Small businesses struggling to survive the impact of COVID-19 can apply now for up to $20,000 in a new round of $50 million in state Working Washington grants. Priority is focused on businesses with annual revenues of $5 million or less in 2019 and those most impacted by the recent public health measures, as well as businesses in sectors that have experienced significant, cumulative impacts. Examples include full-service restaurants, fitness centers, bowling alleys and music and event venues.
Information and applications for this third round of Working Washington Business Grants are available through an online portal on the Washington State Department of Commerce website www.commerce.wa.gov/bizgrants. Commerce encourages businesses to apply by Dec. 11.
Application information:
The online application portal is open at www.commerce.wa.gov/bizgrants. Additional information about eligibility and prioritization is also posted there.All applications received by Dec. 11 will be prioritized. Site traffic may be high so page load times may be impacted. Applicants are encouraged to be patient or try accessing the site during non-peak hours such as early morning, late evening or the weekend.
If Commerce is able to fund all the eligible applicants who submit by Dec. 11, the department may be able to consider eligible applicants who submit after that date.
Following is a checklist of the information business owners need to have ready to apply:
- Applicant W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number
- Copy of valid government issued photo I.D.
- For Tribal-member owned businesses: license or certification if business activity is conducted outside the tribal jurisdiction; letter or certification from the tribe recognizing you as a business if business activity is within the tribal jurisdiction.
- NAICS code or clear description of your primary business activity. A NAICS code is helpful, but not necessary. If you have never used a NAICS code, you can learn more here: What is a NAICS Code? and explore NAICS codes to see which one fits your business.
Business owners who have questions about the New Working Washington Grants can email [email protected] or call (360) 725-5003.
Commerce has partnered with local associate economic development organizations (ADOs) and the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to help businesses who have questions or need help with their applications.
Klickitat Economic Development Department: 509-773-7060