King County Health Officer Dr. Duchin today issued an updated health officer directive for King County to reflect new guidance that strongly recommends people wear masks in indoor public settings. Several local health officers from across the Puget Sound region joined in the recommendation at a time when rates of COVID-19 are increasing in the region and around the country largely due to the spread of the more contagious delta variant and increasing activities as restrictions have lifted. This extra layer of protection is intended for settings like grocery stores, restaurants, retail, theaters, and entertainment establishments, where people can't be sure everyone is vaccinated.

Small Business Flex Fund: Register Today!

Apply Now

A flexible low-interest loan program for Washington State's smallest businesses and nonprofits

Supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Small Business Flex Fund pairs applicants with nonprofit, community-based lenders who provide help through every step of the loan process.

• Low rate
• Easy application
• Flexible working capital
• Loans of up to $150,000
• Fewer than 50 employees
• Revenue less than $3 million

The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) is excited to launch the 2022 Explore Kirkland tourism grant application process, open now through Friday, August 6.

The Explore Kirkland Tourism Program grants marketing and operations funds to special events and festivals that demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from over 50 miles away and generate overnight stays. The program supports and promotes events that showcase the city’s best assets while fostering a love of Kirkland, inspiring guests to come back time and time again. The program is funded by the lodging tax collected by Kirkland hotels, motels and short-term rentals.

Please find the full news release on our website! For more information about tourism grants, including a link to the application form, please visiting our Tourism Funding webpage. 

Boost Your Business: Tools and Resources for Going Digital is targeted at sustaining and growing your small businesses on the greater Eastside. 

More information for attendees and vendors here:  

This FREE, one-day, virtual workshop will provide participants access to complimentary and low-cost solutions to get their business online and/or boost their existing digital presence. Educational sessions are curated by Bellevue College, and will feature digital success stories from Eastside small business owners, in addition to valuable insights from a host of experts in technology tools, social media, and marketing.

The afternoon vendor event is a chance for attendees to connect one-on-one with regional consultants, service firms, and technology providers to engage and gain their insights ongoing digital. 

The program is focused on better supporting those businesses disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with an emphasis on businesses owned by women, minorities, and people of color. This new initiative is being led by Startup425 with support from Bellevue College and OneEastside SPARK.

• July 13, 2021 – Applications open 9:00AM ET 
• August 10, 2021 – Applications close 6:00PM ET
• September 2 to 14, 2021 – Grant recipients notified and announced
• October 8, 2021 – Grant recipients receive funds 

Apply Here