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 March 10, 2021
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COVID-19 Update
Case numbers as of Tuesday, March 8th:
- Confirmed Cases: 1,434,783
- COVID-19 Deaths: 12,133
For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
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Mask rule changes are coming:
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As of March 12, 2022, masks will no longer be required to be worn in many settings.
- Local health jurisdictions and individual businesses may still choose to require masking.
- Employees can wear masks if they choose to. Businesses can’t punish workers who wear a mask, take time off to get vaccinated, or seek treatment for COVID-19.
- Masks or respirators will continue to be required in health care settings, long-term care, and correctional facilities.
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Masks will continue to be required on public transportation, per Federal requirements. The T.S.A. will extend its mask mandate on airplanes & public transit through at least April 18 as the C.D.C. reviews the policy. Read the latest...
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Masks are still required in many indoor spaces until March 12. For information on current requirements see L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19 (F414-164-000).
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Department of Commerce
Next round of Working WA Small Business Grants
The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking feedback to develop the next round of COVID-19 small business economic recovery grants. Of the $70 million anticipated to go to Round 5 of Working Washington grants, two-thirds is expected to go to the arts and heritage sector. The final total of funds available will be known after the current legislative session.
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Department of Revenue
Unclaimed Property Workshop
The Department of Revenue's Unclaimed Property division offers free virtual workshops for businesses that need to report unclaimed property. There are multiple opportunities to join a webinar.
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WA Cares Fund - Delayed by 18 months
On Jan. 27, Gov. Inslee signed a bill that delays parts of WA Cares implementation by 18 months.
- WA Cares won’t begin until July 2023,
- Stop withholding WA Cares premiums now, and
- Reimburse employees within 120 days.
The Employment Security Department (ESD) won’t accept any WA Cares premium payments for the first quarter of 2022. Newly updated information and guidance is available on the WA Cares website.
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Paid Family Medical Leave - Employer Tools
Your Paid Leave Employer Account shows the status of all wage reports you or your TPA have filed. Once you have an account, check your account for rejected reports, and make sure a report is submitted and successfully processed for each quarter you had payroll.
If you’re new to reporting Paid Family and Medical Leave you can learn more here and create an employer account.
Log in here, view your “Wage Submission History” and review your quarter wage reports.
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Washington Health Benefit Exchange - Healthplanfinder
We want your Input!
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange has created a short 5-minute survey to better understand the health insurance needs of small businesses. We understand that recruiting and retaining valuable employees in this market can be difficult. Offering quality health insurance can help. Our goal is to ensure small business owners and their employees have access to the health coverage they need. Thank you in advance for your help and feedback.
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Office for Regulatory Innovation & Assistance (ORIA)
SBRR Free Webinar: Grow Your Business
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 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 March 17 at noon.
Click here for more information about the SBRR webinars and to register online
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SBRR Free Webinar: Start a Business
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 webinar includes brief presentations from several state agency small business liaisons with dedicated time for questions and answers.
The next webinar is scheduled for April 20th at 2 p.m.
Click here for more information about the SBRR webinars and to register online
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Tips and Reminders
Business Advice - Get Local Assistance
The SBA provides an array of technical centers, financial opportunities, and outreach programs for small businesses all over the country. Connect with SBA Resource Partners for the tools to start or grow your business.
Business Training Opportunities
- Washington SBDC training provides practical, real-life solutions tailored for the entrepreneur and facilitated by knowledgeable business professionals. There is no cost, but registration is required. View upcoming training events…
- SCORE offers free business training on a variety of small business topics. Watch webinars, attend a local workshop, or complete interactive online courses to gain new business knowledge and skills. View upcoming training events…
- Save the Date for INSPIRE 2022! WCWB & Thurston EDC present the 6th annual INSPIRE conference on May 12, 2022. This year focuses on Washington women in leadership and technical assistance and tips for growing businesses. Learn more…
How (and Why) to get certified as a Minority-Owned Business
Getting certified as a minority-owned business can help minority entrepreneurs access additional resources to grow and scale. Here's how to do it...
Supply Chain Challenges - Coping Strategies for Businesses
BBB provides tips and information on why supply chain disruption is still ongoing and the best practices for businesses. Read more…
5 Tips for a Killer Small Business Instagram Strategy
Social platforms have consistently proven to be a great way to market and drive sales. Find out how...
IRS Face-to-Face Saturday Help
The IRS will open many of its Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) on the second Saturday of each month in February through May 2022 to offer in-person help. Click here for details.
Newsletter Team
This newsletter is a collaborative effort by the following state agencies:
Our Mission:
- Preserve the connection to businesses that have been established as a resource for future emergencies.
- Make it easier for businesses to access the state services they need.
We intend to provide a newsletter that caters to businesses by providing multi-agency content related to doing businesses in WA. For the duration of COVID-19 pandemic there will be a special focus on the impacts the pandemic has on businesses. This Newsletter is not intended to replace agency newsletters, instead, it will aggregate cross-agency business-related information.
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Feedback
Please let us know how we did with this issue of the Newsletter. We appreciate your feedback.
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