and our partners at the Urban League for their hard work and important collaboration on this program.” said Council President Lorena Gonzalez (Position 9/Citywide)  

“This program is a win-win for both Black-owned businesses pivoting to online sales and marketing due to the pandemic and BIPOC youth, allowing them to gain skills in the underrepresented creative industry economy. Thanks to the Office of Economic Development for continuing to center equity and economic justice in our city’s COVID recovery efforts. As we re-open and rebuild our economy, we must continue to look for opportunities to support Black small business owners as they pivot their business models to meet the needs of our changed economy, and train young people in the careers of the future, especially those from BIPOC communities,” said Councilmember Tammy J. Morales (District 2, South Seattle and the C/ID). 

ULMS recruited 16 BIPOC high school students and designed a 6-week curriculum that provided web design training, industry accredited website design certification, opportunities to consult with Black-owned small business owners, and a paid stipend for their work. OED identified 16 Black-owned small businesses that were interested and in need of website support, to pivot their operations to function and remain competitive. In 2021, OED and Urban League will host two new cohorts that will serve 30 additional BIPOC students and up to 60 interested Black-owned businesses. Students will also have the opportunity to earn Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits toward their graduation requirements in addition to learning web design and marketing, earning a industry accredited website design certification, and receiving a paid stipend. 

Black-owned businesses who participated in the Youth Web Design pilot are:  

·        Drae’s Lake Route (9261 57th Ave S; Rainier Beach) 

·        King Philly Cheesesteaks (7820 Rainier Ave S; Rainier Beach) 

·        Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant (2800 East Cherry St; Central District) 

·        Seattle Chicken Express (3621 33rd Ave S; Rainier Valley) 

·        Enat Ethiopian Restaurant (11546 15th Ave NE; Northgate) 

·        Yusra & Sabah Restaurant (7729 Rainier Ave S; Rainier Beach) 

·        Mama Sambusa Kitchen (8300 Wabash Ave S, Rainier Beach) 

·        Soulful Dishes (1800 E Yesler Way; Central District) 

·        Safari Njema Restaurant (5041 Rainier Ave S; Columbia City)   

·        Seattle Best BBQ (Food Truck)  

·        Chef Café Ethiopian Restaurant (2200 S Jackson St; Central District) 

·        Tres’ House of Cheesesteaks (Food Truck) 

·        Queen Sheba Ethiopian (916 E John St; Capitol Hill) 

·        The New You (1410 18th Ave; Capitol Hill) 

·        Fulfilled Needs (3100 S Alaska St; Columbia City)   

·        NS With Beauty (5038 Wilson Ave S, Seward Park) 

“As we work together to re-open Seattle’s economy, we must do so in an equitable manner that creates a better future for our communities of color—especially Black and African Americans whose businesses are facing crises exasperated by COVID, and who are under-represented in industries that have high earning jobs.” said Pamela Banks, Interim Director of OED who is focused on Seattle’s recovery efforts. “This is why OED and ULMS created a new model for work -based learning that includes training for skills needed for in demand jobs with high wage earning potential, social capital building, and paid work experience for our students, and connection to the tech resources our Black-owned small businesses need to survive this crises and thrive in the future.”  

“We need to be intentional about providing a space where students can gain industry-level skills and prepare to enter jobs that will lead to a successful future” said Michelle Merriweather, CEO of the ULMS. “The Youth Web Design program provides our students with an early opportunity to learn lucrative, transferable web skills, all while supporting local business owners who are navigating this pandemic, doing their best  to remain open in our communities.”  

