Recent Updates

Update on Resources for Business and Nonprofit Operators

January 6, 2021

Definitive rules for the second-draw SBA Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) remain pending. We will post details here when available. If you would like to track progress real-time, please:

New Business and Worker Resources in 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act

December 22, 2020

Last night, Congress approved the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act. While final rules won’t be issued for days or weeks, here are some items we’re tracking:

Additional Insights Regarding New Federal Resources

The US Chamber of Commerce has provided updated information on the PPP, EIDL and other business assistance/resource programs. To learn more, visit https://www.uschamber.com/report/guide-small-business-covid-19-emergency-loans#foura.

PPP Business Loan Program Expanded:

  • Billions have been added to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs. Entities who received either loan in the first round are eligible to apply again through a “second draw”
  • PPP applicants can apply (and have loans forgiven) for higher amounts as the range of eligible expenses has been expanded to include supplier costs [restaurants], worker protections [PPE], software [tools that make doing business easier] and property damage
  • Economic development organizations [501(c)(6)] and DMOs DO qualify for PPP loans
  • Forgiven PPP loans (grants) are NOT counted as taxable income
  • New PPP Loans under $150k: one-page application and reduced submittal requirements
  • SBA has 10 days from adoption of Act (TBD) to issue clarifying administrative rules

Other Business Tax Relief:

  • $15 billion to support live entertainment venues, agents, cultural institutions such as theaters and museums with 500 or fewer FTE (cannot also apply for a new PPP loan)
    • $2 billion of these funds are reserved for entities with 50 or fewer FTE employees
    • Initial grant can total up to $10 million per eligible business. A supplemental second grant, worth half the amount of the first, may also be available if funds are available
    • Grant amount based on 45% of recipient’s 2019 gross earned revenue
    • Priority in the first 14 days given to businesses who faced 90% or more of losses of earned revenue between 4/1 to 12/31/20, compared to the same period in 2019
    • Priority for next 14 days given to companies who faced 70% or more of losses of earned revenue between 4/1 to 12/31/20, compared to the same period in 2019
    • Special formula allowances available for seasonal businesses
    • Funds can be used to cover all the same new covered costs of a PPP loan plus payments to independent contractors (not to exceed $100K annual pay), maintenance costs, licensing, insurance premiums, advertising, theatrical production costs, and capital expenditures incurred 3/1/20 to 12/31/21
    • Recipient would not include grant funds in their taxable gross income
    • Grant funds cannot be used to purchase real estate, pay loans taken out after 2/15/20, investment or re-lend, or for electoral activity and lobbying expenditures
    • Applications are made to the SBA and the SBA Administrator to issue guidance within 21 days of bill’s enactment
  • Business tax /credit  extended through March 2021 (payroll tax, sick and family leave)
  • Increased fee schedule proposed for physicians (more federal funding for public payers)
  • $10B allocated for childcare (to help replace parent copay, fund technical training)

Impacted Worker Support:

  • Key unemployment benefits extended to March 14 and or 21, 2021 (with total eligibility expanded from 39 to 50 weeks)
  • IRS tax credits extended for 2020 returns ($1,200 for joint filers under $150k annual income)

Thurston Strong will provide pertinent updates as formal rules are adopted and the programs above are announced or launched.

In the meantime, the National Development Council (NDC) is offering a free webinar to delve deeper into the appropriations and programs contained within the new Act. The webinar starts at noon on Wednesday, December 23. To register, visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8424597042298117389.

Working Washington Small Business Grant Portal Now Open

December 9, 2020

Washington State has added an additional $50 million to the Working Washington business grant promoted in our e-blast last week. Businesses are encouraged to apply by THIS FRIDAY, Dec. 11, to increase odds of being funded. See the Governor’s announcement below for additional info and links.

Gov. Inslee announces another $50 million for Working Washington business grants; priority deadline is Friday

Gov. Jay Inslee yesterday also announced an additional $50 million for the Working Washington grants, bringing the total amount for the third round to $100 million.

