Mayor Jenny Durkan Announces Initial 250 Grantees of the Small Business Stabilization Fund

April 13, 2020 by Kari Tupper

“At the City, we’re doing everything we can locally to support our small businesses and workers during this unprecedented moment in history. Working together in the early days of this crisis, we quickly created this $2.5 million Small Business Stabilization Fund, which has become a model for cities across our country.”
Mayor Jenny Durkan

Earlier today, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced the initial 250 grantees of the City’s $2.5 million Small Business Stabilization Fund.

The fund provides $10,000 grants to small businesses financially impacted by COVID-19. Nearly 9,000 small businesses applied for the first round of the City’s Small Business Stabilization Fund, demonstrating that the need goes far beyond what the City can provide without further support from the private sector, philanthropic partners, and economic relief from the federal government.

With loans and grants available at the state and federal level, OED has also created a comprehensive resource page for workers and small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and is providing technical assistance to support our small businesses

Find a complete list of grantees for the initial round of the Small Business Stabilization Fund here.

Cities across the country — including San Francisco, Atlanta, and New York City — have reached out to learn more about the Stabilization Fund and try to replicate this model in their own communities. On April 1, Mayor Durkan signed into law her legislation to ensure the City of Seattle can accept donations, including for initiatives like supporting small businesses through stabilization funding and for families via food vouchers.

Comcast donates $50,000 to support next round of Small Business Stabilization Fund

“I am grateful to Comcast for their commitment to help fund further rounds of the Stabilization Fund and support the small businesses that make Seattle the best city in the country.”
Mayor Jenny Durkan

Comcast has donated $50,000 to address the urgent need for future rounds of the Stabilization Fund. This investment will help ensure the Office of Economic Development (OED) can continue providing direct capital assistance to small business owners struggling to support their employees and stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested individuals and organizations can donate to the Stabilization Fund by emailing covidpledge@seattle.gov.

Rodrigo Lopez, Regional Senior Vice President of the Comcast Washington region, said “We recognize the important role that small businesses play in our economy and our community. Now more than ever they need our support and we are pleased to do our part. We also know that internet service is essential and are working hard every day to ensure that our network is helping both businesses and residents across of our community keep connected.”

The Mayor explained, “With nearly 9,000 small businesses applying to the first round of the Stabilization Fund, it’s clear that the need far outweighs what the City can provide to our small businesses.

“I urge all those who are able to support future rounds of this fund, and also support our small businesses by ordering pickup, delivery, or shopping online during this unprecedented time. While we to do everything we can at the City level to support small businesses, I will continue to advocate at the state and federal level to ensure our region receives the economic relief we need, both now and as we recover.”

City of Seattle actions and the critical role of state and federal resources

The City also recently launched the #SupportSeattleSmallBiz map, which helps residents find small businesses providing takeout or delivery in their neighborhood. The map allows users to search for open small businesses in their neighborhood and navigate directly to a business’ website or third-party delivery service page. As of April 8, 1,198 small businesses are included in the map, which has been viewed 185,000 times. If you’re a business owner interested in adding your information to the #SupportSeattleSmallBiz map, please contact the City at supportsmallbiz@seattle.gov.

Mayor Durkan and the City of Seattle have worked to implement a series of actions that support artists, nonprofits, small businesses, and workers, including:

Deferring utility payments for customers impacted by COVID-19;
Implementing a temporary moratorium on residential, small business, and nonprofit evictions to provide relief for working people financially impacted by COVID-19;
Creating temporary restaurant loading zones to facilitate curbside pickup at restaurants;
Announcing a small business relief package that included deferred business taxes and a stabilization fund;
Creating a new Arts Recovery Package to provide immediate financial relief to artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19;
Providing 6,250 Seattle families with $800 in grocery vouchers;
Providing rent relief to tenants of City-owned facilities; and
Partnering with United Way of King County and King County to invest $5 million in rental assistance to help families stay in their homes.

As the City does everything it can to support small businesses, Mayor Durkan and the City of Seattle continue to advocate at the state and federal level to ensure our region receives the economic relief we need, both now and as we recover.

