Regional small business assistance and grants now available

Oct 15, 2020
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Written by Rose Gundersen, VP of Operations & Retail Services
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Small businesses, especially retailers, restaurants and those owned by ethnic groups, have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Washington Retail is pleased to share information on new assistance and grants that target such businesses.

The Washington State Department of Commerce received a $15 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to support collaboration among public, private and philanthropic organizations to support small businesses.

A press release from Commerce specified that this grant would support Safe Start projects and partnerships aimed at helping small business restart, rebuild and become more resilient. Grant money will benefit various regional economic development partnerships. For example, the Thurston County Economic Development Council received $182,000 to operate a one-year program through its Center for Business & Innovation to support entrepreneurs, business growth and excellence.

To reach ethnic businesses, Commerce offered funding to more than 20 organizations to provide technical assistance aimed at reaching culturally and linguistically challenged business owners and organizations.

Other regional grants with imminent deadlines: