COVID-19

In a press release April 17, 2021, key details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RFF). The restaurant industry has been among the hardest-hit sectors during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA will administer the funds to the hardest-hit small restaurants. In addition to the information on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund on www.sba.gov/restaurants and www.sba.gov/restaurantes (Spanish), other information sources include: A newsletter outlining the 3 Things to Know About the RRF A Twitter moment containing major tweets about the program info A sample application is available in 17 languages; translations of the program guide will be available soon.

New Enhancement to SBA COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program (9/9/2021)

The Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration announced major enhancements to the COVID EIDL program to better support small businesses impacted by the pandemic. Key changes include the following:

• Increasing the COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA will lift the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.

• Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period.  The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination so that they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet.

• Establishment of a 30-Day Exclusivity Window. To ensure Main Street businesses have additional time to access these funds, the SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window of approving and disbursing funds for loans of $500,000 or less. Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.

• Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds. COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.

• Simplification of affiliation requirements. To ease the COVID EIDL application process for small businesses, the SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

More than $150 billion in COVID EIDL funding is still available through the end of the year.

Plus, eligible businesses in low-income areas can apply for up to $15,000 in grant funding through the COVID EIDL Targeted Advance and Supplemental Advance programs. Interested businesses can apply for all three programs at once through one streamlined application.

Visit www.sba.gov/eidl for more information about all COVID EIDL programs. Or register for an upcoming informational webinar hosted by the SBA Seattle District:

• Friday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m.

 

***3/25/2021 UPDATE***

5 Important Facts About COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

1. The lending limit will increase to $500,000 in April. More on limit increase

2. The deferment period is extended until 2022. More on deferment

3. You can receive an EIDL and a PPP or SVOG. Cross-program eligibility

4. The SBA has guidance for identity theft and fraud. More on fraud

5. Billions of dollars to businesses ... and counting. Apply for EIDL

*** 2/24/2021 Update***

Recent changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The changes are meant to help smaller businesses and take effect almost immediately:

• Beginning February 24 and for a two-week period, the SBA will process loan applications only for businesses with fewer than 20 employees; this does not affect forgiveness applications for loans issued in 2020.

• Independent contractors and those who base their loan amount requests on their Schedule C or F net income will now be allowed to use gross revenue as the basis for their calculation instead, opening loan access to unprofitable businesses.

• Eligibility is expanded for those with federal student loan defaults, felonies unrelated to fraud and business owners who are not U.S. citizens but are lawful residents.

As with other changes associated with the program, please contact the bank you have applied through or are applying through for understanding the full impact to your business.

 

** 5/18/2020 Update **

The U.S. Treasury has posted the SBA Form for PPP Loan Forgiveness which includes the policy rules on how forgiveness will be calculated: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/3245-0407-SBA-Form-3508-PPP-Forgiveness-Application.pdf

All other available forms and documents related to PPP Loans can be found here: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/assistance-for-small-businesses.

PPP needed documentation:

Whether you are still in the process of applying for or waiting for approval, you may find the following information helpful.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Essential documents for a PPP application

• IRS Form 940 and/or Form 941 for the previous tax year

• Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement Employer Reference Copy, if applicable

• Payroll summary report for 2020

• Payroll processor records

• Payroll tax filings IRS

• Form 1099-MISC

• Benefit expenses covered by the CARES Act PPP

• Start counting 8 weeks of payroll once funds are in your bank

• The number of employees must be the same as your application documents

• The option to not re-hire the same names on a prior payroll is available if the number of employees stays the same.

• 501c6 is not eligible unless Congress makes this change in the next round of funding.

• Unemployment benefits will cease for employees who refuse to come back to work when work is available.

• Paying a bonus to employees under PPP funding may not meet the forgivable criteria.

Q: Can my PPP loan be forgiven in whole or in part?

A: Visit SBA detail link. Section O  

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

• Takes 3-5 weeks for application processing due to the number of applications

• Only 20% of loans were processed around the week of 4/13

• Check status at 1.800.659.2955

• 501c6 organizations that do NOT lobby are eligible to apply for EIDL.

• Forgiven amount (grant) is $1,000 per employee in the business

• SBA processing with no bank involvement

Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Small Business Guide & Checklist

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the top questions we're getting asked today along with some answers we hope provide clarity. For more information about relief options and resources related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus. 

Q: Can I apply for both the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program?

