Pierce County Update for Business: Small Business Programs & Resources

September 13, 2021

In response to the pandemic and the adverse impacts on underserved communities in Pierce County, the County Council has allocated $5M of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to launch the Pierce County Business Accelerator. The program will serve entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Pierce County with a focus on underserved communities to help foster innovation and create wealth-building opportunities.

First Round Application Deadline: September 17. Applications submitted after September 17 will be considered for a later cohort.
First cohort will kick off by the end of September.

Click here for more information and to apply

Questions? Contact [email protected]

SBA Announces Major Changes to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Register for an upcoming informational webinar hosted by the SBA Seattle District
Friday, September 17 at 10:00 am or Tuesday, September 21 at 2:00 pm to learn more about these changes:

Increasing the COVID EIDL Cap.
Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period
Establishment of a 30-Day Exclusivity Window
Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds.
Simplification of affiliation requirements.

For more information visit sba.gov/eidl. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021.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].

Paycheck Protection Program: if your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through SBA using their online portal. Follow the steps below.

Find out if your lender is participating.
Watch a video about how to use the portal.
Apply for forgiveness.

For additional information, visit the SBA website.

Starts Today: Small Business Administration (SBA) National Small Business Week

During the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit this week, the SBA will host a series of educational webinars. Register for this free, online summit to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners and chat with industry experts.

Washington State BizFair October 12

The all virtual 2021 BizFair is free to attend for current and aspiring small business owners to learn from experts on how to start or grow their business. Sharpen your business skills and gain access to valuable small business resources. Click here to register.

WorkForce Central Seeks RFQQs for Industry Skills Cohort Trainings

WorkForce Central is seeking qualified organizations or entities to provide employer-driven, rapid reskill-upskill training delivered to cohorts of participants. This short term (up to 4 months) training will prepare individuals to enter living-wage employment in the industry, occupation, and skill development pathways identified as local employer priorities in the RFQQ. Proposals are due on September 29. Click here to access the full RFQQ, key dates, and directions to apply.

Small Business Flex Fund Loan Program

Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for a low-interest loan of up to $150,000 to finance expansion and growth as well as recover from the pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown through the Washington State Department of Commerce Small Business Flex Fund. Interested applicants pre-apply on the Flex Fund’s online portal and, if they qualify, will be matched with a lender.

Community Grant & Funding Programs

Opening October 1: Comcast RISE Investment Fund Grant Program for BIPOC Small Businesses. Learn more on September 15 at the Keep Rising event.

Now Open: Rudd’s R.U.B.B. (Raising Up Black Businesses) Initiative Business Grants

Closing Soon: Recovery Assistance Funds for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers

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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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 a few limited exceptions including spectator events) have returned to usual capacity and operations.

This does not include masking. See current guidance for employers and businesses/organizations based on vaccination. See also: L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19 and updated Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for Employers (Non-Healthcare Settings).

COVID-19 Vaccines Help Get Us Back in Business

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

Need a ride? People who face transportation barriers can call the state COVID-19 information hotline at 833-VAX-HELP for assistance.

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.

Pierce County Economic Development

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