Dear Neighbors,

As I wrote you last week, our federal, state and local governments are stepping up assistance for people and businesses affected by the pandemic. In addition to the rental, mortgage, and child care assistance that I listed in my previous e-newsletter, they are also offering generous help for small businesses. You can find details described below.

Loans and debt relief

The state Department of Financial Institutions has a website dedicated to the state and federal resources available to small businesses, including emergency loans.

  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance
    This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties that does not have to be repaid. This complements the traditional SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program which has been in place for the entire nation, all territories and Washington, D.C. since mid-March. Approval notification is estimated at approximately three days. The program is currently accepting applications.
  • Paycheck Protection Program
    Primarily for payroll expenses, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided loans for small businesses. The program is not accepting new applications, but is now accepting applications from loan recipients for forgiveness.
  • SBA Debt Relief
    The Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This covers all principal, interest and fees on current and new SBA 7(a) loans made through Sep. 27, 2020, for up to six months.
  • Express Bridge Loan
    The SBA’s Express Bridge Loan allows small businesses that have an existing business relationship with a participating lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.

Grants

Puget Sound Energy Foundation is providing grants to help businesses impacted by COVID-19 serve and reopen operations. Grant sizes range between $1,000 – $20,000. Next deadline—October 1 with awards in December.

Technical assistance coaching

King County offers small businesses technical assistance coaching from a U.S. Treasury Certified Community Development Financial Institution. You can use an online request form through this site, or call 206-331-3275 (Relay 711) and leave your contact information. A coach will call back within two business days for a coaching call, with a language interpreter on the line if requested.

Webinars with up-to-date info, and live Q & A

The state puts on a monthly webinar series presents information specific to Washington small businesses. The series features brief presentations from state and federal agencies and open-mic Q & A time. Topics include unemployment insurance, returning employees to work, PPP and EIDL loans, workplace safety, face covering requirements, and other subjects important to employers.

Stay in Touch

If you’d like to follow what I’m working on, you can like my official legislative Facebook page here.

Please don’t hesitate to stay in touch. Stay safe and take care.

Always,

Senator Karen Keiser
Chair, Senate Labor & Commerce Committee
Senate President Pro Tempore