Last Updated: 4/21/20
On this page small business owners will find links to relief resources and loans, educational tools, and technical services, many pro bono!
If you need something you don’t see or have suggestions about virtual programming we should create to help local business, please shoot us a line at gro.doogelttaes@ofni.
RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
ECONOMIC RELIEF
The CARES Act – The Small Business Administration is overseeing the distribution of millions of dollars in loans and grants to help small businesses survive the pandemic. It also provides additional funding for SBA’s Resource Partners to provide advice and training to help small businesses respond to the unprecedented challenges in communities throughout the country.
As of 4/16/20 the Payroll Protective program has closed. We will update this section if the fund reopens.
CARES Act Small Business Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist
Stimulus Small Business Explainer
Small Business Stimulus Section-by-Section Summary
Paycheck protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loan CARES Flow Chart
CARES Act Rebates FAQ – Spanish
For Nonprofits: Summary of resources and list of List of CARES Act Loans for nonprofits – CARES Act resources by National Council of Nonprofits
Contact and Organization Lists for Reference:
District Offices – Master List
Lead Small Business Development Centers
State by state lenders of SBA Loans
Women’s Business Center List Resource Packet: WBCs are a national network of more than 100 centers that offer one-on-one counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance and mentoring to entrepreneurs on numerous business development topics. In addition to women, WBCs are mandated to serve the needs of underserved entrepreneurs, including low-income entrepreneurs. They often offer flexible hours to meet the needs of their diverse clientele. To find out more about WBCs, visit here.
Amazon – $5 million neighborhood small business relief fund. The fund is intended for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees or less than $7 million in annual revenue, physical presence within a few blocks of our Regrade and South Lake Union office buildings, that are open to the general public, and that are reliant on foot-traffic for customers.
Artist Trust – Resources for artists as well as their COVID Artist Relief Fund for $500-$5,000 for individual artists. Learn more and apply here!
CID Restaurant and Small Business Relief Fund – A fund for businesses located in the Chinatown International District. The fund was seeded by a generous $100,000 donation from Vulcan. This initial contribution will focus on restaurants in the neighborhood, which have seen a severe decline in business since early February.
City of Seattle Office of Economic Development Small Business Stabilization Fund First Round Deadline Passed, future rounds pending – Businesses may qualify for a grant of up to $10,000.
1)The business owner must have a low- or moderate-income (≤80% of the Area Median Income).
2)The business must have five employees or fewer.
3)The business must have a physical establishment.
4)The business must have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19.
Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Learn more and apply here.
Global Giving and Spanx have teamed up to provide 1,000 woman-founded and owned businesses in the US $5,000 relief packages. Application opens April 6th!
JP Morgan Chase makes $50 Million Philanthropic investment to help small businesses amidst COVID-19. For more information, visit the Impact page at JPMorganChase.com or contact moc.esahcmpj@ytilibisnopser.etaroproc
Public Health Seattle & King County recognizes that retail food service establishments are financially impacted by measures to control the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID‐19). To address some of the financial challenges faced by business owners and their employees, see what Public Health is offering on their website.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle City Light (SCL) deferred payment plans are available if COVID-19 has jeopardized a businesses financial stability. Customers may call 206-684-3000 to arrange.
Small Business Administration:
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
SBA Express Bridge Loans
Guidance for Businesses and Employers
SBA Products and Resources
Government Contracting
Local Assistance
For SBA’s customer service center: (800) 659-2955 or email vog.abs@ecivresremotsucretsasid for more information on disaster assistance.
WA State Department of Revenue General Business Relief Resources
Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant funds. Program to provide a limited number of #WAState businesses with grants up to $10,000.
0% Interest loans up to $15K for small businesses through KIVA – applicants will have access to the following: Expanded eligibility: More businesses in the US will be eligible for a Kiva loan. Larger loans: The maximum loan on the Kiva platform will increase from $10,000 to $15,000. Grace period: New borrowers may access a grace period of up to 6 months for greater financial flexibility. If you’re a small business owner who believes you can benefit from a Kiva loan, or you know one in your community, apply here.
Small Business Administration: For SBA’s customer service center: (800) 659-2955 or email vog.abs@ecivresremotsucretsasid for more information on disaster assistance.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
SBA Express Bridge Loans
Guidance for Businesses and Employers
SBA Products and Resources
Government Contracting
Local Assistance
Financial Calculator for small businesses to understand the impact of COVID-19 on your business measure impact and see immediate next steps you can take – presented by FAIRE
WaFd Bank – Offering a 5-year business line of credit with 90 days interest free to businesses affected by COVID-19. Businesses who have seen a 10% or greater drop in revenues can apply to receive up to $200,000 on business lines of credit with 90 days interest-free. Additionally, WA Federal Bank will be expediting the process for lines up to $30,000. Click here for more details and access to the online application.
Businesses featured on Yelp can launch fundraisers and accept donations directly through their Yelp profile. More details here.