The pandemic has exposed growing economic disparities for young people and small businesses, especially for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Young people were over-represented in Unemployment Insurance claims early in the pandemic, likely due to the nature of the occupations with high layoff rates. Additionally, in King County, Black/African American claimants have 2.9% higher representation in the new claimant pool than in the labor force. While Seattle is home to some of the largest and most influential tech companies, career connected learning experiences and pipelines to these industries for BIPOC students have been limited. Data demonstrates that Black/African Americans are under-represented in the tech industry that overwhelmingly offers opportunities to the high-earning jobs of today and the future. For example:  

o   In the US Labor Force in 2020, Black employees made up only 6% of software and web developers. (Source: US Bureau of Labor and Statistics) 

o   In 2018, Equal Employment Opportunity reports filed by Google, Facebook and Twitter showed that out of a combined workforce of 41,000 employees, only 758, or 1.8%, were Black. 

o   In 2019, the national median pay for web developers (often requiring an Associate’s Degree) was $73,760 and software developers’ median pay was $107,510 (often requiring a Bachelor’s Degree). Overall, the median annual wage for computer and information technology jobs was $88,240. (Source: US BLS) 

“Overall my experience was incredible. I enjoyed having the chance to use my creativity in a new way. This has helped me answer the question, of whether or not I want to pursue Computer Science. And I do!” Said Brianna, a student in the program.  

“Heading into my junior year of high school, it seemed appropriate to explore what I truly wanted to do in life.” said Keymani, a student in the program. “This program gave me the opportunity to take part in a new spectrum, that is growing in today’s society, and with these new skills, it will not only benefit myself for the future but also allow me to share my knowledge and help others interested in web design.” 

Another student, Lucy, states “This program was very beneficial towards my future plans. Personally, I’m not set on what I want to pursue in the future yet, but the skills I learned through the web design program can be used in so many ways. With the world growing in technology, having the ability to make a website can benefit all my future endeavors.” 

At the same time, having an online presence and e-commerce capabilities has been a lifeline to small businesses. Those without these resources disproportionately suffer in comparison to businesses with strong technology resources. In a report on COVID-19’s effect on minority-owned small businesses, McKinsey & Company stresses the importance of programs that increase access to technology by helping small businesses “get online, develop apps, and launch pick-up and delivery services.”3 Not only do these programs address immediate needs to adjust business models, but they also build resilience and competitiveness among small businesses. 

“We are a Black, Muslim woman-owned business located in South Seattle, and we specialize in Somali street food. I think this program is amazing and the timing is truly a blessing as we were in need of a website, especially during this pandemic.” said Honey Mohammed, owner of Mama Sambusa. “I actually have a 14-year old brother who attends Garfield High School, and this is exactly the kind of technology-focused program he loves to participate in. I hope that this program continues next year so that my little brother and more of his peers can be part of it.” 

OED and ULMS will host the next cohorts of this program in the Summer and Fall of 2021. Black-owned businesses interested in this resource must be Seattle-based, have an up-to-date Seattle Business License Number, and can sign up for more information through the online portal, in advance of applications opening in March 2021. The ULMS will choose student participants from their existing connections with youth serving organizations and programs throughout the City.  

In addition to the Youth Web design program, OED serves small businesses, workers, and young people in Seattle through programs such as the Small Business Stabilization Fund, Digital Bridge, Lease Amendment Toolkit, Career Connected Learning Grants, and technical assistance for City, State and Federal resources. For more information on the Youth Web Design program as well as other investments and programs OED has that serve small businesses, and support strategies for workforce development and creative industries—visit our website, email oed@seattle.gov, or call 206-684-8090.  

QueenCare Opens Second Location on 23rd and Jackson

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QueenCare owner and founder, Monika Matthews, cutting the ribbon at the new flagship store location in the Central District (Jackson/23rd). Video by Jacqueline Wu.

“Listen, this is for the Central District legacy! For every young black male, young black female who ever wanted to be anything. This is for all of you right here, on 23rd and Jackson baby!” announced Monika Matthews, founder and owner of QueenCare – a luxury body-care line. 

On February 11, Matthews opened her flagship in the new Jackson Apartment, celebrating alongside Seattle Councilmember Tammy Morales, Ventures Nonprofit Executive Director Beto Yarce, Vulcan Inc. Commercial Marketing & Leasing Manager Laura Geralyn Vannoy, past and present QueenCare interns, and community members.

Councilmember Tammy Morales (right), Monica Matthews (center), Ventures Nonproft Executive Director Beto Yarce (left) at the grand opening. Photo by Jacqueline Wu.

