West Seattle Chamber publishes list of local resources

Thu, 03/19/2020

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION COVID-19

We are going virtual for the time being! We will continue to keep you up to date via the Government Advocacy Committee (GAC) on all new developments, assistance opportunities and news.

We want to STAY CONNECTED with all of you, we are a family! We miss seeing your smiling faces around town, and at our luncheons and After Hours.

If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. The Chamber is here to serve our members.

I wish you all well, stay safe and healthy!
Your proud CEO, Julia Jordan

We have gathered a roundup of public and private resources for employers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including federal disaster loans, easier access to unemployment benefits and grants in the Seattle area. (sources; AWB, CDC, Whitehouse.GOV, King County, City of Seattle- OED)

Finances

Loans/Assistance

Insurance: If employers have bought the right endorsements, insurance policies may cover cancelled events or businesses losses. Contact the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner at 1-800-562-6900 or go to www.insurance.wa.gov for more information.
Small Business
- The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering disaster loans up to $2 million (flyer), with an interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere. Nonprofits can apply too, at a 2.75% interest rate. Apply here. Access the portal here.
- Other Small Business Administration loans
- The city of Seattle's Office of Economic Development has been allocated $1.5 million to help qualifying small businesses. These businesses must be located within Seattle and have five employees or less, among other criteria. Businesses may receive grants up to $10,000. Click here to learn more and apply for these Seattle Small Business grants.
- Amazon has created a $5 million Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund to help small companies located within a few blocks of its Seattle headquarters. Click here to learn more and apply for the Amazon neighborhood small business relief fund.

Tax Help

Federal: IRS Coronavirus tax relief
State: The Department of Revenue offers extensions on tax filings and certain late fees, as well as rescheduling audits and more time to file or renew a business license. Contact the department at 360.705.6705 for more information.

Help to pay your employees

The Employment Security Department has new emergency rules in place. For example, workers who are ill with COVID-19 can qualify for benefits. Also, workers that are exposed and quarantined while the business remains open can now qualify for unemployment insurance. This ESD Unemployment chart can help determine which benefit applies to your situation. This FAQ page for workers and businesses answers questions and gives resources to help relieve the burden of temporary layoffs.
- Paid sick and safe leave (and FAQs about how it applies to COVID-19)
- Unemployment insurance
- Paid Family Medical Leave (and FAQs about how it applies to COVID-19)
- Workers' Compensation FAQs and link to apply