Resources Roundup: 4/6/2020

April 6, 2020 by Kari Tupper

The City of Seattle is committed to keeping you updated through these challenging and unprecedented times. In this weekly blog, we’ll provide you with news and information about resources available and policies from the City of Seattle, the State of Washington, the federal government, and our philanthropic partners.

The City also has created a comprehensive resource page for residents and small businesses impacted by COVID-19. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

Latest News

Mayor Durkan’s New Executive Order to Align City of Seattle with Governor’s Extended ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ Order

Empty playground in Maple Leaf Park. — Like all City parks, Maple Leaf Park will remain closed at least through May 4 | Image courtesy of SDOT Flickr

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today issued an Executive Order to align the City of Seattle’s policies on facility closures and permit suspensions with Governor Inslee’s statewide ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order, which is extended until at least May 4, 2020.

The Mayor’s Executive Order extends the following policies to align with Governor Inslee’s order:

Closure of City facilities including public-facing counters, Seattle Public Library locations, and community centers and Seattle beaches;
Suspension of City-permitted events, with the exception of farmers markets which will continue to be evaluated for a potential re-opening;
Suspension of enforcement of paid parking requirements on City streets and enforcement of select hourly time limits outside no-parking or special zones; and
Continuing the Utility Discount Program’s self-certification pilot program.

The Mayor’s Executive Order extends the following policies until May 4:

Suspension of enforcement of the 72-hour parking rule, and suspension of booting and towing vehicles with unpaid parking tickets;
Creation of temporary restaurant loading zones, and temporary parking zones for hospital and human services staff; and
Flexible payment plans and shutoff policies for City utilities.

Policies including deferred B&O payments, rent relief for tenants of City facilities, and the moratoriums on residential, nonprofit, and small business evictions follow timelines that extend beyond May 4. For more information, read the Mayor’s press release.

Small Business Stabilization Update

Photo of the Seattle Waterfront — The Seattle Waterfront | Image courtesy of SDOT Flickr

Mayor Durkan and OED launched our Small Business Stabilization Fund COVID-19 Response so that Seattle-based, low and moderate-income small business owners with five or fewer employees could apply for a grant award of $10,000. March 25 was the deadline to apply. We received nearly 9,000 applications, and the City had available funds to award 250 grants.

We’ll announce the recipients of these awards soon. Please keep your eye out for updates at #SupportSeattleSmallBiz as well as on our website.

While the deadline to apply for the initial round of the Small Business Stabilization Fund has passed, we’re are also working to secure funding for another round of Stabilization Fund grants. All those who are interested and able can donate to the Stabilization Fund by emailing covidpledge@seattle.gov. We will have more details to share soon!

SBA Loan Assistance Available

The federal Small Business Association (SBA) received billions of dollars in funding via the CARES Act to support small businesses with special grants and loans. Assistance opportunities range between $10k – $10M depending on the product. Find more information about loans available through the SBA here. Additional details about these loans were included in our April 2 Resources Roundup blog.

OED is here to help small businesses navigate this loan application process. To request this service please email us at oed@seattle.gov. If you prefer to inquire by phone, call (206) 684-8090.

OED Weekly Webinars

PowerPoint slide image from weekly webinar. — Get weekly updates by attending our webinars

OED is committed to responding to and supporting our small businesses to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. We are holding weekly webinar calls to share new developments, hear about the impacts you are experiencing, and answer your questions. Please join us every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Register for the webinars here.

The webinars are packed with updated information and if you can’t attend, you can find links to recordings, notes, PowerPoint slides on our Bottom Line Blog. Find out about our April 1 and March 25 webinars here.

Our upcoming April 8 OED Small Business Weekly COVID Resource Webinar will focus on the Creative Industries.

Expanded State Unemployment Benefits

OED’s Workforce Development Team continues to connect businesses and workers with resources to help answer questions about state unemployment benefits and navigating that system. Unemployment benefits were expanded with the recently passed CARES Act, and our staff are monitoring and sharing the latest information to help people access these benefits, including:

Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD)’s COVID-19 page.
The ESD COVID-19 Scenarios and Benefits guide
ESD’s Technical Support page
ESD’s Webinar on Unemployment Insurance

Resources from the Office of Film + Music

The Office of Film and Music (OFM) is providing updated information about COVID-19 for businesses and workers in the creative industries. To find out more, visit their COVID-19 Film Guidance and Updates page.