ALL OTHER BUSINESS RESOURCES
Carrie Hawthorne is offering pro-bono 30-minute digital communications consultation sessions to any small business or non-profit affected by the coronavirus. Whether it’s brainstorming, bouncing around ideas, or questions about specific platforms, Carrie has 15 years supporting small businesses and non-profits and would be happy to see if she can help. You can sign up for an individual session here.
Free e-commerce and marketing for local businesses from iAmLife:
– Free ecommerce platform for local retailers
– Free marketing tools
– Free social marketing platform
– Free partnering with local influencers to social market for local brands in need
– Free hands-on support and help with account/store setup
Marketing resources for small business by MailChimp
Free or Discounted Website Development for Restaurants and Small Businesses! – Wild Wing Studios – Restaurant Website: Receive an elegant website that features a robust splash page, cuisine menus, galleries, and a contact page in exchange for a few meals at your restaurant each month or we can offer you 3 months of free service to help all of these incredible restaurants endure this hard time. Any restaurant that doesn’t already have a website and needs to showcase their restaurant, or if you already integrate with any of the delivery services, Wild Wing Studios can integrate the delivery services into your website enabling a one-stop-shop during this time.
–Small Businesses website: 3 months of free service to any small business that wants to revamp their brand and bring their business online. (3 Months of free service or open to barter. Please note that e-commerce websites have additional fees due to the platforms involved).
Email: moc.soidutsgniwdliw@ofni for more information
Free SEO classes from MOZ Academy – through May 31st
Directory: Eat Local First – Add your information to this directory to let people know where you can find your food or beverage products.
Article: Vertetude’s 12 Step Marketing Action Plan – Basic marketing strategies to face dwindling business
Employer resources – Example policies and resources from Business Health Trust
Full Service Worker’s Alliance – Composed from individuals actively working in all roles in the full service restaurant industry. The FSWA is determined to bring workers and employers together with Legislators to stand up and protect our Full Service Restaurant culture. The dynamic created by bringing full service workers together creates an engaged community and positive working environment.
Scenarios and benefits that apply in connection to temporary layoffs, isolation, and quarantine for workers and businesses– Employment Security Department
Worker’s Compensation Coverage and General COVID-19 Questions – State Dept. of Labor & Industries
FulfillNow – Keep your business sustained through affordable shipping, fulfillment, and delivery with FulfillNow! FulfillNow is offering small businesses lower-cost shipping, delivery, custom pick-up locations, and more support! Contact Carol at moc.wonllifluf@tlorac for more information!
Sendle – America’s first 100% carbon neutral package delivery service and a certified B Corp, for small and medium businesses – Sign up for an account through this link to access premium rates.
Business Assistance– Governor’s Office: Resources include: Financial, Export, Employer & Worker, and Insurance assistance
COVID-19 Handbook for Creatives – a regularly updated resource hub for people in the creative industry, by King County
Free and discounted remote working tools during COVID-19– Tools include sales, marketing, hiring, collaborative working, finance, customer support, security, and other online tools!
Internet Access – Comcast is offering two months free to new Internet Essentials customers in response to recent and anticipated emergency measures associated with the COVID-19 outbreak. Xfinity WiFi hotspots are also available to anyone who needs them for free, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Click here for a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots and how to access them.
Financial Calculator for small businesses to understand the impact of COVID-19 on your business measure impact and see immediate next steps you can take – presented by FAIRE
Free security kit (available now for three months) for small businesses from Kangaroo | Includes: 1 Privacy Camera (indoor security camera), 2 Motion + Entry Sensors, 1 Siren + Keypad Unit, 1 Yard Sign + Window Decals, Kangaroo Complete service with Professional Monitoring, Free shipping outbound & return
ICIC’s Small Business Resource Center for COVID-19
King County Outreach Training Webinars- Specific information for community organizations and businesses so they support their employees and the public
Resources for Manufacturers from Impact WA – Tools and information on PPE, how to protect your workforce, Financial Guidance, and more!
Small Business COVID-19 response weekly webinars. Seattle Office of Economic Development
Seattle & King County Guide: Planning for a Coronavirus Pandemic (February 2020)
Support Seattle’s Local Businesses FB group
Washington SBDC Business Resiliency Guide & Webinars:
4/8 1-2pm PT – Business Survival Strategies
4/8 3-4pm PT – SBA Disaster Loans and CARES Act
4/10 1-2pm PT – Business Survival Strategies
Quick Reference Guide for COVID-19 Assistance Packages from Creative Planning
Affordable daily care rentals to handle deliveries. Reach out to Jennifer to find out the special rates, at moc.txis@uw.refinneJ or (954) 669-9250
Catch 22:Takeout and delivery platform with no commission fees.
City of Seattle Support Seattle Small Biz Takeout & Delivery Map:If you’d like to be added or update your information, email vog.elttaes@zibllamstroppus, there is a short survey as part of the vetting process.
