Plateau business owners have days left to apply for $20K grant from state

A pot of $50 million is available to any and every business owner who has been harmed by the pandemic.

By Ray Miller-Still • December 7, 2020 1:00 pm
Screenshot courtesy the Washington State Department of Commerce
Screenshot courtesy the Washington State Department of Commerce

Plateau businesses just have a few days left to apply for a share of a $50 million pot of money meant to help offset the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant, called the Working Washington business grant, was announced Dec. 2, and the deadline to apply for the money is Friday, Dec. 11.

“We know this pandemic is taking an economic toll,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a press release. “While this is a significant relief effort, I can’t say that it will help everyone. We continue working together with legislators, state agencies and partners to secure more support to see us through this surge and into the longer term recovery ahead.”

There are some requirements and prerequisites in order to be able to apply for the funds:

First, priority will be given to businesses that made less than $5 million in annual revenue in 2019. Priority will also be given to businesses that have “experienced significant, cumulative impacts” like full-service restaurants, fitness centers, bowling alleys, and music and event venues, the press release reads.

Certain nonprofits can be eligible if they have a primary business activity that falls into a similar high-impact category.

Second, the money can “only to cover expenses or costs incurred due to COVID-19 and that were necessary to continue business operations,” the press release continues. This includes rent and utilities, or anything having to do with operations.

Third, businesses can only request up to $20,000.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, and what make our neighborhoods unique. Most operate on small margins in the best of times, and today is even more challenging,” Commerce Director Lisa Brown said in the press release. “We intend to distribute these funds as quickly as possible to the businesses that need it most. The application process is simple, and we’re asking everyone to help us spread the word. Together, we can help our small businesses get through this holiday season.”

Because of the potential amount of people that will applying, it’s recommended that folks try to apply during non-peak hours such as early morning, late evening or the weekend.

To apply or for more information, head to www.commerce.wa.gov/bizgrants, email bizgrants@commerce.wa.gov, or call (360) 725-5003.