The non-profit Washington Filmworks also has compiled information about new unemployment benefits available to gig workers under the CARES Act and you can find it here. They’ve also created two surveys about how creative workers in the film industry are faring through this challenging period.

Individual cast and crew members can take this COVID-19’s Impact on Washington Film Workers Survey.
State-wide production companies or companies who service the film industry can take this COVID-19’s Impact on Washington Film Companies Survey

Private Philanthropic Resources

The Plate Fund

We’re seeing more and more local businesses step up to support struggling workers and businesses in the greater Seattle area. Today, Starbucks announced The Plate Fund, an initiative to provide immediate financial assistance to those who work in the restaurant industry. For more information or to donate, find them on Twitter at #theplatefund or visit their website.

All in Seattle

All in Seattle provides resources to non-profits who are supporting our community in a variety of ways through the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find out more about this important initiative or donate to it here.

Federal Resource Spotlight: Paycheck Protection Program Loans

The CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides small businesses with 500 employees or fewer up to $10 million in forgivable loans to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone and are provided through financial institutions/lenders.

For more information about PPP loans:

See the PPP Information Sheet for Borrowers on the Treasury Department’s site.
Find the Application Form for PPP loans here.
Visit the SBA site here.

Community Teamwork in Ballard

Artists painting boarded over storefronts in Ballard. — Creating art for businesses in Ballard | Image courtesy of Stevie Shao

The Ballard Alliance had a creative response to seeing boarded up neighborhood businesses! They retained several local artists to paint a total of 13 business storefronts, thereby instilling a sense of community spirit and hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’d like to be involved in the Ballard initiative, contact Devin Reynolds (devin@ballardalliance.com) or Kiana (kiana@ballardalliance.com).

Similar projects are underway elsewhere around the Seattle, and we are hoping this effort will spur others to take similar steps and expand this kind of artwork throughout our community. If you’d like to be involved in the Lake City area, contact Chris.Leverson@chs-wa.org.

Small Business COVID-19 Weekly Webinars: March 25 and April 1

April 3, 2020 by Kari Tupper

The City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development is committed to responding to and supporting our small businesses to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. As this is a rapidly developing issue, we are holding weekly calls to share new developments, hear about the impacts you are experiencing, and answer your questions. Please join us every Wednesday, from 11:00am- 12:00pm. Register for the webinars here.

A recording of the webinar will automatically be sent to those who registered. OED will post notes and a link to the recording on our Bottom Line blog shortly after (https://bottomline.seattle.gov/).

We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this stressful time. Please continue to monitor the Bottom Line blog for evolving information from the Office of Economic Development.

This blog provides links from both our April 1 webinar and our March 25 webinar.

April 1 Webinar Resources

Topics covered included:

Update from Seattle King County Public Health
The new federal CARES Act
SBA loan products
Worker and unemployment-related issues
Resources for creative professionals and gig economy workers

Find all the details here:

March 25 Webinar Resources

Topics covered included:

Recap of relief for small businesses
Web links to centralized City resources for businesses and workers
The City’s Small Business Stabilization Fund

Find all the details here:

Resources Roundup: 4/2/2020

April 2, 2020 by Kari Tupper

Flowers at the Pike Place Market — Adaptive marketing strategies at the Pike Place Market

Following is information highlighting new and current resources available from the City of Seattle, the State of Washington, and the Federal government.

There’s lots of new information coming out for small business owners and workers, and we’ll try to keep you updated each week about what’s going on and the resources you can access for help during this challenging time. The City also has created a comprehensive resource page for residents and small businesses impacted by COVID-19. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

City Resources

Seattle skyline with buildings and Mt. Rainier in background — Our city is strong and resilient

“At the City, we’re doing everything we can locally to support our small businesses during this unprecedented moment in history. We’ve identified millions of dollars to invest directly in our most vulnerable small businesses and are working with our partners across government and in the private sector to help many who are struggling. With many of our neighborhood restaurants still open, we can support our small businesses by ordering pickup or delivery during this time.
Mayor Jenny Durkan

New #SupportSeattleSmallBiz map of restaurants, bars, cafes, and breweries providing services

Map showing businesses that are doing delivery, to-go, and drive-through — Map of businesses providing delivery, to go, and drive-through services

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced on March 30 the City of Seattle’s new #SupportSeattleSmallBiz map, which helps residents find small businesses providing takeout or delivery in their neighborhood. The map allows users to search for open small businesses in their neighborhood and navigate directly to a business’ website or third-party delivery service page. For more details about what this map provides, see the Mayor’s press release.

