Details for Requirements by Business Type for Phase 2. The information provided in this page is based on the state standards for all counties in Phase 2.

Inslee's Statewide Mask Mandate

How to de-escalate tense mask situations for retailers. 

​AWB Rebound & Recovery website - full of poster, letter, customer logging templates and a link for finding local PPE supplies near you.

Safe Start Washington A Phased Approach to Recovery PDF 

Phase 1 reopen WA standards for Curbside pick up. 

Phase 2 reopen WA standards for retail. 

Phase 2 reopen WA standards for professional services.

WA Retail Association reopen standards.

COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard - This reflects the 4 assessment areas the governor is using to move through the 4 phases of reopening. 

The Washington State Coronavirus Response page is your go to location for finding the details of the stay home order along with the reopening up of some business segments. https://coronavirus.wa.gov/business-workers It is a wealth of information.

Confused? For business owners/operators with questions about state rules on reopening, general financial assistance, or other Covid-19 related questions here’s a means of contact. You can find the form here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/2562f1caf5814c46a6bf163762263aa5

What is Open and What is Closed. https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/whats-open-and-closed

4 Phases of Reopening Washington State. 4 Phases Chart. We are Phase 1

Phase 1 Construction Restart (4/23/2020). The detailed construction phase report can be found here.

 

NEW: Grant Maximums Increased for Companies with More than 20 Employees Many businesses and organizations in Pierce County will incur costs as they make changes to reopen consistent with the Governor’s Safe Start Plan. To protect the public and provide support to impacted organizations, Pierce County has created a grant program that may help offset some of these costs. Subject to available funds, grant funds will be provided one-time only. If you qualify, up to fifty percent (50%) of approved expenses related to COVID-19 safety practices may be reimbursed. Deadline to apply is October 2nd. Complete details and information here.

Hosted by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, the Peninsula Community COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) was setup to provide flexible resources to organizations working across our Key and Gig Harbor peninsula communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus outbreak and the resulting economic consequences. 100% of all donations will go directly to relief efforts in our community. Band Together donations will go toward the CERF: Band Together Fund and be disbursed to chosen businesses in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula communities.

For more information on the Peninsula Community COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund and to donate visit our website. 

​

Details on eligibility and the application process, (deadline: June 26) can be found here: https://www.ghkpbandtogether.org/to-apply

PPE: Pierce County is providing FREE personal protective equipment (PPE) to county businesses to help them comply with COVID-19 workplace safety practices and protect employees and customers. For details on the program visit Derek Young's blog article. Businesses MUST complete a PPE Request Form at www.piercecountywa.gov/BusinessPPE and indicate the type of PPE needed. Available while supplies last: disposable, non-surgical masks and no-touch infrared forehead thermometers.

Hand Sanitizer: HDC Hand Sanitizer is produced locally, registered with the FDA and available for purchase in an assortment of sizes and quantities. They also have access to a variety of dispensers. Visit: https://heritagedistilling.com/pages/hand-sanitizer-large-order. 

 

** 5/18/2020 Update **

The U.S. Treasury has posted the SBA Form for PPP Loan Forgiveness which includes the policy rules on how forgiveness will be calculated: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/3245-0407-SBA-Form-3508-PPP-Forgiveness-Application.pdf

All other available forms and documents related to PPP Loans can be found here: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/assistance-for-small-businesses.

PPP needed documentation:

Whether you are still in the process of applying for or waiting for approval, you may find the following information helpful.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Essential documents for a PPP application

• IRS Form 940 and/or Form 941 for the previous tax year

• Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement Employer Reference Copy, if applicable

• Payroll summary report for 2020

• Payroll processor records

• Payroll tax filings IRS

• Form 1099-MISC

• Benefit expenses covered by the CARES Act PPP

• Start counting 8 weeks of payroll once funds are in your bank

• The number of employees must be the same as your application documents

• The option to not re-hire the same names on a prior payroll is available if the number of employees stays the same.

• 501c6 is not eligible unless Congress makes this change in the next round of funding.

• Unemployment benefits will cease for employees who refuse to come back to work when work is available.

• Paying a bonus to employees under PPP funding may not meet the forgivable criteria.

