Recent Updates
Thurston Strong PPE Distribution Hits the Mark
Last Friday, Thurston Strong began distributing personal protective equipment to local businesses. By Monday, we had already issued over 15,000 masks and nearly 150 gallons of hand sanitizer. Additional supplies will be available within the next 24-hours. To submit an order: https://www.thurstonstrong.org/ppe-resources-available/
Center for Business and Innovation: One-Stop Shop for Business Support
Whether you’re thinking about opening a business, need help maintaining or growing the one you already operate, or want to make a full-scale change, we have you covered. The Thurston County Economic Development (EDC) Center for Business and Innovation offers a full complement of courses and personalized training – and most of the programming is free or underwritten in response to the pandemic. For more information, see below:
New Local Guidance and Resources on Governor’s Eviction Moratorium
Thurston Thrives has assembled a comprehensive guide on rules and options available for handling delayed rent payments. Whether you are a renter, landlord or housing advocate, this document provides a range of helpful information and links to resources.
City of Yelm Business and Resident Financial Relief Available
The City of Yelm has over $27,000 available to help residents address personal hardships, and an additional $109,000 in business grants for enterprise impacted by COVID-19. To learn more: https://www.yelmwa.gov/news_detail_T10_R234.php
Thurston Strong Offering Disposable Masks and Hand Sanitizer to Businesses
The first round of hand sanitizer and disposable masks has arrived. We expect supplies to move quickly and are working to secure more. We appreciate your patience along the way. To review parameters and submit your order, visit: https://www.thurstonstrong.org/ppe-resources-available/
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Expands Flexibility
The PPP was amended on June 5 by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 to expand some of the program’s provisions. The window to spend borrowed funds was extended from eight weeks to 24 weeks, and the repayment window for non-forgiven portion of loans was extended from two years to five years. The amendment reduces mandatory payroll spend of borrowed funds from 75% to 60%. Further, the amendment allows for forgiveness of loans even in some cases where the business is unable to restore its entire workforce.
There are over $100 billion available funds in the program’s budget, so businesses are still encouraged to apply. The PPP has injected $12 billion into Washington State’s economy so far and may be a valuable boost to small businesses striving to preserve their workforces through the downturn.
Visit the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program site:
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program
Enterprise for Equity Offering Free Business Training
Thanks to special funding, Enterprise for Equity is offering their upcoming business training for free for people who live in Thurston County. Priority will be given to those that meet income guidelines:
To register: email Kiana at office@enterpriseforequity.org
PPE Resources Available for Local Businesses
Thurston Strong is making bulk purchases of personal protective equipment (PPE) for distribution to local businesses. See below for guidance on securing supplies for your establishment.
In-Stock Now
DISCLAIMER: We are doing our best to secure additional supplies, but demand may exceed supply at times. We will add to and diversify available stock as funding allows. If we are unable to serve you immediately, we will follow up regarding your order as soon as possible.- 10,000 disposable masks
- 100 gallons of hand sanitizer (100 1-gallon jugs)
Available for Distribution
- Up to 100 disposable masks per establishment (you can request more if you run low)
- One 1-gallon jug of hand sanitizer per establishment
Pick Up Instructions
Staff will confirm your order and pick-up date via email within 1-3 days. Pick up will be arranged at a location in Lacey during the follow days and times:- Mondays 8:30 AM -12:00 PM
- Tuesdays 1:00 PM -5:00 PM
- Fridays 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Place Order
Please complete the questions below and click submit. We will confirm your pickup date via email. Please understand we may not be able to provide the full volume you request.
Thurston Strong Partners Taking Steps to Help Workers and Employers
- Business Hotline
- 11,000 points of contact and counseling since March
- Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant (650 applications)
- City of Lacey Small Business Grant (320 applications)
- SBA Grant for Women’s Business Center
- Women’s Center: 198 clients, 49 referrals and support services
- Partner with SPSCC, Lacey Makers’ Space no-cost training, Expand Let’s Talk Business Webinar
- BEST (Business Enterprise Startup Training)
- 18 students, hiring more coaches in order to expand capacity
- ScaleUp Thurston
- ScaleUp: 43 Thurston clients; 100 WA state (at capacity) clients
- Career Bridge to help dislocated business owners retain businesses
- PTAC: 130 hours of tech assistance, 5 events with 933 businesses attended
- Promoted PPP program to 68 non-profit agencies in Thurston County
- Tying Our Community Back Together campaign provides an opportunity to celebrate reopening
- Business Essential’s – Weekly Webinar on conducting business during COVID
- Spotlight videos highlighting reopening and successful shifts in business models
- Provide Technical guidance and resource on reopening
- Providing rehiring and staff onboarding resources for business reopening
- Mitigate and Inform: Keep travelers updated; connect members to resources; liaise with industry and community; Fireside chats; takeout/delivery/gift card promotion; promote digital experiences
- Plan for Recovery: Share with Task Force and state partners; Phased, responsible re-entry; get early travelers back
- Restart: Maintain support of industry, government; build brand, civic pride; book future business
- Seed investments in Thurston Strong and United Way response initiatives
- Providing staff support to the EDC’s business hotline
- Proactively patrolling areas with closed businesses
- Expanding cleaning operations, planning for social distancing Downtown
- Launching Artists on Board program
- Allowing utility and B+O tax payment deferrals
- Streamlining the temporary use permitting process
- 110 grants issued through Lacey small business stabilization fund
- Funding for United Way COVID-19 Fund
- Utility billing fee suspension, no late fees, or disconnections
- B&O tax deferral until July 31
- Temporary sign ordinance revision allowing commercial banners and sandwich boards
- Continuation of inspections for essential construction projects
- Funding for Regional Economic Recovery Task Force
- Open restaurant inventory and map with locations, hours, service options
- Open business listing for medical, food, shelter, and transportation
- Suspended water shutoffs and late payment penalties
- Extended B&O filing deadline to July 31, 2020
- Enacted temporary lift of plastic bag ban
- $150k emergency funds to human services + economic recovery
- Operate and continually update Coronavirus website with health-related info
- Extension of development permit applications
- Inspection and permit processes continued through e-inspections
- Liaisons serve as contacts for businesses with questions about reopening
- Commission advocacy for State financial support
- Incorporation of Thurston Strong goals into priority objectives
- Commissioners Vote for Variance to move to Phase 2 of the Safe Start Plan
Workforce Impacts by the Numbers