QueenCare is the first retail and black-owned business in the redeveloped 23rd and Jackson promenade. More importantly, QueenCare’s new store front is an example of Black-owned businesses returning to the Central District after being displaced due to varying forces including; construction,  economic disruption from the redevelopment, infrastructure updates, and gentrificationThis moment would not be possible without the resiliency of the Black community, and  demands to developers and the City for affordable housing and commercial retail space in the Central District.  

QueenCare was Seattle Office of Economic Development’s (OED) Small Business of the Month in April 2019. We caught up with Matthews during the grand opening to talk about her business expansion, navigating the pandemic, Queencare’s internship program, and what’s next.

OED: For those who may not be familiar with QueenCare, what is QueenCare?

Monika Matthews (MM): The whole premise here at QueenCare is to indulge, engage, and uplift. We indulge in selfcare practices and promote it, so that we can realize optimal health. We engage with one another other to get to know each closer; get to know each other’s way of life so we can treat each other a little bit better and with more respect. And then uplift, as we’re uplifting our youth in the community, and in particular our African American youth, to make sure that they have the marketable skills to be able to compete. We’re all about economic development and making sure we have a legacy to leave for generations to come.

QueenCare Products at the new Seattle flagship in the Central District. Photo by Jacqueline Wu.

OED: Why did you decide to open a Central District location?

MM: Wow, oh my goodness, I have to give all of the shout outs to Ventures Nonprofit! Ventures really advocated for this thing I’m calling “equity in action” – they work together with Vulcan. Put out an application for this subsidized rent space, I applied, and I was selected. So shout out to Ventures!

OED: The last time we talked to you was two years ago. What has changed in those two years?

MM: We have our second location now; we still have our Columbia City location. But we’re just growing and growing, and we’re able to expand our capacity to serve more youth, and that’s so very, very important. And everybody hey, Shop Your Block!

OED: How has your business been able to adapt to COVID-19?

 MM: COVID-19 has been the challenge of a lifetime. We have learned a lot of hard lessons and we had to learn them fast. But the biggest thing we learned, is that we have to hone in on what the market is needing and what is essential at the moment. Our decision to make handsanitizer and hand soap saved our business, we made that decision in a split second and because we did that, we were able to weather the storm.

Matthews with QueenCare interns, past and present. QueenCare hosts high school and college youth internships where they learn personal development, entrepreneurship, and hands-on experience. Photo by Jacqueline Wu.

OED: Can you describe a little about your internship program?

MM: Our internship program hires 5 high school youth every single year. We also have two internships for college age students as well. They have personal development workshops, they learn all about the tenants of entrepreneurship, and then they get hands on experience actually working in our store and getting the skills that they need. It’s really experiential learning, it’s not just textbook learning.

We have girls who started their own business, about 75% of them went on to start their own business and are doing really well. It was really important for them during the pandemic because they were able to make additional funds during a time when everything was shut down, including their regular jobs. We’re really excited about out internship program. 

QueenCare products, from bath bombs, hair & body oil, body wash, shea cream, candles, fragrance oils and spa experiences. Photo by Jacqueline Wu.

OED: What’s next for QueenCare?

MM: Oh my goodness, another location! Whoo!

OED: Any last words for this interview?

Yes, I want to say thank you to the Office of Economic Development, to Heidi Hall. Heidi Hall was one of our first customers actually and she has been so very supportive of making sure that we have the information that we need. Just thank you so very much.

You can visit Matthews and the queens of QueenCare at their Central District (2315 S Jackson St), and Columbia City (3702 S Hudson St Ste. 103) locations, or shop online at queencareproducts.com.

Matthews posing with roses in front of her new Central District location at the grand opening. Photo by Jacqueline Wu.

Are you an entrepreneur who is looking to start or grow your business? Or are you a business owner looking for COVID-19 assistance with financial resources or commercial lease assistance? OED’s Small Business Advocates are working with business owners to connect them with resources they need and to serve as their advocate in City government. Click here to get in touch with a Small Business Advocate.

Be Prepared for Seattle Winter Weather

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English  

Snow and ice removal from sidewalks adjacent to your property or jobsite: it’s your responsibility!   

Our snow and ice plan includes keeping major streets open and passable—to the greatest extent possible—within 12 hours of a lull in a storm. It does not include clearing sidewalks, driveways, entryways, and parking lots because there are many miles of travel lanes throughout the city that are critical for travel to hospitals, grocery stores, schools, and other key places.  

Amharic  

ልም በረዶንና ርግ በረዶን ከንብረትዎ ወይም ከስስራ ቦታዎ አጠገብ ማስወገድ አላፍነትዎ ነው!  

የእኛ የልም በረዶና ርግ በረዶ ዕቅድ የሚያካትተው ዋና ዋና መንዶችን  — በተቻለ መጠን — በ12 ሰዓታት ውስጥ አውሎ ንፋስ በቀላቀለው ክስተት ውስጥ አንደ በሚከፈተው ክፍተት አስተላላፊ እንዲሆን ማድረግ። መንገዶች ዳርን፥ የሚያሽከረክሩበትን መንገዶችን፥ መግቢያ መንገዶችንና ማቆሚያ ስፍራዎችን ማፅዳት አያካትትም ምክንያቱም በመላው ከተማ ውስጥ ወዴ ሆስፕታሎች፥ ማከማቻ ግሮሰሪዎች፥ ት/ቤቶች እና ሌሎች ወሳኝ ቦታዎች የሚወስዱ ብዙ ማይሎች መስመሮች አሉ።  

Chinese (Traditional)  

清除您的房地產或工地旁邊人行道上的雪和冰是您的責任！  

我們的冰雪計畫包括在暴風雪暫息後的12個小時內盡最大可能保持主要道路的開通。此計畫不包含清掃人行道、車道、入口通道或停車場，因為全城有諸多英哩的機動車道，而這些路線對於民眾前往醫院、超市、學校，以及其他主要地點都至關重要。  

Chinese (Simplified)  

清除您的地产或工地旁边人行道上的雪和冰是您的责任！  

我们的冰雪计划包括在暴风雪暂息后的12个小时内尽最大可能保持主要道路的开通。此计划不包括清扫人行道、车道、入口通道或停车场，因为全城有诸多英里的机动车道，而这些路线对于民众前往医院、超市、学校，以及其他主要地点都至关重要。  

Korean  

건물 또는 작업장에 인접한 보도에서 눈과 얼음 제거이는 여러분의 책임입니다!   

스노우 및 아이스 플랜*은 폭풍우가 잠잠한 12시간 이내에 가능하면 최대한 주요 거리를 개방하고 통행할 수 있도록 하는 것입니다. 병원, 식료품점, 학교, 그리고 다른 주요 장소로 이동하는 데 필수적인 수 많은 이동 차선이 도시 전역에 깔려 있으므로 보도, 자동차 전용 도로, 진입로, 주차장을 청소하는 것은 이 플랜에 포함되지 않습니다.  

Oromo  

Cabbii shishifiifi cabbie kattaa’ee qarqarawwan daandii bakkeewwan qabeenyaafi hojii keessanitti dhiyoo ta’anii maqsuu Itti gaafatamummaa keessan!  

Karoorri  cabbii shishifaafi cabbii katta’aa keenya kan qabatu hanga danda’ametti — saatii 12 keessatti bubbee rooba makatee takkaa dhaabbatee  keessatti — daandiiwwan gurguddoo banaafi kan dabarsan akka ta’an gochuu.

Somali  

Barafka iyo barafka dhagaxoobeyba in aad ka qaado wadooyinka ay dadku maraan ee jidka dhinac mara ee u dhow gurigaaga ama goobtaada shaqada waa mas’uuliyadaada!  