Q: Can my PPP loan be forgiven in whole or in part?

A: Visit SBA detail link. Section O  

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

• Takes 3-5 weeks for application processing due to the number of applications

• Only 20% of loans were processed around the week of 4/13

• Check status at 1.800.659.2955

• 501c6 organizations that do NOT lobby are eligible to apply for EIDL.

• Forgiven amount (grant) is $1,000 per employee in the business

• SBA processing with no bank involvement

Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Small Business Guide & Checklist

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the top questions we're getting asked today along with some answers we hope provide clarity. For more information about relief options and resources related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus. 

Q: Can I apply for both the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program?

A: Borrowers can apply for both an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program loan. However, the Paycheck Protection Program loan funds and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds cannot be used for the same purpose. The Paycheck Protection Program loan must be used for payroll (minimum of 75% of the funds received) for it to be eligible for a forgivable loan and the remaining is used for different purposes. Borrowers who accept both loan funds should document the uses of the funds appropriately.

Funding options

Q: Where do I submit an application for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)?

A: Like the SBA Loan Guarantee Program, the SBA doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners for the Paycheck Protection Program. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by partnering lenders.

Small businesses with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, 501(c)(19) veterans organizations, or Tribal businesses (see sec. 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act) affected by coronavirus/COVID-19 can find a lender using the SBA lender finder tool. Deadline June 30th.

Find a PPP lender

Alternatively, you can contact your current bank or lender to see if they are offering PPP; or, view a list of SBA lenders on your local SBA district office website who may also be offering PPP: Seattle District (Washington and northern Idaho)

Q: How do I check the status of my Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or my EIDL Advance application?

A: The application process for the EIDL program was updated March 30 with a new streamlined application that allows you to simultaneously apply for both the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or EIDL Advance. 

For those who submitted a COVID-19 EIDL application prior to March 30, unless you have already been approved or are currently working with a loan officer, you should re-apply using the new streamlined application if you have not done so already.  The new application is streamlined and faster. 

If you already submitted an application in the new streamlined system, keep your confirmation number handy and you'll hear from the SBA soon. You can also contact the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. 

Apply for EIDL

Note: if you have trouble with the application, try using a different browser. 

Q: Do religious organizations qualify for SBA funding programs related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) relief?

Answer: The SBA issued guidance clarifying all faith-based organizations impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act.

Read the news release

Read Faith-Based FAQs

Who qualifies Video: Interview with SBA

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Loans - https://www.sba.gov/disaster

 

Comprehensive page for help determining who can use an SBA disaster loan. 

Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARE Act - CARE Act Guide PDF

4 Funding options through SBA  - https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSBA/bulletins/284c47d

SBA Loan Guide - SBA Loan Guide This includes information on the Payroll Protection Program. Each bank is setting up their PPP applications online, you should be able to go to your bank's website to apply. They are encouraging all small businesses to apply.

Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources - https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

 

Includes resources on The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, Guidance for Businesses & Employers, SBA Products and Resources, Government Contracting and Loan Assistance.

If your primary bank is not a certified SBA lender here is some good information below:

Below is a list of possible other FinTechs that may be helpful.  We, of course, are not endorsing any of them, these are simply options to check out:

www.Biz2Credit.com, www.kabbage.com, www.fundera.com/ppp, www.newtek.com, https://readycapital.com/

 

 

Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants

 

Apply for up to $10,000 in emergency funding

>Governor Inslee is offering a new Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Up to $5 million in funds are provided through the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund and administered by the State Department of Commerce. The grant program will provide a limited number of businesses in Washington’s 39 counties with a grant up to $10,000.

Details  and  Application

Supplemental Financial Assistance: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is launching the Save Small Business Fund. Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the Foundation will provide $5,000 supplemental grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities. The Foundation is launching the grant fund in partnership with Vistaprint and with support from Merck, S&P Global Foundation, and Travelers.

For more information on the Save Small Business Grant Fund, please click here.

In a recent press release 4/15/2020, by the US Chamber of Commerce: "To combat the economic destruction threatening the survival of small businesses in every town across America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today launched the Save Small Business Initiative — a nationwide program to address small businesses’ immediate needs, mitigate closures and job losses, and mobilize support for long-term recovery." to continue reading... 

