Councilmember Amy Cruver
Business Resource Forum

Business Resources Forum Virtual Webinar November 10; 9:00-11:00am

Recovery, resiliency, and workforce topics will be explored in this free virtual business forum hosted by Pierce County Economic Development, Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County, and City of Lakewood.



Hear from local experts and get your questions answered regarding:

  • Funding options
  • Navigating current health recommendations
  • Regulatory tax code changes
  • Market trends in commercial real estate
  • Employment law do’s and don’ts
  • Workforce hiring practices
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion

View the full agenda.

Click here to register today!


Pierce County Call to Artists

Pierce County Call to Artists: Chambers Creek Regional Park Locks of Love Art Project

Pierce County’s Arts Commission is seeking qualified artists to submit a proposal for a public art piece at Chambers Creek Regional Park that compels people to place "Locks of Love" onto an art structure instead of the existing pier bridge cables. The submission deadline is November 30, 2021. Interested artists must register to submit their proposal. Click here for more information.


National Veterans Small Business Week
The Military is Pierce County’s largest employer and a major economic driver for Pierce County. A 2018 survey found that 59% of active duty respondents planned to transition to civilian careers. During National Veterans Small Business Week, November 1-5, 2021, check out a series of virtual events to help you start, grow, or expand your veteran-owned small business. In addition, visit the SBA Region X Veterans Business Outreach Center at Business Impact NW for local business and entrepreneurship resources for veterans.

Professional Services RFQ

Professional Services Providers Roster RFQ Now Open

Professional services providers have the opportunity to be on a list of qualified professional services providers who will be matched with Pierce County businesses

The Pierce County Council has allocated American Rescue Plan Act funding for grants to assist businesses with their professional services needs such as: bookkeeping, tax advice, graphic design, web design, marketing strategies, and legal advice.

Professional services providers interested to be on the list need to submit a bid with some basic information regarding your business. To submit a bid:

  1. "Log In"  to the Pierce County Solicitation Portal or  "Register"  their business if not yet registered;
  2. Once logged in to the Pierce County Solicitation Portal  go to "Bids" and select Bid Number 21-145: Professional Services for Pierce County Businesses - Roster;
  3. Complete and submit your bid.

Questions? Contact us at 253.798.6150 or send an email.


Pierce County Young Adult Internships

Your Next Employee Could be a Paid Young Adult Intern at No Cost to Your Business!

Get matched with a young adult intern through the Hire Pierce County: Next Gen program. Paid internships are made possible through Pierce County American Rescue Plan Act funding and are in partnership with WorkForce Central.

Hire Pierce County

Hire Pierce County Virtual Job Fairs

Complete a Job Fair interest form if your company is interested to participate in a virtual job fair. October 15 is the deadline for the next fair, and more fairs are planned to connect employers with job seekers as the economy re-opens.  


Washington Materials Marketplace

Washington Materials Marketplace

The Washington Materials Marketplace is a free online platform for businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs to sell or gift their leftover raw or by-product materials.  This platform aims to create a closed-loop, collaborative network where hard-to-recycle waste and by-products become another organization’s raw material. Participation is free and open to any company or organization in Washington to join.


Resources and Funding Opportunities 

Now Open: City of Tacoma Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Closes November 15, 2021.

Now Open: City of Tacoma Non-profit Recovery Grant Program. Closes November 15, 2021.

City of Tacoma Notice of Funding Opportunity for 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds. Closes November 29, 2021.


Small Business Flex Fund

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. 


SBA EIDL
SBA Announces Major Changes to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Changes include:
  • 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.
  1. Find out if your lender is participating. 
  2. Watch a video about how to use the portal.
  3. Apply for forgiveness.
For additional information, visit the SBA website.

Washington Ready

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).


SmallBizHelpWA.com

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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Councilmember Amy Cruver contact info
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