State offers new small-business grants

The Washington State Department of Commerce on Dec. 2 launched a new small-business grant program. The online application portal is at http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/working-washington-round-3/

The deadline for applications is Dec. 10. Business owners are urged to apply at the earliest possible date to give their business the best chance of success.

Grant awards will be up to $20,000, with a total of $50 million available statewide. The grant is for businesses that have lost money because of COVID-19. This grant is not a reimbursement, so no receipts will be required, but applicants will be required to sign a statement regarding other grants they have received.

These grants are prioritized for:

Small businesses with annual revenues of $5 million or less in 2019 and 2020

AND

Businesses in the sectors that are most affected by Gov. Inslee’s 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.

Certain nonprofits may also be eligible if they have a primary business activity that falls into a similar category as above (example: a nonprofit music or events venue or museum).

If the state Department of Commerce is able to fund all the eligible applicants from the priority pool and funds remain, Commerce may be able to provide grants to additional businesses or nonprofits from other sectors or who have annual revenues greater than $5 million.

How to apply:

The online application portal on the Washington State Department of Commerce is here:

Additional information about eligibility and prioritization also will be posted there. The Web page also will list resources to help business owners complete the application.

Priority will be given to applications received by Dec. 10. If Commerce is able to fund all the eligible applicants who submit by that time, it may be able to consider eligible applicants who submit after Dec. 10.

Checklist of the information you’ll need to have ready:

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.

Copy of 2019 tax return or other confirmation of business gross revenues for 2019.

For businesses with a physical location, evidence of that location, such as lease, tax statement, utility bill, etc.

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:

To see to see which NAICS code fits your business, go here:

https://www.naics.com/search/













 
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