|
News from the Office of Economic Development | Vol. 1 No. 27 | September 3, 2020
|
|
City of Seattle to Offer Child Care for 550 Children at 19 Sites Throughout Seattle
Mayor Jenny announced the City of Seattle will provide child care for 550 children at 19 sites through Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR). The City-supported child care will provide full-day care to elementary-age kids and will support students’ virtual learning. Additionally, SPR is launching seven Teen Resource Hubs across the city, which will provide virtual learning supports, internet access, connections with caring adults, and referrals to basic needs and mental health resources.
The announcement also highlighted back to school programming, from other City Departments, including Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED). OED is investing in youth employment opportunities such as the Youth Maritime Collaborative, which places 20 youth of color in maritime internships. In addition, OED contracts with Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle to train 15 Seattle young people to create websites for 15 Black-owned small businesses. Participating youth learn entrepreneurship, website design, and graphic design.
|
 Seattle City Light is helping small businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 with the following programs:
Bill deferral
- We will work with you to make a payment plan
Free virtual energy assessment
- Find ways to save on your electricity bill
- Learn about incentives for energy projects
How to sign up for bill deferral or an energy assessment
Complete City Light Small Business Support Form. You will need your
10-digit Seattle City Light account number—you can find it on your bill. You can also
contact our Business Customer Service Advisors for assistance at (206) 256-5200
or SCL_BusinessServices@seattle.gov.
If you would like to communicate in a language other than English when you call,
say the language you need (e.g., “Spanish, please!” or “Vietnamese, please!”) when
the advisor answers, and they will connect you to a translator.
Important! Have you closed your business and need to permanently cancel your service?
You must close your City Light account, or you will continue to receive bills. Please contact Business Customer Service Advisors for assistance at (206) 256-5200 or SCL_BusinessServices@seattle.gov.
LISC Small Business Relief Grants
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has reopened their Small Business Relief Grants!
Small businesses and enterprises affected by COVID-19 across the country, especially those in undeserved communities, are eligible to apply. Small businesses of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to apply.
Applications must be submitted by Monday, September 7, 11:59PM. For more information, click here.
|
Chefs for Ships
If you have an adventurous spirit, love to travel, have been to culinary school or worked as a line cook for more than 5 years and want to make more money, join us to learn more about the Chefs for Ships program.
OED is hosting 4 informational sessions on September 8, 10, 16, and 18 from 11:00 am - 12:00pm.
The Chefs for Ships Information Session will provide information on the career opportunities for Chefs at Sea, and how interested individuals can begin a new career journey. Join us to find out about the Chief Cook Assessment Program. Register here!
|
Pandemic EBT Deadline Extended to September 11, 5:00PM
Because of COVID-19, children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school will get extra food benefits. P-EBT is a new and temporary food benefit to help families buy groceries because schools are closed.
P-EBT is for all students regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The only requirement is a child must be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. For more information, click here.
|
KUOW - Internet Access in Seattle
The Record's Marcie Sillman talked with OED Workforce Development Advisor Matt Houghton on how to connect the entire city to internet as schools starts remotely. Houghton is working on the Digital Bridge program, working with students who are enrolled educational programs to support their employment goals. Check out the interview!
|
|
|
Former Ballard Blossom Building Transformed with Murals
Devin Reynolds, Ballard Alliance Economic Development Specialist, connected with the new property owners of the former Ballard Blossom building to discuss ways to improve public safety in the area. For about a year, the building has been subjected to negative activity, including graffiti, vandalism, and a fire in December.
Reynolds was able to connect a short-term tenant to the property owner to lease the building's upstairs office space. The tenant will later convert the main floor for a community arts and performance space. Reynolds was also able to convince the building owner to allow Ballard Alliance to cover the building with murals, painting over the graffiti and bringing joy to the area.
Novo Painting and Property Services & Annie's Art and Frame donate paint for the mural. Mural artist donated their time; Ballard Alliance also coordinate a GoFundMe to raise funds to pay the artists.
The former Ballard Blossom building will be demolished in the next few years making way for a 7-story hotel.
|
West Seattle - Junction Bingo!
#SupportSeattleSmallBiz and win!
West Seattle Junction is hosting Junction Bingo. Participants are able to win $250 gift card packs.
The Junction will have FIVE live drawings on Facebook and Instagram every other Wednesday at 7 PM. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