These additional funds will double the number of small businesses the state is able to aid.

Priority will be given to applications received by 5 p.m. Dec. 11. Businesses are encouraged to start their application today, especially if they think they’ll need technical assistance.

The Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) out of Washington State University, which partnered to assist Commerce in this effort, has more than two dozen people actively responding to thousands of emails and answering hundreds of calls since the application portal opened. Due to the high volume of calls and emails, it may take them more than one day to respond. Businesses who wait beyond today to request help may not receive a response prior to the 5 p.m. deadline on Friday.

If Commerce is able to fund all the eligible applicants who submit by that time, the department may be able to consider eligible applicants who submit after Dec. 11.

Since the application opened for the current round of Working Washington grants, the state’s Department of Commerce has received about 16,000 applications with an estimated additional 34,000 applications that people have started pending in our system.

Businesses can apply for up to $20,000 to offset costs or expenses due to COVID-19. The grants are targeted primarily for small businesses with $5 million or less in annual revenue that have had to close or significantly curtail operations as a result of current or ongoing public health measures. Examples include full-service restaurants, fitness centers, bowling alleys, or music and event venues.

The WSBDC has hosted informational webinars to answer many of the most common questions and problems business owners are asking about. Watch the  recorded webinar in English or Spanish.

If you need assistance with the application, email bizgrants@commerce.wa.gov or call 360.725.5003. If you need assistance in a language other than English, our Business Resiliency partners are also available. Again, call and email volumes are high so it may take a day or more to get a response. Businesses who need help should reach out today to ensure our teams can respond in time for the business to complete the application by 5 p.m. on Friday.

Here are quick tips for businesses who want to apply.

  • Apply during off-peak hours such as early morning or late evening. Site volumes can be very high during the day.
  • Double-check your spelling and keep an eye on both your inbox and spam folder for follow-up emails. The verification email will come from “Working Washington 3 Grant Program Team.” Once you receive that email, make sure it’s added to your safe sender list so it goes to your inbox and not your spam folder.
  • We recommend completing the application on your desktop computer using Chrome web browser.
  • Read the instructions on the Grant Overview page of the application carefully.
  • If you’re applying on behalf of multiple businesses, you’ll need a separate UBI number and separate e-mail address for each. 
  • Clear your cache before starting a new application. If you are submitting multiple applications, you may find your computer preventing you from starting a fresh application.
  • This article describes the steps for clearing your cache in all browser types. If you don’t know what kind of browser you’re using, you should be able to see the name of it under the icon on your desktop screen.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Not quite sure how to answer one of the application questions? Having trouble with the portal website? We know the process can feel overwhelming or confusing. Our partners at the WSBDC are standing by to help. You can email bizgrants@commerce.wa.gov or call 360.725.5003. Call and email volumes are high so it may take a day or so to get a response. If you need assistance in a language other than English, our Business Resiliency partners are also available.
  • Gather your information before starting your application. The list of documents and information you’ll need is pretty short, but it helps to have it ready.
    • W-9 requires your Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN or social security)
    • W-9 forms can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
    • Copy of valid government issued photo I.D.
    • Applicant W-9 Request for taxpayer Identification Number
    • For Tribal-member owned businesses: license or certification if business activity is conducted outside the tribal jurisdiction; letter or certification from the tribe recognizing you as a business if business activity is within the tribal jurisdiction.
    • Business gross revenues for 2019 and 2020. You will enter this information in the application and attest to it, but we do not require documentation. (NOTE: Some grant or loan programs require businesses to have been in operation a certain amount of time. This grant program does not have an eligibility requirement associated with business start date.)
    • NAICS code or clear description of your primary business activity. A NAICS code is helpful, but not necessary. If you have never used a NAICS code, you can learn more here: https://www.naics.com/what-is-a-naics-code-why-do-i-need-one/

Dislocated Worker Updates

December 9, 2020

Please see updates below regarding Employment Security Department rules and programs.

