Resources are emerging at local, state, and federal levels to help the small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are several links that will also take you to agencies that are rolling out additional programs (see Business Assistance for other posts).
Federal Small Business Administration (SBA)
Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (up to $2 million). Congress has approved $7 billion in funding to this program as part of its COVID-19 response. It can “provide up to $2 million of financial assistance (actual loan amounts are based on amount of economic injury) to small businesses or private, non-profit organizations that suffer substantial economic injury as a result of the declared disaster, regardless of whether the applicant sustained physical damage.” You can apply online here and questions can be directed to 1-800-659-2955 or DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services
Information about the city’s business and occupation tax deadline extension. The city’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services extended the city’s B&O filing deadline for businesses who reported $5 million or less in revenue in 2019 and pay their B&O tax on a quarterly basis. The first and second quarters of 2020 will tentatively be due on or before October 31. The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) is also working with affected businesses who need tax filing extensions, and it may also waive late payments in certain situations. Contact the DOR at 360-705-6705.
Information about the city’s business and occupation tax deadline extension. The city’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services extended the city’s B&O filing deadline for businesses who reported $5 million or less in revenue in 2019 and pay their B&O tax on a quarterly basis. The first and second quarters of 2020 will tentatively be due on or before October 31. The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) is also working with affected businesses who need tax filing extensions, and it may also waive late payments in certain situations. Contact the DOR at 360-705-6705.
Seattle Office of the Mayor: New Small Business Recovery Task Force
We’re seeking more information on the New Small Business Recovery Task Force. From the Office of the Mayor: “The Mayor has appointed former Governor Gary Locke and former Council President Bruce Harrell to lead the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Task Force, which will advise on long-term policy recommendations and provide technical assistance and outreach.”
Amazon’s Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund
Amazon’s Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund cash grants for South Lake Union and Regrade small businesses. The e-commerce giant will draw from a $5 million fund to support businesses with less than $7 million in annual revenue or fewer than 50 employees with a few blocks of its Seattle headquarters.
Seattle Office of Economic Development
- Related Post: Seattle Office of Economic Development’s Seattle Small Business Stabilization Fund
Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC)
The Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) has developed a free Business Resiliency Toolkit that can be used in conjunction with the Washington SBDC Small Business Resiliency Guide.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook Small Business Grants Program has been announced by Facebook; this is not a Washington State-specific program. From Facebook as of March 22, 2020: Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where we operate, We’ll share more details as they become available.”
Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder
