COVID-19 Bi-weekly Update: January 6th, 2021
Pioneer Square Business Stakeholders-

The Alliance for Pioneer Square is working diligently to support the Pioneer Square community through the COVID-19 virus outbreak. This is part of a series of weekly messages outlining impacts and resources available. Find each weekly email to date on our website.

*Please see this week's new resources and opportunities highlighted in RED*


What's Happening


  • *NEW* The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster declaration is extended to Dec. 31, 2021. EIDL loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds. Loans are offered at very affordable terms, with a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% interest rate for nonprofit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Every eligible small business and nonprofit are encouraged to apply to get the resources they need. To learn more about the relief options available for your business, click here

  • *NEW* On January 5, Governor Jay Inslee announced a new Healthy Washington plan for recovery which takes effect on January 11. Phased reopenings will no longer be done county-by-county, the state will be broken out into eight healthcare regions instead. Each region will have to meet all four metrics to move forward from Phase 1 to Phase 2 and at this time no regions qualify for Phase 2. The metrics will be monitored weekly with changes taking effect the following Monday. Retail remains at 25% indoor capacity statewide with no changes to requirements. This new plan will also allow for limited live entertainment and fitness center activities. The phased reopening for each region will be determined by the following four healthcare metrics:

  • 10% decrease in infections for 14 days
  • 10% decrease in hospitalization rates
  • ICU capacity below 90% (including COVID and non-COVID patients)
  • Infection positivity rate after testing below 10%


Worker and Business Resources


  • In late December 2020, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued an order officially extending a moratorium on evictions for residents, small businesses, and nonprofits through March 31, 2021 (it was due to expire at the end of 2020). The mandate also extends a couple of other pandemic-related measures that could impact restaurants and bars: allowing temporary loading zones for pick-ups and the suspension of 72-hour parking rules enforcement until further notice. 




  • January 14 - Sales & Distribution Planning 
  • February 4 - Marketing & Branding Planning 
  • February 24 - Operations & Organization Planning 
  • March 18 - Sources & Uses of Capital Finance Planning 
  • April 15 - Food Safety & GFSI Planning .

  • The Office of the Mayor has created a page containing information and links for City of Seattle programs and services that may be helpful for residents significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • The Federal Government has launched a comprehensive webpage for small business owners to research their options.

Reopening Resources





  • The Alliance for Pioneer Square has introduced a section on our website to help provide businesses guidance and resources for best practices as they prepare to reopen their doors to customers.


Neighborhood Advocacy

  • Join the Alliance for Pioneer Square at a virtual information session on Friday January 15, from 1:30 to 2:30 where we will be presenting on the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on Pioneer Square, relief and resources available to those impacted by the crisis, and the Alliance’s response to support our neighborhood. Joining us this month is Commissioner President Peter Steinbrueck from the Port of Seattle. RSVP here. Find previous meeting slides and webinar recordings here.

  • The Pioneer Square Residents’ Council seeks to partner with neighborhood cafes, restaurants, and bars to encourage residents to eat and drink at Pioneer Square businesses as part of a Neighborhood Loyalty Program. The Pioneer Square Residents’ Council has proposed working with neighborhood businesses to offer discounts, such as 10% off, for residents when they mention what building they live in when purchasing goods. If your business is interested in partnering with the Pioneer Square Residents’ Council on the Neighborhood Loyalty Program, email Chris Woodward at chris@pioneersquare.org.

Partner Efforts

Additional Resources


Please let us know how we might best support you. Feel free to contact any of us with comments, questions, suggestions, or concerns.
Sincerely,

The Alliance Team

ALLIANCE FOR PIONEER SQUARE