EatHub App: A unique online food delivery service that works in “catering mode.” It consolidates orders from individual customers and passes them onto providers as one bulk order. The platform is designed for “order ahead & deliver later” mode, support for scheduled ordering, payments & delivery is fully automated. There are no commission or access fees. A restaurant can get onboard in 20 minutes and start accepting orders the next day.
Food Business Resource Center at Business Impact NW (along with Ventures and Food Innovation Network) invite foodservice businesses to join weekly virtual discussions (Wednesdays at 10am PT) focused on current COVID-19 crisis. Learn more and register here.
Full Service Worker’s Alliance – Composed from individuals actively working in all roles in the full service restaurant industry. The FSWA is determined to bring workers and employers together with Legislators to stand up and protect our Full Service Restaurant culture. The dynamic created by bringing full service workers together creates an engaged community and positive working environment.
Get your takeout and delivery services listed on: City of Seattle SupportSeattleSmallBiz Takeout & Delivery Map *Link to get listed, coming soon.
*Temporarily closed until additional funds are raised* James Beard Foundation Relief Funding for Restaurants
King County – Recommendations for Retail Food Establishments
Open Table – Restaurant Preparedness Resource Center
Pay Forward Project – Local business spend is down 75%, Sign up now to help local restaurants and bars survive!
Public Health – Seattle & King County recognizes that retail food service establishments are financially impacted by measures to control the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID‐19). To address some of the financial challenges faced by business owners and their employees, Public Health is taking specific steps, effective immediately.
Save Local Restaurants – The Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) was formed to save the local restaurants affected by COVID-19. IRC is founded on the simple belief that there is power to affect legislative change if we unite our voice.
The Stranger – If you’re offering delivery and/or takeout, The Stranger is implementing a ‘pay what you can’ policy to run digital ads. Contact moc.regnartseht@ofnida.
WA State Liquor & Cannabis Board Resource for Licensees: They are allowing temporary modifications to allow additional ways for folks to engage customers without having to have your doors open for businessFind out more information here.
Food Business Resource Center at Business Impact NW (along with Ventures and Food Innovation Network) invite foodservice businesses to join weekly virtual discussions (Wednesdays at 10am PT) focused on current COVID-19 crisis. Learn more and register here.
King County Outreach Training Webinars- Specific information for community organizations and businesses so they support their employees and the public
Small Business COVID-19 response Weekly Webinars: Seattle Office of Economic Development – You can stay up to date with the Office of Economic Development’s Small Business COVID-19 response and ask your questions by registering for their weekly webinar/calls here. These are occurring weekly on Wednesday afternoon from 11 – 12 pm. If you can not attend a recording of the webinars along with Q & A will b posted on their blog within a few days of each webinar.
Washington SBDC Business Resiliency Guide & Webinars:
4/8 1-2pm PT – Business Survival Strategies
4/8 3-4pm PT – SBA Disaster Loans and CARES Act
4/10 1-2pm PT – Business Survival Strategies
Keeping the Lights On: Small Business Resiliency Webinar recordings by SBDC
Seattle Office of Arts & Culture hosts COVID-19 Webinar – 3/17: Small business resource, Unemployment benefits, Utility relief, direct artist support (25:56), direct artist support from Artist Trust (31:52), rent relief (36:17), frame setting (39:35), funding from Seattle Foundation (41:13), organizational funding (49:06), Q&A (53:04).
Small Business COVID-19 Weekly Webinar – Office of Economic Development: March webinar recordings here.
#WeGotThisWA Webinar series from the Chamber – Managing Business Expenses
4/2: What steps can you take to lower your expenses? What recourse do other businesses have? How do you approach your bank if you need more time to pay your bills?
Do you have materials or services or materials for PPE production? Please fill out this FORM
Are you interested in manufacturing face shields? Fill out this FORM
Learn about PPE regulations from WA State Dept. of Enterprise Services HERE.
These organizations are connecting PPE supply with demand:
Get Us PPE.
Project N95.
Donate PPE here OR here!
PPE FB groups and initiatives:
100 Million Mask Project FB Group
Crafters Against COVID-19 FB Group (Masks and PPE)
Masks4All – Learn why wearing masks are important, how to make a mask at home, and more!
Seattle Good Business Network’s NW Sewn apprenticeship project partner, KAAS Tailored, is supporting the Providence 100 Million Masks Project. You can help by making a financial donation to support their COVID-19 response here, including obtaining and producing protective gear for our caregivers.
Support Seattle’s Makers
Purchase a bottle of our Seattle Made wine or grab a Seattle Strong postcard, hoodie, or t-shirt. Your purchase helps to support our diverse community of makers, strengthens the local economy, and helps keep Seattle Strong!
Help Support Our Mission
By supporting Seattle Good Business Network, you help support our work to build a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive local economy, and to help our local businesses when they need it the most. Learn about all the work we do here.
Thank You to Our Support Hub Sponsors
If you are interested in learning more about supporting our work or the Support Hub project please contact:
Erin Adams at gro.doogelttaes@nire, or 206.629.2346 x 1.
