What you should know about...
Resources for workers and small businesses
WSDA Covid-19 Relief and Recovery Grants applications due April 26
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Relief and Recovery grants are available thanks to a partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce. Grants are available for small businesses in four sectors: Shellfish Growers, Farmers Market Organizations, Agritourism Farms, and Craft Beverage Producers. The application period closes on Monday, April 26, 2021. Grant awards and payments will be made by the end of May.
Find more information on WSDA's website here.
U.S. Small Business Administration Announces Official Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application and Guidelines
SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman recently announced details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The restaurant industry has been among the hardest-hit sectors during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help bring jobs back and revive the industry, the American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Joe Biden, established the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
You can find more information on SBA's website here.
Department of Children, Youth and Families Spring 2021 Child Care COVID-19 Grant Portal Open
To ensure a stable, functional and flexible child care system that supports providers and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is providing direct support to licensed child care providers to offset increased costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure child care services are available to families. All licensed child care providers ready and able to serve children are eligible to apply.
More information about eligibility criteria and prioritization can be found here.
Commerce launches new round of free online business trainings, including first evening class
ScaleUp: The Rebuild Edition is focused on helping small businesses restart and rebuild by improving their strategic decision-making, creating new operational efficiencies, and strengthening the bottom line. Topics include creating efficient business systems, improving product/service alignment, creating a stronger competitive advantage in the marketplace, understanding financial statements and key business drivers, increasing sales leads and improving the sales funnel. A special “study hall” provides additional opportunities for private mentoring and coaching. The cost of this program valued at $1,599 is covered for Washington state businesses thanks in part to a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Registration information can be found here.
For any further questions, contact James Davis, jdavis@thurstonedc.com, or (360) 464-6051.
SharedWork and New Labor Market Information and Tools
The SharedWork program offered by the Employment Security Department can help aid Washington businesses’ path to economic recovery and resilience. Businesses can reduce costs and save jobs during this critical time. Thanks to recent legislative changes, SharedWork payments are fully federally funded through September 4, 2021. SharedWork allows businesses to retain a committed workforce, cut payroll costs, and protect their employer Experience Rating. Eligible employees work reduced hours and collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages. Save the dates of June 8 and 9, 2021 and learn more at the “WIN with SharedWork!" virtual conference. Registration opens on Wednesday, April 28 at SharedWorkwa.com
The Employment Security Department has some of the best data to help businesses make informed decisions. It now has new labor market information and tools to showcase popular information and data. The department has one statewide economist and six regional economists serving local labor markets in Washington. Learn more by contacting an economist.
Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund opens for new applications
Gov. Jay Inslee recently announced that applications will be accepted for the next round of assistance under the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund starting April 21. These one-time $1,000 grants help workers who don’t qualify for other types of unemployment or pandemic assistance due to their immigration status.
The additional $65 million allocated by the Legislature this year will provide additional relief to support new applicants. Similar to the first round, the fund will rely on the continued partnership between the state and community organizations, including Scholarship Junkies and the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, with the Department of Social and Health Services providing oversight.
Eligible community members can apply: by visiting the website at immigrantreliefwa.org; by calling the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network at 844-724-3737, which is staffed every day from 6 AM to 9 PM; or by connecting with a DSHS community based partner for assistance.
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