Pierce County Update for Business: Washington Ready, Flex Plan Program

July 12, 2021

Washington Ready & Reopened

Now that Washington state has reopened under the Washington Ready plan, all industry sectors previously covered by the Roadmap to Recovery or the Safe Start plan (with the limited exceptions noted below for large indoor events) have returned to usual capacity and operations.

This does not include masking, which will continue under current guidance for employers and businesses/organizations based on vaccination. See also: L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19.

SmartWA Dashboard Designed to Help Businesses Reopen Safely and Increase Customer Visits

To help small business owners identify the safety protocols most likely to be important to customers, the Washington State Department of Commerce has launched a new SmartWA business decision support system and COVID-19 dashboard. The decision support system features an interactive simulator that provide industry-specific predictions about which safety protocols are most likely to increase customer traffic in specific sectors.

COVID-19 Vaccines Help Get Us Back in Business

Everyone 12 and older is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in Washington. Visit FindYourCovidShot.com
or the Washington DOH Vaccine Locator to find location options and information.

Need a ride? People who face transportation barriers and need a ride to get a vaccine can call the state COVID-19 information hotline at 833-VAX-HELP and a hotline specialist will assist in coordinating the rides.

NEW: Small Business Flex Fund Loan Program

Small business owners and nonprofits across Washington can apply for low interest loans of up to $150,000 through the newly-launched Small Business Flex Fund. The Fund is a public-private partnership aimed at helping small businesses and nonprofits – particularly those in low-income communities – recover and grow as communities across the state reopen for business. Interested applicants pre-apply on the Flex Fund’s online portal and, if they qualify, will be matched with a lender.

Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 Relief Options

SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Did you know that an EIDL has a lower interest rate than most credit cards? An EIDL helps businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. The terms are for 30 years at a 3.75% fixed interest rate for businesses and 2.75% fixed interest rate for nonprofits. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31, 2021.

Increasing Your Existing EIDL
COVID-19 EIDLs can be modified by increasing the amount up to 24 months of economic injury or a maximum of $500,000, whichever is less. The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center is available to provide assistance seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT by phone at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-877-8339) or email at [email protected].

Webinar: How to Do Business with FEMA
Wednesday, July 14 at 10:00am

When FEMA responds to a disaster, our goal is to contract with local businesses in the affected area, whenever practical and feasible. FEMA’s Chief Component Procurement Officer and FEMA Region 10 are facilitating a webinar for businesses to learn how to do business with the FEMA. The webinar will cover FEMA’s small business program, category management, contracting, and regional coordination.

Click here to register.

Recovery Assistance Funds for Small Manufacturers

Now Open: Recovery Assistance Funds for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers

Impact Washington is inviting Washington based US small and medium-sized manufacturers (SME's) to apply for CARES Act Recovery Assistance funds. These funds provide services that directly support a manufacturer's ability to recover from the coronavirus.

Download funding one-sheet or click here to learn more.

Back to Work Pierce County Resource Guide

As Pierce County businesses continue to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, we've created a roundup of resources to help your business continue to operate under new guidelines or prepare to re-open.

View the resource guide here.

SmallBizHelpWA.com New Online Hub for Small Business Recovery

On the SmallBizHelp.com website you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions regarding recovery resources, information on how to find individual technical assistance, how to find a lender, training opportunities and where to find more detailed program information.
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Pierce County Economic Development

950 Pacific Ave, Suite 525
Tacoma, WA 98402
www.piercecountywa.gov/edd