 

On April 18, ESD launched the expanded unemployment benefits that were provided in the CARES Act at www.ESD.WA.Gov. Commissioner LeVine recommends taking four steps to ensure folks keep up-to-date and have needed information at the ready when they apply for these benefits.

1. Sign-up for COVID-19 Action Alerts - for the latest updates on what you need to know to access benefits in a rapidly changing situation.

2. Check Your Eligibility – download the eligibility checker to help you better understand what benefits you may be eligible for, and when to apply.

3. Download the Applications Checklist – find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits if you are unable to work due to COVID-19.

4. Set-up Your SecureAccess Washington Account – get access to online e-services.

Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Program

Pierce County small businesses who have experienced significant economic injury as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for this loan program if they meet the below criteria. This loan program enacted by the Pierce County Council is a direct action to keep businesses in operation and protect jobs threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses applying for loans under this program must:

• Be a business physically located anywhere in Pierce County including incorporated cities
• Have 20 or fewer employees (including business owner)
• Be in operation for one or more years (businesses that have had a change in ownership in the past 12 months may be eligible)
• Demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in revenues attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic

The intent of this loan program is to help as many small businesses as possible. Therefore, there will only be one loan per business owner or owner group;regardless of the number of business locations an ownership may have.

Loan amounts up to $20,000 will be awarded, based on number of employees. Loans will be offered to qualified applicants at no interest and no payments for 12 months. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, subject to available funds.

APPLY HERE

Contact for Additional Information:

Pierce County Economic Development

950 Pacific Ave. Suite 720, Tacoma WA 98402

PCSBRLoan@piercecountywa.gov

Phone: 253-798-6150

 

Private grants

• Facebook Small Business Grant Program -Seattle is the first location they opened for applicants and availability is based on zip code.
• Google Ad credits for Google Ads Small and Medium-sized Businesses – this offer supports small to medium size businesses to stay in touch with their customers using Google Ads credits.

Under the Cares Act, accessing the funds in your 401K or IRAs now has less regulation. There are some things you need to think through before dipping into those funds. We found this article to be worth your read: https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/investing/cashing-out-401k-covid-19/

Support Programs during COVID-19: https://www.safehome.org/resources/small-business-protection-guide/

Implementing National Back to Work Plan: - https://www.rapidresponsesouthsound.com/back-to-work/

Optimism in the Face of crisis: Washingtonians Surveyed - Read the Article

Washington State's one stop site for information on COVID-19 - https://coronavirus.wa.gov/ 

Daily statistics, testing, if you are ill, government emergency actions, you & your family, travelers & commuters, business & workers, local health departments, childcare/K-12/higher education and latest news.

Is my business an essential business? - https://coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed/essential-business

Wall Street Journal Article with tons of links: Article

Washington Retailers Association updated regularly with resources - https://washingtonretail.org/initiatives/covid-19-coronavirus/

Numerous resources for retailers and businesses. 

People Priorities in Response to COVID-19 Article

5 Immediate Actions to take to position your business as one that will not only survive this crisis, but thrive when it's over -  https://www.financialpoise.com/business-crisis-management-for-coronavirus/

Office 365 - Working from Home & How to use technology to work remotely: https://aldridge.com/working-remote-with-microsoft-office-online/ If you have questions: Technology Providers

Tips for working at home.

New to working from home with kids out of school? Here is a lifeline:  Too Cool For School - Virtual Kids Camp - Facebook support group with many resources, parent survival tips, art projects, science experiments and so much more, parent videos reading books. This might be your work from home conference call life saver!

30 Day Growth Accelerator: Businesses need a strong digital marketing presence now more than ever. Those businesses that stop all marketing spend and go into hiding are the ones that will be hurt the worst. The ones that partner with a great digital team will be the ones that make it through the downturn and continue growing immediately after. Here is a FREE (Limited Time Access): Success with Marketing

Visit: https://www.cityofgigharbor.net/704/COVID-19-Response for City of Gig Harbor information.

City temporarily lifts the ban on plastic bag & utensils. 

