A List of Resources to Help Seattle’s Small Businesses Amid the Covid-19 Crisis

The latest round of Covid-19 restrictions will likely lead to more of these signs.
Image: Shutterstock by NYgraphic
It’s never been easy to be a small business owner or worker, but in Seattle, the coronavirus pandemic has made these endeavors even tougher. Social distancing measures have had dire consequences for many Seattle small businesses. The latest round of restrictions announced Sunday will undoubtedly lead to more layoffs and business closures. Here are some resources to help ease the burden on small business owners and workers. We will keep this updated; email [email protected] with your suggestions.
For Small Business Owners
- Seattle Office of Economic Development grants of up to $10,000. The city recently added $4 million to its Small Business Stabilization Fund, which has already doled out 469 grants to Seattle small businesses since the start of the pandemic. Applications are rolling through Monday, November 30.
- Seattle small business and nonprofit resource list. Bookmark this one. The city's list includes information about free legal advice, evictions (halted during the pandemic), tax deferments, and free outdoor permits.
- Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance. Read the Office of Labor Standards' latest policy.
- Washington's Department of Commerce small business resources page. Another one to reserve a browser tab for. This page offers Safe Start reopening guidance and links to small business funding. Also of note: You can still apply for a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
- Washington Small Business Development Center's Business Resiliency Toolkit and Guide. Helpful links here, too.
- A city-built takeout and delivery map for Seattle. If you're a restaurant, brewery, cafe, or bar, make sure you're on it.
For Workers
- Seattle's community resources page. Answers to questions about utilities, health care, eviction prevention, worker support funding, and pretty much anything else can be found here.
- Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance. Read the Office of Labor Standards' latest policy.
- Washington's resource page for workers. The statewide equivalent of Seattle's list.
- Washington State Employment Security Department's FAQ about unemployment benefits. Here's where you can find information about applying for unemployment benefits online or by phone. The department can also help you job-search after a mass layoff.