What you should know about...
Unemployment Insurance
Job search requirements going back into effect in early July
With the economy recovering, the job search requirement is going back into effect. This means individuals drawing unemployment insurance will be required to look for work and document approved job search activities each week in order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits. Job search activities begin the week of July 4th, and claimants will report those activities starting the week of July 11th and every week thereafter that benefits are needed.
The Employment Security Department (ESD) is committed to helping individuals understand the job search requirements before they go back into effect. Communications via email and eServices are taking place starting this week. ESD will send multiple notices with details about what to do leading up to the requirement going back into place.
To learn more about job search requirements now, review the list of acceptable job search activities on this hyperlink - job search activities on the ESD website. https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/job-search-requirements
Important action required for some past and current claimants
Since June 11th, the Employment Security Department (ESD) has begun running a scan within the unemployment benefits system (UTAB) to ensure claimants are or were receiving benefits from the correct program. ESD is required to do this by federal law, even if claimants have stopped filing weekly claims. Many current and former claimants will be required to answer additional fact-finding questions when ESD staff think the claimant might qualify for a new claim. The fact-finding includes a link to apply for a new claim.
Claimants are advised to respond to all emails, postal mail, and web notices from ESD. For more information, read the potential new claim alert webpage on esd.wa.gov.
Business Webinars
COVID-19 Resources and Impacts – free June 23 webinar
COVID-19 Resources and Impacts is a free, one-hour webinar for all businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new path forward. This webinar provides an overview of some of the state responses, resources, and other impacts affecting small businesses. The webinar includes brief presentations from several state agency small business liaisons with dedicated time for questions and answers. The next webinar is scheduled for June 23rd at 2 p.m. The webinar includes brief presentations from several state agency small business liaisons with dedicated time for questions and answers. Click here for more information about the SBRR webinars and to register online
Grow Your Business – free July 14 webinar
Grow Your Business is a free, one-hour webinar for established businesses that are actively seeking opportunities to grow their business from beyond its current model – new markets, new products, new locations, new staffing, and new financing. Its focus is on government-supported opportunities and assistance, and the regulatory impacts of growth to factor in your planning. The webinar includes brief presentations from several state agency small business liaisons with dedicated time for questions and answers. The next webinar is scheduled for July 14th at 2 p.m. The webinar includes brief presentations from several state agency small business liaisons with dedicated time for questions and answers. Click here for more information about the SBRR webinars and to register online
Start Your Business – free August 10 webinar
Start Your Business is a free, one-hour webinar for aspiring entrepreneurs or newly-started businesses to gain valuable information about business registration and licensing, other regulatory requirements, and resources for further assistance. The next webinar is scheduled for August 10th at 2 p.m. The webinar includes brief presentations from several state agency small business liaisons with dedicated time for questions and answers. Click here for more information about the SBRR webinars and to register online
Vaccination Incentives
New gift card incentive program encourages people to get vaccinated and support local businesses
As Washington’s economy reopens, the Association of Washington Business is partnering with the state Department of Commerce and local chambers of commerce on a campaign that not only encourages more people to get vaccinated, but also helps local shops and restaurants bounce back. Starting last week, local chambers of commerce began giving away $50 Visa gift cards to people in their community who receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who receives a gift card will be encouraged to spend it at a local business. The program is focused on communities where vaccination rates remain lower.
Read more about the program and learn which chambers of commerce are participating: https://www.awb.org/gift-card-campaign-aims-to-give-small-business-a-shot-in-the-arm/
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