Make It Tacoma: COVID-19 Resources Newsletter

City of Tacoma Washington sent this bulletin at 11/10/2021 05:25 PM PST
Make it Tacoma

BUSINESS RESOURCES 

The City of Tacoma is highlighting information on important resources to assist you and your employees.  Additional resources may be accessed at https://makeittacoma.com. 

 

Financial and Other Business Resources

  • DEADLINE APPROACHING:  City of Tacoma Small Business and Non-Profit Grants.  The City of Tacoma Community and Economic Development Department has established two new grant programs with $3.25 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to ease the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.  These programs are designed to cover allowable expenses not covered by other COVID-19 funding sources.  Eligibility criteria are as follows:
  • Small Business Recovery Grants ($15,000 each)
    • Micro-businesses with 15 or fewer employees, including the owner(s), and
    • Owner(s) must have a household income that does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income (AMI).
  • Non-profit Recovery Grants ($10,000 to $75,000 each)
    • Federally-registered 501(c)(3) organizations impacted by the pandemic focused on supporting Tacoma in the retention/creation of livable wage jobs.
    • Funding bonus for BIPOC organizations to support the City's anti-racist systems transformation efforts. 
  • Applications will be accepted through November 15, 2021.  They are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Khmer and Vietnamese.
  • Grant recipients will be notified by December 6, 2021.
  • Grant application details are available on MakeItTacoma.com.  
  • Questions regarding the Small Business Recovery Grant Program may be directed to SB-RecoveryGrant@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5621.
  • Questions related to the Non-profit Recovery Grant Program may be referred to NP-RecoveryGrant@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5208.  
  • City of Tacoma Small Business Recovery Grant Application Workshop on November 12, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. PST.  Tacoma-based businesses are encouraged to attend this free workshop to learn about the Recovery Grant eligible uses, application and funding process, required documentation and more.  Register here for the workshop:                                - Friday, November 12, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST
  • CONTINUING:  City of Tacoma Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds.  The City of Tacoma Community and Economic Development Department has issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.  An application is now available to organizations seeking funding as follows:
    • Home Repairs to Tacoma Homeowners, and
    • Economic Development Assistance to Micro-enterprises.
  • Access the application and funding packet at RFP.
  • The deadline to apply is Monday, November 29, 2021 by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
  • For more information, contact Heidi Burbidge at the City of Tacoma Community and Economic Development Department, Housing Division at hburbidge@cityoftacoma.org.
  • CONTINUING:  Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness.  The SBA has launched a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.  The forgiveness platform is accepting applications from borrowers.  It is estimated that the application takes an average of six (6) minutes to complete, and applicants can expect to receive a decision within about five (5) business days.  Learn more.
  • CONTINUING:  SBA Enhances Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) to Assist Small Businesses. The SBA announced the following key changes to the EIDL Program:
    • Increasing the COVID EIDL limit from $500,000 to $2 million.  Loan funds can be used for operating expenses and working capital, such as payroll, equipment purchases and debt repayment.
    • Implementing a deferral payment period.  Small business owners will not be required to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination.
    • Establishing a 30-day exclusivity window.  The SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window to approve and disburse funds for loans of $500,000 or less.  Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.
    • Expanding eligible uses of funds.  COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.
    • Simplifying affiliation requirements.  Affiliation requirements will be simplified to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
  • Approximately $150 billion of COVID EIDL funds have been made available.  Access more information at https://www.sba.gov/eidl.  
  • The application deadline is December 31, 2021.  However, the SBA is encouraging submittal of applications as soon as possible.
  • Reach out to the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) or e-mail DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for additional assistance.

