Resource Roundup: February 17th, 2021
Pioneer Square Business Stakeholders-

The Alliance for Pioneer Square team is working diligently to keep the Pioneer Square community informed regarding new resources and opportunities available to them. This roundup is part of a series of weekly messages capturing new resources and opportunities. Find each weekly email to date on our website.

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

What's Happening

  • *NEW* Last week, Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation providing relief for businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This new bill will increase minimum unemployment benefits for workers and provide significant tax relief for businesses over the next five years, to support recovery from the economic impacts of COVID shutdowns. Read about bill SB 5061 here.
Worker and Business Resources

  • *NEW* The Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) continues to support small businesses through webinars and by assisting business owners navigate COVID-19 resources. Highlights of the January 28th webinar session include:
  • Key elements of the new 2021 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Update
  • New tax provision and updates
  • Washington Small Business Development Center Assistance and Advising
You can view the January 28 PowerPoint Slides and Webinar Recording. (please note, you must register for the webinar in order to listen to the recording).

  • *NEW* The University of Washington's Foster School of Business has created a list of COVID-19 resources and tools for the local small business community navigating substantial obstacles during these difficult times. Visit their website to sign up for the 2021 digital transformation strategies seminar series, recovery & reconstruction workshops and to watch prerecorded webinars.

  • *NEW* Comcast is launching a new multi-year support program called Comcast RISE to help empower minority-owned small businesses with the tools, expertise, and resources needed to navigate the economic effects of the pandemic. Qualifying businesses will have the opportunity to receive marketing consultations, media placements, commercial creative production services, or technology services, in addition to possible grants. For further information on program details, eligibility requirements, and how to submit an application, visit the ComcastRISE website.

  • This year, Business Impact NW has partnered with the Seattle Good Business Network and Sustainable Connections to host Food Biz Week, a free opportunity for food and farm businesses at all levels of food production and food retail in the Pacific Northwest to learn from industry experts and fellow experienced colleagues through a curated week of virtual panels, presentations, and networking activities. The event will be all virtual and free so food and farm entrepreneurs are invited to attend from anywhere in the region. Register here.

  • SBA is currently accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications from all qualified small businesses, including agricultural businesses, and private nonprofit organizations. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan provides economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This is a 30 year loan at 3.75% interest for businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits with no repayment penalty or fees. The loan amount is generally determined by 6 months of losses and may be utilized for capital and normal operating expenses. Visit the SBA website to apply and learn more.

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury issued guidance in early January for the reconstituted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The new PPP has $284.5 billion available, including $35 billion for first-time loans and is available to businesses that have previously received a loan. Borrowers are eligible for a second-draw PPP loan of up to $2 million. Second time borrowers must:
  • have less than 300 employees,
  • demonstrate a 25% or more loss in revenue from 2019 to 2020,
  • have spent first PPP loan on eligible expenses
The new round of PPP will remain open through March 31. Apply here.

  • The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is now offering streamlined, free temporary permits for outdoor cafes, retail merchandise displays, food trucks, and vending carts that are valid through October 31, 2021. SDOT is also offering temporary street closures to support restaurants and retail operations. They have also published winter weather guidance that contain details on permissible shelters and furniture that may be used without additional SDOT review. Please be aware that the Seattle Fire Department, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, and Seattle Department of Neighborhood Historic/Landmark approvals may still be required, and that those agencies may have additional rules that affect your proposal. Visit the SDOT website to learn more and apply.

  • The Food Finance Institute's Scaler Series offers businesses the flexibility to learn how to successfully grow their businesses, one workshop at a time. It’s a series of 6 workshops, normally, each series workshop is $50, however, the Scaler Series enrollment is free for the 2021 workshops. Brought to you by funding from the Small Business Administration. Click here to learn more and register.
  • 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

  • *NEW* Join the Alliance for Pioneer Square at a virtual information session on Friday, February 19th 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 is Commissioner President Peter Steinbrueck from the Port of Seattle. RSVP here. Find the January 15th 2020 meeting slides here and the webinar recording 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 [email protected].

Partner Efforts


  • *NEW* Taste Washington will commence next month with a host of online activities and programming aimed at supporting local restaurants, wineries and hotels while also complying with statewide COVID-19 regulations regarding large gatherings. Visit Seattle has created a few different ways for businesses to showcase their offerings while highlighting Washington wine throughout March. Learn more and fill out the form here to be included in this year's Taste Washington.

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