A: Borrowers can apply for both an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program loan. However, the Paycheck Protection Program loan funds and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds cannot be used for the same purpose. The Paycheck Protection Program loan must be used for payroll (minimum of 75% of the funds received) for it to be eligible for a forgivable loan and the remaining is used for different purposes. Borrowers who accept both loan funds should document the uses of the funds appropriately.

Funding options

Q: Where do I submit an application for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)?

A: Like the SBA Loan Guarantee Program, the SBA doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners for the Paycheck Protection Program. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by partnering lenders.

Small businesses with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, 501(c)(19) veterans organizations, or Tribal businesses (see sec. 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act) affected by coronavirus/COVID-19 can find a lender using the SBA lender finder tool. Deadline June 30th.

Find a PPP lender

Alternatively, you can contact your current bank or lender to see if they are offering PPP; or, view a list of SBA lenders on your local SBA district office website who may also be offering PPP: Seattle District (Washington and northern Idaho)

Q: How do I check the status of my Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or my EIDL Advance application?

A: The application process for the EIDL program was updated March 30 with a new streamlined application that allows you to simultaneously apply for both the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or EIDL Advance. 

For those who submitted a COVID-19 EIDL application prior to March 30, unless you have already been approved or are currently working with a loan officer, you should re-apply using the new streamlined application if you have not done so already.  The new application is streamlined and faster. 

If you already submitted an application in the new streamlined system, keep your confirmation number handy and you'll hear from the SBA soon. You can also contact the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. 

Apply for EIDL

Note: if you have trouble with the application, try using a different browser. 

Q: Do religious organizations qualify for SBA funding programs related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) relief?

Answer: The SBA issued guidance clarifying all faith-based organizations impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act.

Read the news release

Read Faith-Based FAQs

Who qualifies Video: Interview with SBA

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Loans - https://www.sba.gov/disaster

 

Comprehensive page for help determining who can use an SBA disaster loan. 

Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARE Act - CARE Act Guide PDF

4 Funding options through SBA  - https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSBA/bulletins/284c47d

SBA Loan Guide - SBA Loan Guide This includes information on the Payroll Protection Program. Each bank is setting up their PPP applications online, you should be able to go to your bank's website to apply. They are encouraging all small businesses to apply.

Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources - https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

 

Includes resources on The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, Guidance for Businesses & Employers, SBA Products and Resources, Government Contracting and Loan Assistance.

If your primary bank is not a certified SBA lender here is some good information below:

Below is a list of possible other FinTechs that may be helpful.  We, of course, are not endorsing any of them, these are simply options to check out:

www.Biz2Credit.com, www.kabbage.com, www.fundera.com/ppp, www.newtek.com, https://readycapital.com/

 

 

Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants

 

Apply for up to $10,000 in emergency funding

>Governor Inslee is offering a new Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Up to $5 million in funds are provided through the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund and administered by the State Department of Commerce. The grant program will provide a limited number of businesses in Washington’s 39 counties with a grant up to $10,000.

Details  and  Application

5 Things to know about the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)

1. The SBA will begin accepting applications April 8, 2021. Visit SVOG portal

2. There will be a national information session March 30, 2021. Register for Webinar

3. You can now receive both a PPP and SVOG. More on relief programs

4. There are several tools available to help you prepare (FAQ's, video tutorials, preliminary application checklist, eligibility requirements. All info about SVOG

5. Local partners can provide technical assistance. Find assistance near you

The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant

FEMA Vaccine Information & Resource Guide (A guide providing language, disability rights, cultural, and information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine for state, tribal, local and interagency partners.) Includes resources in multiple languages and links to ASL videos. (March 19th, 2021)

March 4th Vaccine Allocation Prioritization Document announced by Gov. Inslee

March 4th Guidance Summary - prioritization guidance and interim allocation framework

You can find your turn for the vaccine at: FindYourPhaseWA.org. 

For the latest information on the vaccines and its distribution, please visit: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/Vaccine

You can find your turn for the vaccine at: FindYourPhaseWA.org. 

2/2/2021 the Economic Development Board of Tacoma/Pierce County announced the new local resource hub: www.SmallBizHelpWA.com

This is a straightforward hub for resources such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).  It includes a roster of technical assistance providers, a resource portal, a training calendar and a rapidly updated statewide list of lending institutions available for PPP loans. 

Full List of Industry-Level Changes with Phase 3 reopening (3/23/2021)

Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery

Details for Tools to print for your business reopening.

