WA State offering emergency grants worth up to $10,000 for small business (Update: Closed)

UPDATE: The application period for this grant is now closed.  We will post further updates when new opportunities become available. 

Governor Inslee is providing a Small Business Emergency Program in Washington to support small businesses affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. Up to $ 5 million of money is provided through the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund and managed by the Dept of Commerce. The grant program will provide a limited number of businesses in 39 counties in Washington with a grant of up to $ 10,000. Due to statutory, non-profit restrictions are not eligible for this funding program.

PROCESS

• Small businesses eligible for the grant program will apply through local / county economic development organizations.
• The email to submit the completed application to the economic development organizations is listed below
• District economic development organizations will prioritize applications based on the severity of the impact the business is facing due to COVID-19, including being forced to shut down by government-mandated closure, social discrimination or disease measures.
• The proposed support money will be sent to the Ministry of Trade for review and verification.
• Qualified applications will be forwarded to the Governor for review and signing.
• Your local ADO will manage approved grants for successful companies.
• Support money will be approved on a case-by-case basis and subject to the availability of funds. The goal is to help businesses overcome the crisis and allow them to retain as many employees as possible.

ELIGIBILITY

• The applicant for business has been in business for at least one year.
• Businesses with up to 10 full-time employees (FTE) can apply for a one-time benefit of up to $ 10,000
• Funding is not intended to help start a business, but to support existing businesses that are particularly affected by the COVID-19 crisis and are important members of their local community.
• Recipients are eligible to receive a Washington Grant award in the current budget cycle, ending December 30, 2021.

CONDITIONS:

• Support funds can be used for operating expenses including rent, supplies / inventory, utility bills, etc. as well as advice, marketing and training.
• The application must include a list of proposed cost benefits to be spent. Applications without a list of proposed expenses will be considered incomplete. This repayment-based grant can support unpaid invoices March 1 and beyond.
• Note that payroll cannot be reimbursed through Work Washington’s pension program. Please transparent all wage needs to the Employment Security Department.
• The following expenses are not eligible: capital equipment, tourism, office equipment and computer software.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be accepted or denied on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your county economic development organization to assess your company’s viability and complete the application.
• Businesses will not consider applications submitted directly to commercial staff. Applications must be submitted through local ADO.
• Due to the expected volume, please allow 4 to 6 weeks to process and disburse grants.