COVID-19 Bi-weekly Update: October 27th, 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* 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. These free permits allow small businesses to expand their operations outside to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while remaining in compliance with local and statewide public health guidance and requirements. This extension impacts free sidewalk café and curb space permits as well as free street closure permits. 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.


Worker and Business Resources

  • 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. Throughout October and November, Merchant Method will host three workshops over four session on the a range of topics, including marketing and content creation, profitable pricing, and creative collaborations. The workshops will be held on the following dates and times:

  • The Infinite Content Model Workshop Part 1: Create Profitable Content Ideas For Your Business
Find presentation here, workshop materials here and audio recording here.

  • The Infinite Content Model Workshop Part 2: Create Profitable Content Ideas For Your Business
Find presentation here, workshop materials here.

  • Profitable Pricing For Inventory-Based Businesses: Learn To Think Critically About Your Prices
October 28th 1:30-3:00pm

  • Creative Collaborations For Small Businesses: A Guide To Creating Valuable Relationships,
November 9th 2:00-3:30pm
 

  • 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.

Financial Resources

  • *NEW* Between April 1st and July 15th, 4Culture allocated $510,500 in COVID-19 relief funding to cultural workers in King County. Since that time it has received an additional $500,000 from King County to distribute federal CARES Act funds to cultural workers who are suffering financial losses due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Through the Cultural Relief Fund, grants of up to $2,000 are available to help support necessities including housing, utilities, groceries, and childcare to those who contribute to the cultural and creative industries within King County, Washington. Visit the 4Culture website to apply. All applications for this grant must be submitted by midnight, October 28, 2020. 

  • *NEW* The Alliance for Pioneer Square is pleased to announce the PSQ Alley Lighting Matching Fund. With $50,000 in funding from Historic South Downtown, we aim to support alley lighting improvements in Pioneer Square. The PSQ Alley Lighting Matching Fund supports the Alliance’s initiative to address critical public safety concerns and make strides toward alley revitalization. Read more about the fund here. Applications are now open and will be accepted through November 6, 2020 at 11:59pm.

  • 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 OED@seattle.gov 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 disastercustomerservice@sba.gov 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 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.


Partner Efforts

  • *NEW* The Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) will host a de-escalation training on Monday, November 16, 2020 from 2:00-3:30 PM. The de-escalation training is going to be an in-depth training program that teaches you how to recognize, reduce, and manage aggressive behavior. Over the course of the presentation you will learn provide effective and compassionate methods of handling anxious or aggressive people, as well as increase confidence and introduce skills that can be used during threatening situations. Register for the event here.

  • The SDOT Transportation Equity Workgroup survey is now live. The purpose of the survey is to create more equity within our transportation network by targeting the survey responses from specific underserved groups. See a list of target populations here. You do not need to live in Seattle to take the survey. As long as you live, play, work, worship or commute to Seattle for any reason, you can take the survey in English, Spanish, and Tagalog. The survey will remain live until November 7th. The first 60 people who complete this survey will receive a $25 VISA gift card. 
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