  • CONTINUING:  SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Expanded Eligibility to Millions More Small Businesses and Non-Profits.  The $25 billion Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Advance Programs are open to the hardest hit businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic, including sole proprietors and independent contractors, and private non-profits that meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • Targeted EIDL Advance
    • Up to $10,000 that does not have to be repaid
    • Must first apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
    • Be in a low-income community
    • Can demonstrate more than a 30% reduction in revenue, and
    • Have 300 or fewer employees. 
  • Supplemental Advance
    • $5,000 supplemental payment that does not have to be repaid
    • Complete the Targeted EIDL Advance application
    • Be in a low-income community
    • Can prove more than a 50% economic loss, and
    • Have 10 or fewer employees.
  • Access more information here.
  • CONTINUING:  Small Business Flex Fund.  The Washington State Department of Commerce has created the Small Business Flex Fund to help small businesses and non-profits access loan funds at a competitive interest rate to rebound from the pandemic and grow.  Eligible businesses and non-profits include:
    • Fewer than 50 employees
    • Have been in business for one year prior to June 30, 2020
    • Annual revenues of less than $3 million, and
    • Experienced direct economic hardship due to COVID-19.
  • Loans may be used for:
    • Payroll
    • Utilities and rent
    • Marketing and advertising
    • Building improvements or repairs, and
    • Other business expenses.
  • Loan terms are:
    • Borrow up to $150,000
    • 4-4.5% interest rate for small businesses; 3-3.5% interest rate for non-profits
    • No fees and interest-only payments for the first year
    • 60-month and 72-month loan terms (72-month term available only until 12/31/21).
  • As of November 9, 2021, about 2,284 pre-applications had been matched with CDFI lenders requesting over $216 million.  The Flex Fund website is available in seven languages, and technical assistance providers can assist business owners with the application process.  Learn more at https://smallbusinessflexfund.org.
  • CONTINUING:  KKR Small Business Builders Grant Program.  KKR's mission is to support entrepreneurs around the world.  Eligible businesses may receive a $10,000 grant as well as mentoring and coaching opportunities with KKR employees.  Everyone who applies receives free access to thousands of curated resources and the opportunity to network with over 400,000 small business owners worldwide on Hello Alice.
  • To qualify for the grant program, businesses must:
    • Operate in the United States, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Singapore, Luxembourg, Japan, Ireland, India, Germany, France, England, China or Australia
    • Be a for-profit business
    • Have 5-50 employees
    • Have generated annual gross revenues in 2019 of less than $7 million
    • Have a demonstrated need for support, and
    • Propose a strong plan for moving forward.
    • Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply.
  • Learn more about the program and submit an application at https://kkr.helloalice.com. 
  • CONTINUING:  Washington State Microenterprise Association Resources.  Obtain resources to help your small business succeed at https://www.wamicrobiz.org. Services include training, technical assistance, microloans and advocacy.  

Employer/Employee Resources

  • Pierce County Business Accelerator Looking for Professional Services Providers.  Would you like to help support the 200+ small businesses participating in the Pierce County Business Accelerator?  If you offer bookkeeping, tax advice, graphic design, web design, marketing strategies, legal advice or other professional services and would like to support this program, e-mail Deb Martinez, Pierce County Business Accelerator Program Coordinator, at debh@tacomachamber.org. 

Healthy Washington

  • NEW:  U.S. Department of Labor OSHA Vaccination Mandate For Employers with 100+ Employees.  Federal OSHA has issued a temporary emergency rule requiring employers with 100+ employees to mandate vaccination or weekly workforce COVID testing.  For further information, consult this FAQ.
  • NEW:  Statewide Vaccine Requirement for Large Events.  Effective November 15, 2021, anyone 12 and older attending large events in Washington must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours.  Indoor events of 1,000 people or more and outdoor gatherings of 10,000 people or more are included.

  • CONTINUING:  Governor Inslee Statement on Vaccine Approval for 5- to 11-Year-Olds.  On November 3, 2021, Governor Inslee issued a statement that younger children can now be vaccinated against COVID-19.  Further information may be found at https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-statement-vaccine-approval-5-11-year-olds.

  • CONTINUING:  Washington State Secretary of Health Order 20-03.4 Regarding Statewide Face Coverings Requirement Effective August 23, 2021.  This Order states that every person in Washington must wear a face covering when they are in a place that is generally accessible for any person from outside their household regardless of vaccination status, subject to specific exceptions and exemptions.  More information may be found at Order 20-03.4.

