Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant – Round Two (updated Aug 27)
Contents
Introduction
The Washington State Department of Commerce has funded a new round of the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant Program (Round Two) to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. To request assistance, you must meet the program requirements, submit the required documentation and signed certification form before 5:00 PM PDT September 10, 2020.
The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) will handle processing applications and administering the fund, which will reimburse businesses for eligible expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and the application date. Grants can be up to $10,0000 (final award amounts based on need and number of eligible applicants) to cover these expenses (see below).
It is our hope that supporting San Juan County’s businesses during this unprecedented downturn will enable them to survive into recovery and thrive in the future, ensuring that our vibrant business community continues in strength.
FAQs, Guidelines & Eligibility
Applicants should have been in business for at least one year and be physically located in San Juan County. Business should be the primary source of income for applicants in 2019 and no more than 20 employees as of the date of application.
Previous recipients of the Valmark-EDC Back-to-Business Grant or the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant (round one) programs are NOT eligible for this program. This program is not open to non-profit organizations. Applicants should be in good standing with local, state, and federal authorities and taxing authorities.
Small businesses may not be reimbursed by multiple funders for the same expenses (double-dipping). This principle also applies to any recipients of CARES Act funding: No duplicate payments or supplanting of other costs are allowed, through Friday Harbor Business Rent Relief grants, PPP loan forgiveness, EIDL grants or others.
What is the most that can be applied for?
Businesses may apply for a one-time grant of up to $10,000. Amounts awarded may be less than requested and will be determined by need and number of eligible applicants. Applicants may apply for only one WWSBEG award.
What is the deadline to apply to the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant?
September 10, 2020, at 5pm.
What are the review criteria?
We will score businesses based on documentation of the following:
- Need (e.g. closure or reduced employment because of health and safety orders) – businesses must have experienced a loss of income due to the impacts of COVID-19;
- Need for PPE, exposure controls, and asymptomatic testing based on their risk level (based on numbers of employees and need for close contacts among employees and customers).
- Whether the applicant makes a strong case that an award would make a meaningful difference to their business’s survival and growth;
Business owners must certify that:
- It is understood that Applicant names (business & business owner) and award status are a matter of public record and subject to disclosure
- Small businesses may not be reimbursed by multiple funders for the same expenses (double-dipping). This principle also applies to any recipients of CARES funding: no duplicate payments or supplanting of other costs are allowed, through Working Washington grants, Friday Harbor Business Rent Relief grants, PPP loan forgiveness, EIDL grants or others, and owner certifies that any funds received from other grant programs will not be used to pay for the expenses submitted for reimbursement under this program.
- Neither the business nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal, state, or local department or agency, and that the business owner(s) are in good standing with all taxing authorities.
- All expenses submitted are for the express use of the business and are not for personal use;
- The business is operating in compliance with applicable Washington State “Safe Start” industry guidance and any and all Labor & Industries–mandated requirements.
What expenses are eligible?
Eligible:
- Business Rent
- Business Utility Bills
- Asymptomatic testing for COVID-19;
- Purchase of PPE or exposure control systems (such as barriers, signage, disinfectant, or ventilation controls) in order to re-open and remain open safely.
For each expense to be approved, applicant must certify all 5 of these conditions are true:
- The expense is connected to the COVID-19 emergency;
- The expense is necessary to continue business operations;
- Expenses are not to cover tax obligations or other federal, state, county, or city fees (including permitting or licensing) or penalties.
- The expense is not funded by any other funder, whether private, State, or Federal,
- The business would not be requesting assistance with expenses if they had not been impacted by COVID-19;
Not eligible:
- Invoices dated prior to 3/1/20;
- Supplies or inventory;
- Operating expenses not directly related to impacts of COVID19;
- Payroll, proprietor or employee salary or remuneration, benefits or reimbursement of any type (e.g. pensions, dividends);
- Bills for taxes or legal fees or federal or state expenses;
- Capitalized equipment, travel, office equipment or land acquisition and construction cost;
- Travel incl. meals, lodging, transportation;
- Lobbying or political influence.
Application Process
Grant applications will be submitted to the EDC. Application forms and the application portal (below) will open August 25, 2020.
To fill out the application form you will need to login to a Google account. If you have a Gmail or YouTube account, you already have a Google account; if not, you can create a Google account for free if you do not already have one: https://accounts.google.com/.
As part of your application you will need to upload the following documentation on the application form:
- Expense documentation. Use this template: https://www.sanjuansedc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Expense-Documentation-Template-2020Aug11.docx (links to MS Word document; the template can be opened and filled out with MS Word, LibreOffice, or Google Docs). Applicants in who need funding for PPE exposure control measures (e.g. plexiglass, hand-washing stations, air filters) but do not have the means to purchase these without grant funds will have the opportunity to make their case in the application.
- Certifications/affidavit required for eligibility: https://www.sanjuansedc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/WSBEG2_Applicant-Certifications_8-18-20.pdf (links to PDF).
- A W9 form, available here: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9
Application/Awards Timeline
- Aug 26 – Sep 10 – Application submissions / rolling confirmation of eligibility and verification of documents
- Sep 11 – Sep 17 – External panel will review applications
- Week of Sep 21 – Tentative notification of awards. All awards are pending approval until a contract is executed between EDC and the business. Notifications of application success or failure will come from EDC.
Application Portal
Click HERE to begin your application.
Questions? Please call or email us – we can help: (360) 378-2906 or info@sanjuansedc.org