Qorshaheenna barafka iyo barafka dhagaxoobey waxaa ku jira in laga dhigo wadooyinka waaweyn kuwo furan oo la mari karo—ilaa iyo inta ugu badan ee suuragalka ah—muddo 12 saacadood gudahooda laga soo bilaabo marka ay duufaantu joogsato.  Kuma jiraan nadiifinta wadooyinka ay dadku maraan ee jidka dhinac mara, wadooyinka gala guryaha dadka, wadooyinka guryaha laga galo, iyo meelaha gawaarida la dhigto sababtoo ah waxaa jira maylal badan oo wadooyinka lagu socdaalo ee guud ahaan mara magaalada gudaheeda oo muhiim u ah safarrada lagu tago cusbitaallada, dukaamada raashiinka lagu iibiyo, iskuullada, iyo meelaha kale ee muhiimka ah.  

Spanish  

Quitar la nieve y el hielo de las aceras cercanas a su propiedad o lugar de trabajo es su responsabilidad!  

Nuestro plan de hielo y nieve incluye mantener las calles principales abiertas y transitables, en la medida de lo posible, dentro de las 12 horas después de que la tormenta haya calmado. Esto no incluye despejar las aceras, las entradas para autos o personas y los estacionamientos, ya que hay muchas millas de carriles de circulación dentro de la ciudad que son fundamentales para acceder a hospitales, supermercados, escuelas y otros lugares importantes.  

Tagalog  

Pag-aalis ng snow at yelo mula sa mga sidewalk na kahilera ng iyong ari-arian o lugar kung saan nagtatrabaho pananagutan ninyo ito!  

Ang aming plano para sa snow at yelo kasama na ang pananatiling bukas at madadaanan ng mga pangunahing kalsada—hangga’t maaari sa pinakamalaking saklaw na maaari—sa loob ng 12 oras sa pagkakalma ng isang bagyo. Hindi kasama ang paglilinis ng mga sidewalk, mga daanan, mga pasukan, at paradahan dahil maraming mga milya ng kalsada sa buong lungsod ang kritikal para makabiyahe sa mga ospital, grocery store, paaralan, at iba pang mga pangunahing lugar.  

Tigrinya  

ኣብ ጥቓ ገዛ ወይ ስራሕ ቦታ ካብ ዝርከብ ማርሻቤዲ በረድ ወይ ስነው ምውጋድ ናትካ ሓላፍነት አዩ!  

ናይ በረድን ስነው ትልምና ዘካትቶ ድሕሪ ማዕበል ኣብ ውሽጢ 12 ሰዓታት —ክንድቲ ዝክኣል—ብምፅራይ መብዛሕትኦም መንገድታት ክፉትን ምንቅስቓስ ዘኽእሉ ጌርካ ምቕፃል፡፡ ማርሻበዲ፣ መኪና ደው መበሊ፣ መዕፀፍን መእተውን ግና ኣየካትትን፡ ናይዚ ምክንያት ድማ እዚ ዝሽፍኖ ነዊሕ ርሕቀት ብምኳኑ ንሕና ነፅርዮ ወሰንቲ ዝኾኑን ናብ ሆስፒታል፣ ድኳናት፣ ቤት ትምህርትታትን ካልኦት ቁልፊ ከባብታት ዝወስዱ መንገድታት እዮም፡፡  

Vietnamese  

Dọn tuyết và băng ở vỉa hè liền kề với nhà cửa hoặc nơi làm việc của quý vị đó là trách nhiệm của quý vị!  

Kế hoạch dọn tuyết và băng của chúng tôi bao gồm duy trì sự hoạt động và lưu thông của các đường phố chính - ở mức độ cao nhất có thể - trong vòng 12 giờ tính từ lúc cơn bão tạm lắng. Hoạt động này không bao gồm việc dọn sạch các vỉa hè, đường lái xe vào nhà, lối vào và bãi đậu xe bởi vì có rất nhiều dặm đường đi lại trong khắp thành phố cần phải được ưu tiên dọn dẹp để phục vụ việc đi tới bệnh viện, siêu thị, trường học và các địa điểm quan trọng khác.  

Small Business Update Webinar: January 28, 2021

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The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) is committed to supporting small businesses as we work together to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Highlights of our January 28 webinar session include:

  • Key elements of the new 2021 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Update
  • New tax provision and updates
  • Washington Small Business Development Center Assistance and Advising

Below are links from the January 28 webinar (please note, you must register for the webinar in order to listen to the recording).