Washington State's one stop site for information on COVID-19 - https://coronavirus.wa.gov/ 

IF you need to get tested:

• CHI Franciscan - https://www.chifranciscan.org/patients-and-visitors/covid-19.html AND for a Virtual visit: https://franciscanvirtualcare.org
• Multicare - https://www.multicare.org/coronavirus/ AND for a Virtual visit: https://www.multicare.org/virtualcare/
• Sound Clinical Medicine PS - https://www.soundclinicalmedicine.com/
• Peninsula Natural Medicine - http://peninsulanaturalhealth.com/

Stress Eating?: https://blog.metagenics.com/post/2020/04/02/five-strategies-for-stress-eating/

Stressed about your Finances? Be sure to visit with your financial advisor for explanations of financial assistance options that are available, managing debt and cash flow during a downturn, and any other financial-related topic. Don't have a financial advisor? We have your resources:  https://www.gigharborchamber.net/list/category/financial-advisors-212

Peninsula School District (PSD) Student Nutrition program - https://www.psd401.net/departments/nutrition-services

PSD First Responder & Healthcare workers childcare services - The school district is partnering with the YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties to provide childcare beginning Monday March 23, Monday through Friday from 6:30AM to 6:30PM at both Harbor Heights and Purdy Elementary Schools, with additional locations available as need develops. Interested families can call (253) 530-1038 or email burlesond@psd401.net.

Home Learning Resources - https://www.psd401.net/departments/learning-and-innovation/home-learning-resources

Remind App - The district is setting up the Remind App for all teachers, to allow them to communicate with families in a consistent way via text message. Remind will pull the contact information currently in the Parent Portal, so please review your contact information. We recommend making your primary phone number a cell phone so you can receive text messages. If you have questions, please email powerschool@psd401.net and include identifying information so we can ensure we are communicating with the correct guardians.

Too Cool For School - Virtual Kids Camp - Facebook support group with many resources, parent survival tips, art projects, science experiments and so much more, parent videos reading books. Perfect for new ideas if you have exhausted your own ideas.

9 Tips for Working from home with kids: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/working-at-home-with-kids-during-covid-19-crisis-with-kids-underfoot.html Are you struggling with the balance? This article helps with practical suggestions on how to accomplish that work/life balance. 

PenMet Parks Fun Activity Guide: https://www.penmetparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PenMet-Parks-Fun-Activity-Guide.pdf

Stay safe when you run errands or exercise: https://www.tpchd.org/Home/Components/Blog/Blog/21425/333

Benefit finder: https://www.benefits.gov/

Peninsula Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF): https://gigharborfoundation.org/cerf

Hosted by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, this fund will supply essential aid to help organizations providing direct services to people in our community at the highest risk due to the virus itself and the economic impacts we are already seeing. 100% of every donation goes directly into relief efforts. 

Fun Activities from Gig Harbor Fire & Medics: https://www.gigharborfire.org/education-and-events/services-offered/kids-activity-sheets/

Home Learning Resources - https://www.psd401.net/departments/learning-and-innovation/home-learning-resources

Remind App - The district is setting up the Remind App for all teachers, to allow them to communicate with families in a consistent way via text message. Remind will pull the contact information currently in the Parent Portal, so please review your contact information. We recommend making your primary phone number a cell phone so you can receive text messages. If you have questions, please email powerschool@psd401.net and include identifying information so we can ensure we are communicating with the correct guardians.

Too Cool For School - Virtual Kids Camp - Facebook support group with many resources, parent survival tips, art projects, science experiments and so much more - https://www.facebook.com/groups/953599345042645/?ref=group_header

When you are ready for some humor: Get your Social Distancing World Champion Sasquatch apparel here: https://www.companycasuals.com/socialdistancingworldchampion/start.jsp

Office 365 - Working from Home & How to use technology to work remotely: https://aldridge.com/working-remote-with-microsoft-office-online/ If you have questions: Technology Providers

Want to help? COVID-19: Peninsula Community Emergency Relief Fund - by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation

30 Day Growth Accelerator: Businesses need a strong digital marketing presence now more than ever. Those businesses that stop all marketing spend and go into hiding are the ones that will be hurt the worst. The ones that partner with a great digital team will be the ones that make it through the downturn and continue growing immediately after. Here is a FREE (Limited Time Access): Success with Marketing