COVID-19 Bi-weekly Update: November 10th, 2020

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 City of Seattle's Office of Economic Develo pment (OED) Small Business Stabilization Fund is now open. OED is investing an additional $4 million to stabilize small businesses with $10,000 grants available for small businesses throughout Seattle who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. The fund prioritizes businesses in areas at high risk of displacement or high disadvantage, microenterprise businesses, creative sector businesses, and businesses experiencing the greatest economic impacts.

Applications are open until Monday, November 30th, 2020. Those who have previously applied for SBSF must re-apply to be considered for this round of funding. For more information about the selection criteria and award process, visit the OED website. For assistance completing the application, email [email protected] or call (206) 684-8090.

Worker and Business Resources

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has announced that the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) temporary street use permits are extended through October 31, 2021. The City will also provide free tent and heating permits to help businesses maintain outdoor operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In addition, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) will immediately begin issuing free tent permits and heating permits to help businesses maintain operations during the colder, rainier months ahead. Read the announcement here.

The Alliance for Pioneer Square has again partnered with Merchant Method to facilitate a series of free workshops with the goal of providing BIA businesses technical assistance. In October, Merchant Method hosted a series of workshops that included a range of topics, from marketing and content creation to profitable pricing and creative collaborations. The Infinite Content Model Workshops took place on October 5th and 19th. You can view the Part 1 workshop recording here, workshop materials here and audio recording here. Part 2 workshop recording and materials can be found here and here.

The Profitable Pricing For Inventory-Based Businesses workshop took place on October 28th and you can view the recording here and presentation slides and audio here. A presentation for the Creative Collaborations For Small Businesses workshop, which took place on November 9th, can be found here.

King County has announced new reopening business tools for Phase 2 guidance and requirements. The new tools include a safe work plan template, owners guide to reopening and reopening checklist. Businesses can access these resources below:
King County Safe Start: Businesses and Workplaces
City of Seattle: COVID-19 Reopening Business

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 Association of Washington Businesses has created a hub where businesses can get access to PPE and other resources to assist with reopening. The site is free to use and available to all Washington businesses.

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.

Financial Resources

SBA is accepting EIDL applications from qualified businesses. Businesses that have not previously applied may now apply for the loan which can be used for debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact, and that are not already covered by a PPP loan. Read more and apply here.

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Washington Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
OED provides technical assistance to businesses applying for SBA loans and understanding the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aids, Relief & Security). This includes helping businesses navigate the application process and documentation. For general inquiries, please email [email protected] or call 206-684-8090.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications here.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Note, the deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 16, 2020.
The City of Seattle’s Office of Economic development has compiled a summary of the CARES Act and a SBA FAQ.

Neighborhood Advocacy

*NEW* 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 [email protected].

*NEW* The Alliance for Pioneer Square will host a virtual information session on Friday, November 20th from 1:30-2:30p where we will be presenting on the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on Pioneer Square, and the Alliance’s response to support our neighborhood. RSVP here to attend (note, a Zoom link will be provided on Thursday, October 15th to those who RSVP). Find previous meeting slides and webinar recordings here.

The Alliance for Pioneer Square, in collaboration with DEI Creative, has launched an online marketplace as a tool for member businesses to generate revenue through online sales during the Coronavirus pandemic. Read DEI Creative's full press release about Support Local here. To participate in the Pioneer Square Marketplace, register your business here.

As the neighborhood continues to navigate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, we want to offer an opportunity to reconnect. Click here to join the Pioneer Square Business Owners and Managers Facebook page.

Partner Efforts

*NEW* The Alliance for Pioneer Square is proud to champion the "Do Something" campaign, a joint effort by Visit Seattle and the Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority. The campaign, running from October 2020 to January 2021, encourages locals and neighboring drive markets to explore and support businesses throughout King County and to do something nearby. Businesses may download the the following digital marketing toolkit to help promote the DO SOMETHING messaging on their social media platforms.

Neighborhood Spotlight

One hundred years ago TODAY Compass Housing Alliance was founded in the heart of Pioneer Square, just off Cherry Street!

Since then, Compass has grown to meet the needs of the community and become one of the largest emergency housing and affordable housing providers in the region.

Join Compass in celebration of their important work that they’ve been able to do with the support of you, the community.

Additional Resources

Between weekly messages please review our website, which features an in-depth series of resources intended to assist small business owners, managers, and employees impacted by the COVID-19 virus crisis, along with public health recommendations.

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