Job search requirements extended

The governor, with support from the Legislature, has announced that job search requirements will remain suspended through Jan. 19, 2021. This means the soonest claimants will be seek work is the week of Jan. 24. We are committed to helping you understand the requirements before you need to report job searches in your weekly claim. Learn more on our job search requirements page. For more information, see the ALERTS at www.esd.wa.gov.

Waiting week requirements

Additionally, the waiting week requirement will remain suspended until Dec. 21. This means unless further action is taken, new claims with an effective date of claim of Dec. 27, or later, will require an unpaid waiting week. This will not affect current claims.

Do you need to restart your claim?

If you applied for unemployment benefits earlier this year, and you haven’t submitted a weekly claim for five or more weeks, you can restart your claim online. Go to esd.wa.gov/unemployment/restart-your-claim for instructions and tips.

New to unemployment

If you haven’t applied for unemployment recently, go to esd.wa.gov/unemployment and follow the steps to apply. Read this guide to avoid common issues before applying.

Working Washington Small Business Grant Portal Now Open

December 2, 2020

Round 3 small business grant applications are now being accepted. For businesses with less than $5M annual revenue. Grants up to $20,000. Emphasis on businesses most impacted by recent restrictions (e.g. restaurants, gyms, bowling alleys, music and events venues, etc.). Visit Washington State Department of Commerce link below for details. These grants are NOT administered through Thurston Strong.

http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/working-washington-round-3/

Working Washington Grant Application Update

December 2, 2020

Please see below for latest info on upcoming Business Grant opportunity – applicant training webinar Dec. 3 at noon – application portal opens SAME DAY.

Up to $20,000 in emergency funding is available to Washington State eligible small businesses in Round 3 of Working Washington Small Business Grants. These grants are prioritized for businesses in sectors most impacted by the recent public health measures as well as businesses that have experienced significant, cumulative impacts. Learn more about Working Washington Small Business Grants in this Washington SBDC webinar facilitated by Steve Burke, SBDC Certified Business Advisor. Topics include:

  • Eligibility
  • How to show your business is impacted
  • How to apply
  • What the grant pays for
  • Documents and info to have ready to upload into Grant Portal which will be active by December 3

Register at: https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271315

Working Washington Grants Webinar

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Resources

The Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services program is now being administered by the City of Tacoma’s Minority Business Development Agency. If you are DBE Certified, consider applying for services that can help you grow your firm. Click here for the contact inquiry form.

New Working Washington Business Grant and Loan Funding Announcement

November 30, 2020

Thurston Strong has not yet been informed of logistical details regarding disbursement of additional Washington State CARES funding. As a result, we are posting the announcement in its original form with links to specific resource pages: please follow these links on your own in case we don’t receive clarifying info quickly. We will post/email updates to subscribers as soon as we receive them. The new grant application process is expected to start this week.

This is an update to help businesses prepare for the Working Washington business grant application process that will open early next week.

Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee announced an additional $70 million for business grants. $50 million of that is for a new round of Working Washington business grants. The remainder will go toward funding all qualified businesses that applied in earlier rounds of our resiliency grant program. (NOTE: Businesses who applied for resiliency grant will not need to take any action).

The application portal and additional information will be posted at www.commerce.wa.gov/bizgrants.

Who can apply?

These grants are prioritized for:

  • Small businesses with annual revenues of $5 million or less in 2019
  • Businesses in sectors most impacted by the recent public health measures as well as businesses in sectors that have experienced significant, cumulative impacts. Examples include full-service restaurants, fitness centers, bowling alleys and music/event venues.
  • Certain nonprofits may also be eligible if they have a primary business activity that falls into a similar category as noted above. Example – a nonprofit full-service restaurant or nonprofit music venue.

If the state Department of Commerce is able to fund all the eligible applicants from the priority pool, and funds remain, Commerce may be able to provide grants to additional businesses or nonprofits from other sectors or who have annual revenues larger than $5 million.

What does the grant pay for?

  • The maximum grant award will be up to $20,000.
  • The grant can only cover expenses or costs incurred due to COVID-19 and that were necessary to continue business operations.