  • CONTINUING: The Washington State Department of Health guidance on use of masks and face coverings.   https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/ClothFaceCoveringsandMasks  Guidance documents are also posted on the Governor's website.
  • CONTINUING:  Tacoma-Pierce County Health Order 2021-04 Mandating Wearing of Face Coverings in Indoor Public Spaces and at Certain Outdoor Events.  On September 7, 2021, the following order became effective:
    • Everyone 5 years and older in Pierce County must wear a face covering at any outdoor event with 500 or more people in attendance regardless of vaccination status.
    • Masks are recommended to be worn in any crowded outdoor setting where physical distancing is not possible.

  • CONTINUING:  Tacoma-Pierce County Health Directive 2021-01 Related to Wearing of Face Coverings.  On August 18, 2021, the following directive became effective:
    • Everyone at least 5 years of age in Pierce County should wear a face covering within indoor public spaces or outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible regardless of vaccination status.  Children age two, three or four years old, while exempt from this official directive, are also recommended to wear a face covering with the assistance and close supervision of an adult in accordance with the current Order (20-03.3) of the Washington State Secretary of Health.
    • Everyone in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, schools, childcare, public transportation and health care settings, including doctors' offices, long-term care and hospitals should, regardless of vaccination status, also wear a well-fitted face covering in accord with state requirements already in place.
    • This Directive applies to indoor spaces that are open to the public, including retail, grocery stores, government buildings and other businesses where members of the public can enter freely.
    • This Directive does not apply to indoor non-public spaces, including businesses, offices and other places of employment with limited access.  Employers should continue to follow current guidance and requirements from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries on worker safety.
    • Further information is available at https://www.tpchd.org. 

  • CONTINUING:  Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) Vaccine Guidance. 
    • COVID-19 vaccines are the most effective tools to limit the spread of COVID-19.
    • Everyone in Washington 12 years or older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
    • The vaccine is free, and you don't need health insurance or identification.
    • Use http://covidvaccinewa.org to find a vaccine location near you.
    • Register for your vaccination at tpchd.org/vaxtothefuture.  You can also drop in to any clinic and get vaccinated because you don't need an appointment.
    • Telephone the TPCHD call center at (253) 649-1412 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. seven days a week.
  • CONTINUING:  Cap on Restaurant Delivery Fees.  On November 15, 2020, City of Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards signed a proclamation of emergency capping restaurant delivery fees at 15%, which the City Council approved on November 17, 2020.  The proclamation of emergency will be in effect "until restaurants are allowed to offer unrestricted dine-in service (which has been met), and the City's emergency order confirmed by the City Council is rescinded" (which has not been met). The 15% cap on restaurant delivery fees in Tacoma is still in effect.

Events & Training

PIERCE COUNTY

Pierce County Business Accelerator

In response to the pandemic and the adverse impacts on underserved communities in Pierce County, the Pierce County Council has allocated $5 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to launch the Pierce County Business Accelerator. The program will serve entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Pierce County, including those in cities.  It will focus on underserved communities to help foster innovation and create wealth-building opportunities.

The Pierce County Business Accelerator will provide direct access to business resources, such as relevant training, coaching, technical assistance and networking support to launch and grow micro-businesses in Pierce County.  Upon completion, participants will be enabled to access potential funding options, matching grant resources up to $10,000, a commercial rent stipend for one year up to $500/month, and coaching/mentorship for one year.

Applications for future cohorts are being accepted now.  Click on the links below:

UPCOMING SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER WEBINARS

OTHER EVENTS/WEBINARS/TRAINING: 

  • Global Entrepreneurship Month:  November 1-30, 2021.  The Washington State Department of Commerce is hosting more than 50 on-line classes, workshops and interactive sessions through November.  From financing and hiring to marketing and exporting, there is something for everyone whether you're a first-time business owner or a seasoned professional who needs to rebuild, recover and restart.  In addition to the live sessions, pre-recorded content and the State's Entrepreneur Academy (11 free courses) are available on-demand.   Register for Global Entrepreneurship Month at http://bit.ly/wa-gem .

  • Industrial Symbiosis Explorations:  Construction & Demolition Forum to Prevent and Reduce Waste on November 16, 2021 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. PST.  Learn about a new materials exchange tool in Washington from industry experts that represent the building community, salvage operators, local governments and non-profits.  The Washington Materials Marketplace is a free on-line platform for businesses and organizations to sell or gift their leftover raw or by-product materials.  This platform intends to create a closed-loop, collaborative network where hard-to-recycle waste and by-products become another entity's raw materials.  It is funded by the Washington Department of Ecology, and is a collaborative effort of the City of Tacoma, Seattle Good Business Network, the US Business Council for Sustainable Development, and Rheaply.
  • Register for this meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpce6uqzsvGNaqPkLQKbL_dPcKpDkG52vY   After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail about joining the meeting.  Reach out to Beth Jarot at bjarot@cityoftacoma.org or 253-208-4351 for further information.

  • Dissecting a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on November 30 - December 1, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PST. Learn how to extract the important parts of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and create useful tools for future RFQs and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).  Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of what is needed to deliver a compliant and responsive proposal in the Government Marketplace.  This is a great opportunity to expand your market presence.  Register at Dissecting a WSDOT RFQ [MBDA & PTAC]. 
  • Washington State Department of Commerce Entrepreneur/Restart Academy.  Find new pathways to prosperity and success as businesses recover, rebuild and restart.  Learn more at https://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/tools/restart-academy/ 

  • National Development Council Cash Reigns Supreme webinar describing how financial statements can be used to make better business decisions. Click here.
  • Let’s Talk Inclusion – Leadership Roundtable [SCORE] Last Tuesday of each month thru December 2021:  12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT Join this collaborative conversation to (1) expand your perspectives, (2) reflect and connect, and (3) learn to apply new skills on the topic of equity and inclusion.  During this recurring monthly meeting, participants will enjoy videos from community and business leaders, engage in poll questions and actively engage with other on a journey to create "inclusion for all."

  • University of Washington Supplier Orientation [UW]  December 9, 2021:  10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT Orientations are for new and existing suppliers to the University of Washington and State agencies.  They will provide a learning opportunity to assist in navigating potential business prospects as well as educational and other resources to help businesses.  Orientation sessions are virtual and will include representatives from the University of Washington and other regional business development agencies.

  • MBDA InVision Tour The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) InVision Tour empowers minority innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into successful businesses through access to Federal research and development resources, funding and technology transfer programs.  Join the tour to hear from space industry experts to learn what it takes to commercialize your ideas.

  • Spaceworks Incubator Program - Winter 2021 Application.  Spaceworks invites entrepreneurs with a creative/innovative business that benefits Tacoma’s community and are seeking to grow a thriving business to apply to participate in their Incubator program. Spaceworks’ Incubator provides relevant and meaningful business training and peer-to-peer support to systematically grow Tacoma’s creative economy and generate destination-quality activities that will engage and transform our community. Application Deadline:  December 1, 2021 by midnight, PST.  Notifications will be sent out on December 17, 2021.  Classes will begin on January 11, 2021. 

  • Contact Jennifer English, Spaceworks Incubator Coordinator, at jennifere@tacomachamber.org with questions, or to set up a time for an application review prior to your submittal (highly recommended).  FOR MORE INFO

Click here for further information at MakeItTacoma.com and to learn about other events and training.

Thank you for your efforts to take care of your businesses and employees. Please forward this newsletter to others who may find these resources useful. If you have specific questions or information to share, reach out to us directly by email at MakeItTacoma@cityoftacoma.org or by phone at (253) 591-2012.

Economic Development Resources

Our mission is to facilitate equitable economic growth and opportunity by supporting existing businesses, enabling reinvestment and revitalization, and promoting the attraction and creation of new businesses, living wage jobs, and housing options to enhance the quality of life in the community.

The Community and Economic Development Department has a website to help attract and grow business. Visit MakeItTacoma.com to learn more about doing business in Tacoma. 

Searching for a property or vacant land? Use the City's site selection tool to find your next property here.  

Special Events

farmers market

See upcoming events that have been permitted by the City of Tacoma here.