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News from the Office of Economic Development | Vol. 1 No. 12 | May 20, 2020
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As Countywide Directive Takes Effect, Mayor Durkan Launches "Seattle Protects" Online Marketplace for Face Cloth Coverings
Seattle Protects is a new online marketplace that connects local manufacturers with businesses, nonprofits, community groups, and individuals in need of cloth face coverings. This new economic development and public health effort by the City is encouraging local organizations to purchase from Seattle-region midsize manufacturers and businesses that have pivoted to creating face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective May 18, King County residents must wear cloth face coverings in indoor public settings, on King County Metro buses, and in outdoor settings where physical distancing could be difficult, such as farmers markets.
OED is supporting the Mayor’s efforts by coordinating the delivery of cloth face covering to small restaurants and grocery businesses in many neighborhoods throughout Seattle. If you are interested in supporting this effort, contact Jessica Sidhu, Community Safety Coordinator, jessica.sidhu@seattle.gov, 206-727-8780.
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Business Impact Survey - Round 2
The COVID-19 Business Impact Survey seeks to understand the experiences of businesses, nonprofits, and independent workers who have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. Your voice will help inform our short and long-term strategies to help the economy. As a thank you for participating in the survey, OED is randomly selecting five participants to win a $50 gift card redeemable through Gift Card Market Place for each round of the survey. Complete the Business Impact Survey by May 29.
Please note that the Business Impact Survey is not the second round application for the Small Business Stabilization Fund. The Stabilization Fund application will be announced in the near future.
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More Than $100 Billion in PPP Funds Remain
 Businesses are encouraged to apply for the PPP loan while funding lasts. OED provides FREE technical assistance to businesses to:
- Understand available financial resources, including loans and grants
- Check eligibility for loans and other resources
- Apply for SBA loans and complete the application, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), SBA Express Bridge Loans, and SBA Debt Relief
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*NEW* Guidance on PPP Loan Forgiveness Application and Detailed Instruction
Please call the Seattle Office of Economic Development at 206-684-8090 from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email OED at oed@seattle.gov anytime to receive free assistance. You can ask for language assistance and receive interpretation over the phone.
Small Business Administration Scams and Frauds
The Office of Economic Development (OED) has received numerous reports of scammers posing as either lenders or providers offering to help businesses with their federal Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications.
Report Scams and Fraud
If you suspect a scam: report the activity to the Washington State Office of Attorney General, by calling 1-800-551-4636 from Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by completing a claim at https://fortress.wa.gov/atg/formhandler/ago/ComplaintForm.aspx.
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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for Self-Employed Residents & Small Business Owners
If you are a self-employed worker or do not have a long enough work history to qualify for regular state unemployment insurance, you may now be eligible for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance under the (CARES) Act.
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Join the June 3 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 for our bi-weekly webinar, on 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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OED Online Resource Hub and Blog
Stay up-to-date by visiting our resource hub and reading our weekly Resource Roundup blog! With loans and grants available at the state and federal level, OED has created a comprehensive resource page for workers and small businesses impacted by COVID-19, and is providing technical assistance to support our small businesses. Our weekly blog provides 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.
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Creative Industries Resources
Library Resources for Business and Nonprofits
The Seattle Public Library (SPL) is helping businesses find accurate market data to pivot and explore the viability of new services and products, and start new businesses too. SPL also provides nonprofits with remote access to a valuable grant seeking database called the Foundation Directory.
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Tribute to the U District Street Fair
Each year the summer season of street festivals kicks off in May with the U District Street Fair. This would have been its 51st year and is the longest running festival of its kind in the country. Started by long time small business owner and peace activist, Albert Shiga, of Shiga Imports on the Ave, the U District Street Fair has been a stalwart reminder of Seattle’s ethos. This is only one of the many neighborhood events that sadly have to cancel this year. We at Only in Seattle want to recognize all of the hard work and creativity that have made our summers fun for so many years!
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