The map is part of the City’s #SupportSeattleSmallBiz campaign, which asks residents to post pictures and videos from their favorite Seattle restaurants, bars, and cafes that are doing delivery, to-go, and drive-through with #SupportSeattleSmallBiz and #WeGotThisSeattle, and tag @SeattleEconomy. City staff are working to add these locations to the map as quickly as possible.

To use the map, residents can enter their location or drop a pin and find all the available restaurants near them. Once they select their restaurant, they can place a takeout or delivery order directly through the app or can receive directions to the restaurant. The map also connects users directly to third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Caviar to easily patronize a restaurant.

If you’re a business owner interested in adding your information to the #SupportSeattleSmallBiz map, please contact the City at supportsmallbiz@seattle.gov.

Stabilization Funds for Small Businesses

Round 1

To help relieve financial challenges for Seattle’s most vulnerable businesses, the City of Seattle committed approximately $2.5 million in Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the first round of the Small Business Stabilization Fund. Applications for this first round of the Stabilization Fund were due Wednesday, March 25 at midnight. The application period for these grants is now closed.

We received over 8,500 applications, and are currently in the process of reviewing them. If you applied for one of these grants, you can expect to hear whether or not your application will be funded by April 10.

Round 2

While the application period for Round One of the Stabilization Fund has closed, small businesses will have a chance to apply for a second round of Stabilization Fund grants. We’ll be announcing additional information soon. Please keep your eye out for updates at #SupportSeattleSmallBiz as well as on our website.

Residents who would like to donate to the Small Business Stabilization Fund may do so by emailing covidpledge@seattle.gov. We appreciate your support and partnership as we work to help our small businesses during this unprecedented time.

Additional resources from the City of Seattle

Local musicians Eva and Cedrick on their music show "Video BeBop" on the Seattle Channel — Local musicians Eva and Cedrick on their music show “Video BeBop” on the Seattle Channel

Mayor Durkan and the City of Seattle have worked to implement a series of other actions that support artists, nonprofits, small businesses, and workers, including:

Deferring utility payments for customers impacted by COVID-19;
Implementing a temporary moratorium on residential, small business, and nonprofit evictions to provide relief for working people financially impacted by COVID-19;
Creating temporary restaurant loading zones to facilitate curbside pickup at restaurants;
Announcing a small business relief package that included deferred business taxes and a stabilization fund;
Creating a new Arts Recovery Package to provide immediate financial relief to support the creative industries, including artists that have been impacted by COVID-19;
Providing 6,250 Seattle families with $800 in grocery vouchers; and
Providing rent relief to tenants of City-owned facilities.

State of Washington Resources

Find the most recent state-level resources and information regarding COVID-19 at Governor Jay Inslee’s site.

Resources for impacted businesses and workers
State guidance on Essential Businesses and Essential Critical Workforce Designations
Need further clarification about your business? Fill out the Essential Business Inquiries Form

The Washington State Department of Commerce has direct links to the SBA loan programs and will soon have information about the Governor’s state-wide small business grant program. You can find Washington State resources for businesses outside the City of Seattle here.

Federal Resources for Businesses and Workers

U.S. Capitol Building | Photo by Chris Grafton on Unsplash

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (or “CARES”) Act was passed by Congress and signed by the President on Friday, March 27. This legislation provides businesses and individuals with new forms of relief during this period of economic hardship. For a summary of its provisions, see our website.

Resources for Small Business

NEW! CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans

For Small Businesses (500 Employees or less) the CARES Act provides up to $10 million in forgivable loans to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone and are provided through financial institutions/lenders. The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:

The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over an 8-week period between February 16^th and June 30^th, 2020; and
Employee and compensation levels are maintained.

PPP loans are available to Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors. B

For more information about PPP loans:

See the PPP Information Sheet for Borrowers on the Treasury Department’s site.
More information is also available via the SBA site here.

