Update: Available Resources, Grants, and Loans for Small Businesses

As you may have already heard, SBA EIDL applications that have been submitted to the SBA but not approved due to lack of funding are being reviewed, processed and submitted during this second release of appropriations.  They are NOT accepting any new applications online.  The only application available is the regular Disaster Loan that you can apply for — but not the EIDL loan or $10,000 grant advance.

Good News! There are still other free grants, loan programs, and resources available to assist your business:

• King County Businesses: Facebook Small Business Grants Program
  Facebook has allocated $8.5 million for King County business in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time. Up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries where Facebook operates will be able to receive the grant. See Program website for eligibility and more information.

• Amazon: Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund (Select Seattle & Bellevue Areas)
  Small businesses within the South Lake Union and Regrade neighborhoods as well as the ones adjacent to the buildings Amazon occupies in Bellevue will be eligible to apply for grants so they can continue to retain and pay their employees, stay current on rent, and cover other fixed costs related to their operations.

• Salesforce Care Small Business Grants – Salesforce & Ureeka
  As part of Salesforce’s commitment to small businesses and giving back to the community, Salesforce is partnering with Ureeka to offer eligible small businesses the opportunity to receive a $10,000 grant to help them through the COVID-19 outbreak. The grant application opens to Washington-based businesses on April 27th at 8:00am and closes on May 4th at 11:59pm. We encourage interested businesses to review Ureeka’s FAQ’s and detailed eligibility requirements in advance of applying.

• LISC Small Business Relief Grant – Local Initiative Support Corporation
  Thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Verizon and a $1 million grant from Sam’s Club, LISC will provide the emergency assistance that small businesses desperately need to stay afloat. LISC will deploy grants up to $10,000 to help small businesses bridge the financial gap, and deliver technical assistance to help them navigate the intricate web of public and private resources now available. LISC will focus these efforts on historically underserved communities—especially those enterprises owned or led by women, minorities and veterans, which often lack access to affordable capital. Because of the urgency of the crisis, applications are due closing Tuesday, April 28th at 8:59pm (PST). Please read the grant Information and FAQ before applying. APPLY HERE!

• Pierce County Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Program
  Pierce County Loan Funds are now available for business physically located anywhere in Pierce County including incorporated cities. Loan amounts up to $20,000 will be awarded, based on number of employees. Loans will be offered to qualified applicants at no interest and no payments for 12 months. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, subject to available funds. See website for qualifications and to apply.

• Rapid Response South Sound
  The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County to respond to the business community’s top concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a Rapid Response Team and Rapid Response South Sound website co-sponsored by the City of Tacoma and other local businesses and organizations.  Answers are provided to specific questions previously posed by businesses regarding the following topics:
  • Financial Assistance
  • Government Regulation Assistance
  • HR & Employee Assistance Legal Assistance
  • Communications Assistance

Businesses and organizations also have the opportunity to ASK THE EXPERTS to resolve their issues.  Reliable responses will be provided within 24 hours.

• Be sure to join the team for the COVID-19 Business Info series each Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting at 11 am. Visit the Rapid Response South Sound homepage for registration details.

• Google: Ad credits for Google Ads Small and Medium-sized Businesses
  $340 million in Google Ads credits available to all SMBs with active accounts over the past year. Credit notifications will appear in their Google Ads accounts and can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across our advertising platforms. We hope it will help to alleviate some of the cost of staying in touch with their customers. See Google FAQ for more information.

(Photo by Retha Ferguson from Pexels)