How can I apply?

  • The online application portal will open early next week (the week of Nov. 30). The portal link will be available at commerce.wa.gov/bizgrants. Additional information about eligibility and prioritization will also be posted there.
  • Priority will be given to applications received by Dec. 10. If Commerce is able to fund all the eligible applicants who submit by that time, we may be able to consider eligible applicants who submit after the 10th.
  • Checklist of the information you’ll need to have ready:
    • Applicant W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number
    • Copy of valid government issued photo I.D.
    • For Tribal-member owned businesses: license or certification if business activity is conducted outside the tribal jurisdiction; letter or certification from the tribe recognizing you as a business if business activity is within the tribal jurisdiction.
    • Copy of 2019 Tax Return/ other confirmation of Gross Revenues for 2019.
    • For businesses with a physical location, evidence of that location, such as lease, tax statement, utility bill, etc.
    • NAICS code or clear description of primary business activity. A NAICS code is helpful, but not necessary. If you have never used a NAICS code, you can learn more here: What is a NAICS Code? and explore NAICS codes to see which one fits your business.

[Closed] New Grant Funding for Childcare Providers, Nonprofits and Businesses

October 13, 2020

These grant funds are now closed.

Thanks to a major new infusion of CARES Act funding from Thurston County, Thurston Strong is expanding the volume and range of funding support available to local organizations. Over $7 Million in grant funding is now available through the fund categories described below.

Together with prior outlays, this new funding brings Thurston Strong reinvestment in the local economy to just under $12 Million. Other contributors include the Cities of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater, Washington State, The Community Foundation and Thurston Economic Development Council.

While we know it isn’t enough to undo the damage community businesses and nonprofits have suffered over the past six months, we hope it will help sustain them until conditions trend upward once again.

Childcare Stabilization Fund

Funding for this grant is now closed. All applications received to date are being processed.

Childcare providers have long operated with thin margins, and the pandemic has only exacerbated the situation. Yet, more working families are returning to work and in-person schooling is on hold. The Childcare Stabilization Fund provides temporary support grants to offset COVIC-related impacts for local entities, including licensed facilities and a growing number of non-profit daycares operating in partnership with local school districts. Applications will be reviewed in the order received through October 31 or until funds are depleted.

Nonprofit Grant Fund

Funding for this grant is now closed. All applications received through Oct. 30 are being processed.

Local nonprofits have seen steep declines in revenue. Yet, we depend on them more than ever to provide essential services. And we want to make sure they are still there when we get on the other side of the pandemic. Applications will be reviewed in the order received through October 31 or until funds are depleted.

Restaurant and Retail Grant Fund

Funding for this grant is now closed. All applications received through Oct. 30 are being processed.

Independently-owned retail and restaurant operators have experienced an outsized economic impact during the pandemic. The Restaurant and Retail Fund provides bridge grants to those fighting to remain open or attempting to reopen under new and difficult conditions. Applications will be reviewed in the order received through October 31 or until funds are depleted.

Agriculture Business Grant Fund

Funding for this grant is now closed. All applications received to date are being processed.

Farmers, farmers markets, value-add food manufacturers and food and farm coops have experienced declining markets, labor challenges and supply chain ruptures. The Thurston Strong Ag Grant is designed to help them with response and recovery efforts. Applications will be reviewed in the order received through October 31 or until funds are depleted.

Continued Grant Funding for Microbusinesses and Childcare Providers

In addition to the new round of investment, grant funding remains available within several ongoing programs, including:

Micro-Business Standup Grant Fund

Funding for this grant is now closed. All applications received to date are being processed.

Funding is still available through the original $1,500 Thurston Strong Micro-Business Grant Program. To review eligibility requirements and other details, please visit www.thurstonstrong.org. Grants will be issued until October 31.

Childcare Provider Grant Fund

Funding for this grant is now closed. All applications received through Oct. 30 are being processed.

