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News from the Office of Economic Development | Vol. 1 No. 8 | April 21, 2020
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Resource Roundup Blog: 4/20
The City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is committed to keeping you updated through these challenging and unprecedented times. In this weekly blog, we’ll provide you with news and information about new policies and resources available from the City of Seattle, the State of Washington, the federal government, and our philanthropic partners.
Highlights from the Resource Roundup Blog include:
- City of Seattle Food Assistance
- King County Cultural Relief Fund & Public Health Guidance
- WA State Protection for Renters
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Unemployment Assistance for Gig Workers
Unemployment benefits in Washington state are expanding under the federal CARES Act to cover independent contractors and self-employed individuals. Anyone who is receiving or will be receiving weekly unemployment benefits, either through regular State unemployment or through the expanded CARES Act will receive an additional $600 per week through the CARES Act. These new benefits are also available for workers who did not work enough hours to qualify for traditional unemployment benefits (workers who worked less than 680 hours).
The City of Seattle encourages anyone who has lost work due to COVID-19 to apply including delivery drivers, rideshare drivers, and domestic workers who are house cleaners, nannies, cooks, home care workers, gardeners or household managers. You can apply to receive unemployment assistance from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) at esd.wa.gov/unemployment.
Here’s what to do right now to be prepared to apply:
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OED Resource Hub
With loans and grants available at the state and federal level, OED has also created a comprehensive resource page for workers and small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and is providing technical assistance to support our small businesses.
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Join the April 22 OED Small Business Weekly COVID-19 Resource Webinar
OED is committed to supporting our small businesses as we work together to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19. We are holding weekly webinars to share new developments, hear about the impacts you are experiencing, and answer your questions. Please join us every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Missed the last week’s webinar? You can catch the recording, slides, and notes here.
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Office of Economic Development Offering Technical Assistance for SBA Disaster Loans
OED provides technical assistance to businesses applying for SBA loans and understanding the federal Coronavirus Aids, Relief & Security (CARES) Act. This includes helping businesses navigate the application process and documentation. OED also offers free accounting and finance consulting services for eligible applicants who need assistance putting together the financial documents required for the application.
Businesses interested in these free services should please contact OED@seattle.gov or call 206-684-8090.
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Tips for Securing Your Store Front and Property
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Seattle Sounders FC Relief Fund - Pioneer Square, CID, SODO
Seattle Sounders FC is granting up to $1,000 for individuals and up to $7,500 for small businesses who are located in Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District, and SODO, vendors in support of Century Link and Seattle Sounders FC events, and business who provide direct support to Sounders FC business or technical operation.
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GlobalGiving - The Red Backpack Fund
The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation donated $5 million to support female entrepreneurs in the wake of COVID-19 and teamed up with GlobalGiving to establish The Red Backpack Fund. GlobalGiving will be overseeing the fund, making 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help alleviate the immediate needs and support the long-term recovery of those impacted by this crisis. Applications will reopen May 4.
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