Please continue to monitor this blog and our website for updated information from OED.

Worker Wednesday: Trinity

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In 2014, Trinity relocated to Boston, MA from Malawi as an au pair – a program where families with financial means hire a nanny to help with housework or childcare in exchange for room and board. While this program offered her an opportunity for work in the US, initial promises of education assistance and other support were delayed or rescinded. Due to the lack of support, Trinity had the option of returning home to Malawai—which she couldn’t afford—or find a new direction. After connecting with friends who lived in Seattle, Trinity was encouraged to move to the area for greater opportunity.  

A headshot of Trinity who participated in the Introduction to Healthcare Apprenticeship Program (IHAP) where she received training in entry-level healthcare sector jobs and has taken their first step to becoming a register nurse.
Trinity participated in the Introduction to Healthcare Apprenticeship Program (IHAP) where she has taken their first step to becoming a register nurse.

Once in Seattle, Trinity connected with a Malawian group on Whatsapp, where she saw a flyer for the Introduction to Healthcare Apprenticeship Program (IHAP). IHAP is a free Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI) employment program that trains entry-level job seekers in the healthcare sector. IHAP classes are taught online giving trainees flexibility. Participants who don’t have access to a computer, internet, or need additional digital literacy training also receive support from Digital Bridge – a program that connects low-income job seekers with free laptops and Wi-Fi to complete job training programs online and apply for jobs. IHAP participants are also given weekly stipends, connected to professional coaches and mentors, and receive assistance in navigating social services.

Within a short time, Trinity signed up for IHAP, met with a Case Manager remotely to complete the necessary paperwork, and entered the program to start her new beginning—a beginning that was different than previous experiences she had in Malawi.  “In my country, you can go to school and learn, but to get a job—that’s hard.” said Trinity. “Here, I can get a job and I can do anything for my kids.”

Upon entering the IHAP program, Trinity quickly showed her commitment to her career goals to become a nurse. Before graduating the IHAP program,  Trinity had an interview scheduled with a partnering hospital, and within a week after graduation she received a job offer as a Patient Sitter with Swedish Hospital—a position that puts her one step closer to becoming a Registered Nurse. Trinity was able to continue working with SJI in preparation for her new Patient Sitter role, which she started in January. “I will receive a paycheck and be able to pay for food, rent, and other things I was unable to pay for before,” said Trinity, upon reflecting how her new job has changed her life. “I will be able to live and move independently. A job will also help further my career.”

After completing IHAP, Trinity told her Case Manager, “To be honest, you guys are helping people. What I’ve noticed for me, we Africans are shy and don’t know how to share our story. People from my community want to do the same thing that I am doing right now (IHAP program), but they don’t have the documents to be able to do the program. Other programs would tell you that they would help you, but they don’t.”

Since completing IHAP, Trinity has completed her Certified Nursing Assistant classes and is preparing to  take the state exam.

The Seattle Office of Economic Development’s (OED) Workforce Development and Key Industry Team focuses on the development and implementation of strategies that promote growth in key industry sectors including healthcare,  maritime, manufacturing, IT, the creative sector and clean technology. OED partners with organizations such as SJI to develop and implement programs like IHAP to improve access points for adults and youth from underserved and underrepresented communities to careers in targeted growth industries. OED works closely with education and employer partners to align education and training programs with industry needs to give jobseekers targeted in-demand skills while also helping businesses access the talent they need to grow.

For those interested in IHAP, register for the next information sessions to be held on February 8 and 9, 2021 by contacting the IHAP Project Manager Franke Roe at froe@seattlejobsinit.com or 206-859-4879.

Seattle Youth of the Month – Lucero Torres

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Seattle Youth of the Month spotlights  young people who are participating in a Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) sponsored career exploration program or internship.  

January’s Seattle Youth of the Month is Lucero Torres! Lucero graduated from Seattle Central’s Visual Media Program this past summer and is currently participating in the Cultural & Creative Workforce Development Internship pilot program.  