Funding is still available through the original Thurston Strong Childcare Provider Grant Program. Grants range from $1,500 to $13,300 depending on the size of licensed (or enrolled) care capacity. To review eligibility requirements and other details, please visit www.thurstonstrong.org. Grants will be issued until October 31.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Resources

Funding for this program has been exhausted. All applications received through Oct. 30 are being processed.

Thurston Strong still has disposable masks and 1-gallon bottles of hand sanitizer. All businesses and nonprofits are eligible, including those who have previously received orders. Requests will be accepted until resources are depleted. To obtain masks or sanitizer, please visit www.thurstonstrong.org.

Scale-Up Business Training

Thurston County grant funds will also be used to provide technical training for eighty businesses seeking to recalibrate their business models. Each training grant is valued at $4,000.

Washington State Grants Available for Nonprofits

The Department of Commerce is partnering with School’s Out Washington to distribute $9 million in CARES Act funding to respond to the impact of COVID-19 by supporting programs serving school age kids and young adults facing significant challenges to educational and economic opportunity. School’s Out Washington developed application criteria and will award grants between $10,000 – $50,000, based on an organization’s 2019 budget. Priority consideration will be given to programs that serve youth with lower access to educational opportunity and whose leaders are reflective of the populations they serve.

For more information: youthdevrelief.schoolsoutwashington.org

Grants Available for Olympia Arts and Culture Organizations

The City of Olympia is offering matching grants up to $5,000 for arts projects to registered non-profits. To be eligible, organizations must have a minimum two-year history serving Olympia. Approval is based on innovative and diverse projects, organizational strengths, and capacity for community engagement. In 2021, the City will award up to $20,000 in grants for the year.

olympiawa.gov/city-services/parks/public-art/grants-to-arts-orgs.aspx

New CARES Act Funding available for Arts and Culture Nonprofits in Washington

In partnership with Washington Department of Commerce, the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) is now accepting CARES Act Relief Grant applications from Washington State-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, including tribal organizations, and fiscally sponsored groups impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 from a total of $1.5 million made possible by a grant awarded by the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury.

Grants will be awarded and distributed in December. Eligible organizations must have federal tax-exempt status or be sponsored by a qualifying non-profit that has arts, culture, and/or heritage in their mission. Applications will be evaluated under three criteria: Financial need, Arts + Cultural Programming, and Communities Served. To ensure geographic distribution, applications will be evaluated by regional panels serving the northwest, southwest, central, and eastern regions of the state. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020.

www.arts.wa.gov/cares-act-grants/

Looking Forward

Thurston Strong will continue to search for new revenue to grow and expand grant and community reinvestment programs. Updated information will be shared accordingly. Stay strong Thurston.

Washington State Pursuing Federal Lost Wages Assistance for Workers

August 21, 2020

Governor Inslee has announced that the Employment Security Department (ESD) will apply for the Lost Wages Assistance program through the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) by Friday, Aug. 21. The Lost Wages Assistance program is a temporary emergency measure to provide additional unemployment benefits to eligible claimants

Upon approval, this will allow ESD to provide an additional $300 per week for three weeks to those who have lost work due to the COVID-19 crisis and are receiving unemployment benefits.

The benefit is currently time-limited to only a three-week period, between July 26 and Aug. 15, 2020, and not everyone who has filed an unemployment claim will be eligible. ESD will continue to work with FEMA and the U.S. Department of Labor to pursue any additional funds for Washingtonians that may remain after the initial three-week period of benefits are distributed.

A press release and FAQ on this program is posted at will be http://www.esd.wa.gov/newsroom.

Local Business Resiliency Videos Now Posted at New “Thurston Stories” Site

August 21, 2020

Wondering how local enterprises are getting through this difficult time?  Take a look at some stories from around Thurston County at: www.thurstonstories.com. Or visit the YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_GjRQHrrZfuwYOtQbpRd0w.

Featured businesses include Gabbi’s Cards and Comics, the Port restaurant, Orca Books and more.

Many thanks to Experience Olympia and Beyond for organizing this effort and sharing these inspirations stories of support and resiliency.

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