Inslee's Statewide Mask Mandate

How to de-escalate tense mask situations for retailers. 

​AWB Rebound & Recovery website - full of poster, letter, customer logging templates and a link for finding local PPE supplies near you.

Safe Start Washington A Phased Approach to Recovery PDF 

Phase 1 reopen WA standards for Curbside pick up. 

Phase 2 reopen WA standards for retail. 

Phase 2 reopen WA standards for professional services.

WA Retail Association reopen standards.

COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard - This reflects the 4 assessment areas the governor is using to move through the 4 phases of reopening. 

The Washington State Coronavirus Response page is your go to location for finding the details of the stay home order along with the reopening up of some business segments. https://coronavirus.wa.gov/business-workers It is a wealth of information.

Confused? For business owners/operators with questions about state rules on reopening, general financial assistance, or other Covid-19 related questions here’s a means of contact. You can find the form here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/2562f1caf5814c46a6bf163762263aa5

What is Open and What is Closed. https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/whats-open-and-closed

4 Phases of Reopening Washington State. 4 Phases Chart. 

Phase 1 Construction Restart (4/23/2020).  The detailed construction phase report can be found here.

 

Supplemental Financial Assistance: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is launching the Save Small Business Fund. Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the Foundation will provide $5,000 supplemental grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities. The Foundation is launching the grant fund in partnership with Vistaprint and with support from Merck, S&P Global Foundation, and Travelers.

For more information on the Save Small Business Grant Fund, please click here.

In a recent press release 4/15/2020, by the US Chamber of Commerce: "To combat the economic destruction threatening the survival of small businesses in every town across America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today launched the Save Small Business Initiative — a nationwide program to address small businesses’ immediate needs, mitigate closures and job losses, and mobilize support for long-term recovery." to continue reading... 

 

On April 18, ESD launched the expanded unemployment benefits that were provided in the CARES Act at www.ESD.WA.Gov. Commissioner LeVine recommends taking four steps to ensure folks keep up-to-date and have needed information at the ready when they apply for these benefits.

1. Sign-up for COVID-19 Action Alerts - for the latest updates on what you need to know to access benefits in a rapidly changing situation.

2. Check Your Eligibility – download the eligibility checker to help you better understand what benefits you may be eligible for, and when to apply.

3. Download the Applications Checklist – find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits if you are unable to work due to COVID-19.

4. Set-up Your SecureAccess Washington Account – get access to online e-services.

Support Programs during COVID-19: https://www.safehome.org/resources/small-business-protection-guide/

Implementing National Back to Work Plan: - https://www.rapidresponsesouthsound.com/back-to-work/

Optimism in the Face of crisis: Washingtonians Surveyed - Read the Article

Washington State's one stop site for information on COVID-19 - https://coronavirus.wa.gov/ 

Daily statistics, testing, if you are ill, government emergency actions, you & your family, travelers & commuters, business & workers, local health departments, childcare/K-12/higher education and latest news.

Is my business an essential business? - https://coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed/essential-business

Wall Street Journal Article with tons of links: Article

Washington Retailers Association updated regularly with resources - https://washingtonretail.org/initiatives/covid-19-coronavirus/

Numerous resources for retailers and businesses. 

People Priorities in Response to COVID-19 Article

5 Immediate Actions to take to position your business as one that will not only survive this crisis, but thrive when it's over -  https://www.financialpoise.com/business-crisis-management-for-coronavirus/

Office 365 - Working from Home & How to use technology to work remotely: https://aldridge.com/working-remote-with-microsoft-office-online/ If you have questions: Technology Providers

Tips for working at home.

New to working from home with kids out of school? Here is a lifeline:  Too Cool For School - Virtual Kids Camp - Facebook support group with many resources, parent survival tips, art projects, science experiments and so much more, parent videos reading books. This might be your work from home conference call life saver!

30 Day Growth Accelerator: Businesses need a strong digital marketing presence now more than ever. Those businesses that stop all marketing spend and go into hiding are the ones that will be hurt the worst. The ones that partner with a great digital team will be the ones that make it through the downturn and continue growing immediately after. Here is a FREE (Limited Time Access): Success with Marketing

Visit: https://www.cityofgigharbor.net/704/COVID-19-Response for City of Gig Harbor information.

City temporarily lifts the ban on plastic bag & utensils.