Headshot of Lucero Torres
January Seattle Youth of the Month is Lucero Torres, a recent graduate of Seattle Central’s Visual Media program and Cultural & Creative Workforce Development Intern at Milli.

The Cultural & Creative Workforce Development Internship is a collaboration between Northwest Folklife, OED and Seattle Office of Arts and Culture (ARTS). This internship program provides young adults age16 – 25, opportunities to sharpen skills and competencies in culturally and creatively focused occupations. Interns are assigned to a creative or cultural agency like Vera Project, Northwest Film Forum, Próxima Generación, and more.  The program strives to develop hands-on experiences, foster networks, and provide participants with an introduction to the creative industry.

“Prior to COVID-19, we created this program to give paid creative internship opportunities to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) youth. The Creative Economy Report that our office commissioned highlighted that women and people of color are underrepresented in many creative occupations. We wanted to change that by developing a program that deepen young peoples’ connection to their communities and peers, builds their social capital, and provides them with the necessary skills for the emerging economy,” said Sasha Gourevitch, OED Youth Employment Development Advisor.

“During the pandemic, we see that youth of color continue to be the most impacted by the pandemic due to three main challenges: a public health crisis, racism, and economic recession. Many entry level jobs and internship positions were eliminated by the economic impacts of COVID-19, creating fewer opportunities for Seattle‘s youth. OED is investing in programs, like the Cultural & Creative Workforce Development Internship, to support Seattle youth and the creative industry.”

As part of the program, Lucero is interning with Milli – a creative agency that specializes in strategy, social media, and content creation. Before starting the internship, Lucero had no previous experience working in a creative agency, but had a few freelance gigs as a video editor, assisting camera for short films and a feature, as well as photography shoots for a clothing line. Lucero also had some other previous work experience in retail, food services, and caring for plants in a nursery.

“Some of the people who work for Milli, they went through the same program (Seattle Central’s Visual Media Program) I went through – so I was familiar with their work and Instagram. Milli posted the internship on their Instagram and that’s how I heard about the program,” said Lucero. “I like the content that Milli produces and I felt that the internship gave me opportunities to grow as a creative professional.”

Being part of a creative agency is a new experience that Lucero initially found intimidating. However, the Milli team made her feel comfortable and encouraged her to contribute her ideas to the creative process. As part of her internship with Milli, Lucero supports content creation from planning to the development of projects. She’s included in client and project planning meetings, where the team asks for her input and feedback. During photo shoots, she assists with equipment and lighting. Lucero enjoys getting an opportunity to contribute creatively and continue developing her photo and video skills.

“I am super happy that I found this opportunity with Milli. They are really great at incorporating me, giving me the opportunity to come up with concepts and give feedback. Looking at the way the team works and communicates with their clients, has been a teachable moment – I hope that in the future I can be more in charge. Something I will take away from this experience is working with a team of creative professionals and being responsive with clients.”

During the internship, Lucero was able to build relationships and connect with other creatives – a key goal of the program in supporting youth build their networks and career. While working at Milli, Lucero re-connected with other creatives she knew from school, and established relationships with new creatives in different fields such as stylists and production assistants. In the future, Lucero hopes to continue working as a photographer and collaborate with other creatives.

  • Pedestrians crossing the street in San Francisco Chinatown.
  • San Francisco Chinatown
  • Motorcyclists on Golden Gate Bridge
Lucero shared some of her street photography from a trip to San Francisco. View more of Lucero’s work here or follow her on Instagram at @lucero.jpg.

OED, ARTS, and Northwest Folklife will continue to invest in the Cultural & Creative Workforce Development Internship program. Currently, the program is seeking additional employer to provide internships for young creatives.  Internships range 12-24 weeks, and interns work 12-14 hours a week at their internship sites, and 1-2 hours with Northwest Folklife. Hosting is no cost to the employers. Interested employers can contact. Northwest Folklife’s Cultural and Creative Workforce Development Program Manager, Khalia Carter at khalia@nwfolklife.org. Young people ages 16-25 who are interested in careers in the creative industry can check out opportunities and internships here.