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

• NEW:  National Business League, Inc. Partners with Amex Accion Opportunity Fund on Small Business Progress Loans for Black Businesses.Eligible businesses include those with at least 20 percent Black ownership, have been in business for at least 12 months and that have annual revenue of at least $50,000.
• Loans range from $5,000 to $100,000 with interest rates as low as 5.99% with no prepayment penalties. The rate and amount to be approved are dependent on the applicant’s credit and financial standing.
  Learn more
  
  
• NEW:  Comcast RISE Announce Major Expansion to All Women-Owned Small Businesses Nationwide Starting in 2022.  During its first year, Comcast RISE has provided over $60 million in grants, marketing and technology services to support more than 6,700 small businesses owned by people of color.  The program will be expanded to all women-owned small businesses in 2022, which will enable it to support 13,000 firms by the end of 2022.
  Read more
  
  
• NEW:  Equitable Innovations Accelerator.  Find Ventures, a Washington state-based nonprofit whose mission is to fund entrepreneurs, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, just launched a new Equitable Innovations Accelerator to fuel the start-up community at the earliest stage of business development.  This program is focused on making “entrepreneurship for all” a reality by prioritizing entrepreneurs from underserved and historically marginalized communities.
• The Equitable Innovations Accelerator is a first-of-its-kind program to provide 10 technology start-ups with up to $100,000 in non-dilutive philanthropic grants, programming and access to mentors and coaches.  It will run through 2022.  Find Ventures has contracted with the Washington Technology Industry Association to support the programming of the accelerator.
• Apply at www.findventures.org/equitable-innovator-accelerator/. Business founders and entrepreneurs who may have experienced difficulty gaining access to traditional sources of capital are especially encouraged to apply.
• Attend one of the optional information events on December 6, 2021 or January 14, 2022.  Register at www.findventures.org/equitable-innovator-accelerator/.
  
  
• DEADLINE APPROACHING:  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.  
• Apply no later than 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.
  
  
• DEADLINE APPROACHING:  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. 
• Apply no later than December 31, 2021.
• 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.
• Apply no later than December 10, 2021.
• Access more information here.
  
  
• CONTINUING:  Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness.  The SBA has provided 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:  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 16, 2021, about 2,354 pre-applications had been matched with CDFI lenders requesting over $224 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

• CONTINUING:  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.
  
  
• CONTINUING:  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:  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:

• Pierce County Business Accelerator Application 
• Pierce County Business Accelerator FAQs and Application Checklist

UPCOMING SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER WEBINARS

• Business Growth and Development Strategies December 7, 2021:  1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. PST https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271730 
  
  
• From Email to Social Media...Marketing that Converts December 7, 2021:  11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PST
  https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271733 
  
  
• Start Simple Course - December 2021 / December 7, 2021:  4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PST https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271696 
  
  
• How to Optimize Your Pricing Strategy to Maximize Profits December 14, 2021:  1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PST
  https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271700
  
  
• Effective Landing Pages 101 December 16, 2021:  11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST
  https://www.wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271721

• Other SBDC webinars:  https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events  

OTHER EVENTS/WEBINARS/TRAINING: 

• How to Participate as a Pierce County Professional Services Provider December 8, 2021:  2:00 p.m. Learn more about the opportunity to be on a list of qualified professional services providers who will be matched with Pierce County businesses that need services, such as bookkeeping, graphic design, web design, marketing, tax and legal advice.  Register with Pierce County, and complete a bid process in order to participate as an approved provider.  The Pierce County Council has allocated American Rescue Plan Act funding to support this program. Click here to register.  Questions? Contact Pierce County at 253.798.6150 or send an email.
  
  
• City of Tacoma Tax & License Workshops.  - Are you a Tacoma business owner or tax preparer? Are you thinking of opening a business in Tacoma? The City of Tacoma Tax & License team offers free workshops focusing on Tacoma tax and licensing requirements. Topics include how different tax classifications apply to your business, minimum thresholds that apply before filing is required, online filing and more. 
  
  
• Attend the next workshop on January 12, 2022 from 10:00 am-11:30am. Visit www.cityoftacoma.org/taxandlicense and click on the link on the right-hand sidebar that references "Tax & License Workshops" for more details
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• SBA Seattle District Invites Nominations for the 2022 National Small Business Week Awards.  For more than 50 years, National Small Business Week has celebrated the achievements of America’s small businesses and the contributions they make to their local communities and to the nation’s economy. National Small Business Week will be May 1-7, 2022.
• The SBA Seattle District Office is accepting nominations for the following awards
• Washington State Small Business Person of the Year State winner is finalist for National Small Business Person of the Year
• Exporter of the Year
• 8(a) Graduate of the Year The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is a nine-year federal government contracting certification and program for small business
• Rural Small Business of the Year
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Visit sba.gov/nsbw to download forms, criteria, and guidelines for submitting a nomination. SBA Seattle District Office nomination guidelines and district awards categories can also be found on the district’s website at www.sba.gov/wa. 
• Submit nominations by 12 p.m. PT on January 11, 2022.
• For more information, reach out to Desiree Albrecht at albrecht@sba.gov or (202) 836-0662.

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.

(253) 591-2012 phone; (253) 591-5232 fax Jeff Robinson, Director Elly Walkowiak, Assistant Director  MakeItTacoma@cityoftacoma.org   Community & Economic Development Department 747 Market St., 9th Floor, Tacoma, WA 98402

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