COVID-19 Resources

 

Need Assistance?

Whether you are a GSBA member business or not, we are here for you. If you have questions about eligibility for the state's assistance grants, how to fill out an application, or other forms of assistance please contact us at biztech@thegsba.org.

JAN 20 - The Biden administration has numerous proposals to be included in the next round of relief. More details will be posted when they are finalized.

JAN 18 - Washington State moves to Phase 1B Tier 1 of vaccination. Learn more about the vaccination schedule and when you might be eligible.

JAN 11 - The next round of PPP is now open. The First Draw loans are focused on applications from lenders who reach minority and women owned small businesses.

JAN 6 - The Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery is announced. This new system sets a path for easing restrictions on a regional (rather than by-county) basis. Phases are now determined by four metric requirements (decreasing cases, decreasing hospitalization, ICU occupancy, and test positivity rate). All regions are currently in Phase 1, which includes:

• no indoor gatherings, maximum 10 people outside
• Retail/Services: 25% capacity, encourage curbside pickup and remote work where possible
• Restaurants: indoor dining prohibited, 11PM close, max 6/table, limit 2 households/table
• Indoor rec/fitness - low risk sports permitted for practice/training only, no more than 5 people. For appointments, 1 person limit for 45 minutes
• Outdoor rec/fitness - low and moderate risk sports prohibited for practice/training only. Outdoor guided activities, hunting, fishing, motorsports, parks, camping, hiking, biking, running, snow sports permitted.
• Indoor entertainment - Private rental/tours for individual households of no more than 6 people permitted. General admission prohibited.
• Outdoor entertainment - Ticketed events only. Group of 10, limited 2 households, timed ticketing required.
• Weddings/Funerals - Ceremonies limited to 30 people. Indoor gatherings prohibited.

---

Reopening & Recovery

• business.wa.gov - one-stop shop for small business information
• Washington State's Phased Recovery Plan (May 4)
• Reopening Guidance for Workplaces (Phases 1-3)
• Recovery Resource Hub WA
• Lease Amendment Toolkit (Seattle OED, Perkins Coie, Communities Rise) - information and template documents to help small businesses and nonprofit navigate the negotiation of their rent
• Ascend Playbook (UW, Dept of Enterprise Services) - insights and recommendations to help small businesses recover from COVID
• Back to Work Toolkit (Madrona Venture Partners, Seattle Metro Chamber, Bellevue Chamber)
• New Normal Planning (Boston Consulting Group, Challenge Seattle, Washington Roundtable)
• Crowdfunding Roadmap

Relief for Businesses & Nonprofits

Support and direct assistance for your workplace - includes small businesses, nonprofits, performers, freelancers, gig workers, and more

---

 

• WA Dept. of Financial Services | Financial resources for WA residents impacted by COVID-19

• Utility Payment Deferment Programs: Seattle City Light & Seattle Public Utilities, Puget Sound Energy

• Tax deferral programs: IRS federal income tax, WA Dept of Revenue, Seattle B&O tax

• Financial services: many banks and credit unions have options for their clients. Their advice is to call them directly and work out the best plan for your business.

• Manage Stress/Anxiety with Washington Listens

County, City, and Neighborhood-Specific Resources
 

• Working Washington list of resources for small businesses by county in Washington

• Eastside Recovery Hub - Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Woodinville

• Edmonds Chamber of Commerce

• Seattle - penalties enforced for violations of mandatory mask-wearing
• Seattle - streamlined, free, temporary permits for sidewalk cafes, merchandise display, and vending

• Seattle Office of Economic Development - Pandemic Resource Hub

• Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce - Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila

• Eviction Rent Assistance Program for Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Douglas, Ferry, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lincoln, Pacific, Stevens, Thurston, and Whatcom counties 

Important Info for Employers

Business.wa.gov - one-stop shop for WA small businesses around COVID-19

• WA Small Business Development Center Business Resiliency Toolkit

• WA Department of Commerce - comprehensive business resource list

• WA Employment Security Dept: Unemployment Insurance, StandBy, and SharedWork programs to assist with retaining and supporting employees during layoffs

  • Comparison guide for common scenarios which may occur and the benefits that may apply
    

• WA Paid Family & Medical Leave

• WA Dept of Labor & Industries: FAQ on workers compensation, workplace safety, OSHA guidelines

• WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner

• City of Seattle Paid Sick & Safe Time

• Seattle Dept. of Transportation - Request a temporary loading zone near your restaurant for curbside pick-up 

• Guide for restaurants and bars with regards to the temporary moratorium on rental evictions (HCMP)

• Business Impact NW - business supports, loan readiness, referral partners
• NFIB - including recorded webinars and FAQs
• Google resource list for small/medium businesses, including free skills trainings
• Salesforce: Work.com Reopening Guidelines

Resources for Employees

Access to public benefits, protections against discrimination, specific supports, and more

• QLaw Foundation - free LGBTQ+ legal clinics; now happening by phone

• Disaster Cash Assistance Program - through WA Dept. of Social & Health Services

• Unemployment Law Project - advice, counsel, and representation for those denied unemployment benefits or whose award of benefits is being challenged. 

• Washington Healthplanfinder - Special enrollment period opened for qualified individuals without insurance

• Seattle Hospitality Worker Emergency Relief Fund - for low-income hospitality workers who live and work in Seattle (closes Feb 1).

Community Resources

• Ingersoll Gender Center & UTOPIA Seattle have launched the Trans and Gender Diverse Emergency Community Aid Fund to support trans and gender diverse community members who've lost income and stability due to the outbreak.

• Watch this safety webinar by King County Public Health for outreach staff working with vulnerable communities and small businesses

• Ingersoll Gender Center's Trans Peer Support Group continues to operate as a virtual meeting every Wednesday evening.

• Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County's hotline (425-252-2873) is open 24/7 for anyone in need

• Tips for self-care during the COVID-19 outbreak (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

• Find an LGBTQ-friendly mental health professional through the GSBA Guide & Directory 

• Comcast increases free WiFi, access to internet, and essential online services

• Comcast RISE - marketing, creative, media, and technology services for BIPOC-owned small businesses

• BoardSource has advice for what nonprofit Board members should be doing during the epidemic.

---

Learn about the creative ways GSBA Members are safely connecting with customers.

---