How and where to apply for a PPP loan:

These loans are provided through a financial institution or lender, and not the SBA.
Find the Application Form for PPP loans here.
For more details about application, please visit an approved SBA lender/financial institution. The full list of lenders has not yet been finalized. We recommend you start by contacting your current personal lender. As a backup, please refer to this list.

Please note: the PPP SBA policy is still being finalized. More details will be forthcoming soon. For the latest news and updates, subscribe for email alertsat www.sba.gov/updates. You can also follow SBA on Twitter at @SBAgov, @SBAPacificNW or @SBASeattle

SBA Loans

On Monday March 16, the SBA announced a disaster declaration regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides low-interest loan assistance to businesses in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories that have suffered substantial economic injury as result of COVID-19. These loans provide small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

These loans can help small businesses meet financial obligations and cover operating expenses. For more information, click here. Additionally, this slide deck can guide you through the disaster loan program and includes step-by-step instructions on completing the application.

Applicants for the federal SBA Economic Injury Disaster loans may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 (interpretation provided) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For information about all SBA loans and resources, visit the SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources page.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance

Businesses that have applied for a disaster assistance loan due to COVID-19 can also request a $10,000 advance to help cover costs. The link to the SBA EIDL application gets you through the application process. At the end of that you can submit and check the box to receive a $10,000 advance.

You should get an email confirmation of application submission. Once the application is submitted you will get the $10,000 auto deposited within 3 days of submitting your application, regardless of whether it is a successful application or not. By simply applying you are eligible for the $10,000. Applicants are not required to repay the advance, even if they are subsequently denied an EIDL. To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan,click here.

Support for SBA Loan Application Process

The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) is also offering technical assistance to help small businesses apply for these SBA Economic Injury Disaster loans. To request this service please fill out this intake survey and someone will respond within 1 business day.

If you prefer to inquire by phone or if you have an issue with the
survey, call (206) 684-8090. We’re here to help!

Deferment of Existing SBA Loans

If you have existing business loan through SBA, The SBA Debt Relief program provides a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. If you have an existing loan with SBA, under the SBA Debt Relief program:

The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
The SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.

If you have questions about this, please call the lender that provided your SBA loan

New Resources for Individuals and Workers

Two men doing street work — Many workers find their jobs on hold during the “Stay Home Stay Healthy” order

Cash payments and tax relief

Most individuals earning less than $75,000 can expect a one-time cash payment of $1,200. Married couples would each receive a check and families would get $500 per child. That means a family of four earning less than $150,000 can expect $3,400. Checks to be deposited mid-April.
The cash payments are based on either your 2018 or 2019 tax filings. People who receive Social Security benefits but don’t file tax return are still eligible, too. They don’t need to file taxes; their checks will be based on information provided by the Social Security Administration.
Tax returns: Some people have not filed their 2019 tax returns, but that’s OK. The filing deadline has been extended to July 15. The IRS also says that people who have filed or plan to can still expect to receive a refund if they are owed one.

Unemployment benefits

This bill adds $600 per week from the federal government on top of whatever base amount a worker receives from the state. That boosted payment will last for four months.
The legislation also adds 13 weeks of unemployment insurance. People nearing the maximum number of weeks allowed by their state would get an extension. New filers would also be allowed to collect the benefits for the longer period.
Gig workers and freelancers: Typically, self-employed people, freelancers and contractors can’t apply for unemployment. This bill creates a new, temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through the end of this year to help people who lose work as a direct result of the public health emergency.

You can find more details about what the CARES Act provides on our website. More detailed information about how to apply for these benefits will be forthcoming from the Federal government in the near future.

Make Sure You’re Counted!

We’re urging residents to fill out their Census form NOW – this is one of the most critical things we can do as a community to ensure Seattle gets the resources we need. The #2020Census will shape our City’s access to hard-earned federal benefits and political representation. If there’s an undercount, our communities’ lives could be impacted for an entire decade.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Census and say, “We’re here, and we count.” If you haven’t already, head to https://2020census.gov/ to fill out your Census form and help our region access critical federal resources. It is your right to complete the Census and your privacy and confidentiality is protected by law. #2020Census #WeCount.

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