• *NEW* Starting today the Small Business Association (SBA) will host a series of webinars aimed to help small business take advantage of the exclusive PPP application period that ends March 9. If you are a small business owner with 20 employees or less, or are self-employed; there is new information for you. Join the series of webinars hosted by the SBA, Public Private Strategies Institute and other stakeholders to hear about:
• What steps you can take now to take advantage of this special opportunity, which closes Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 2 p.m. PST. 
• Additional changes and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration
• Have your questions answered by SBA leadership

• *NEW* The National Development Council (NDC) Grow America Fund (GAF) is taking applications for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) First Draw and Second Draw Loans. Funds are limited and going quickly. Now is the time to submit your application and receive up to 10 weeks of payroll and other business assistance. Apply here.

• *NEW* Commute Seattle will host a webinar April 8, 2021 at 2pm, on navigating Seattle’s recently announced Commuter Benefits Ordinance. In this short webinar, Nick Abel, Senior Transportation Specialist at Commute Seattle, will provide a brief overview of the City of Seattle's Commuter Benefits Ordinance and share easy and low-cost ways to comply. There will time at the end for attendees to ask any questions they have about the ordinance or how it affects their business. Register here to attend.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• King County is providing 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 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.

• *NEW* Each year, the Alliance for Pioneer Square coordinates a volunteer clean up event in the neighborhood known as the Annual Spring Clean. In lieu of holding a volunteer day to clean up the neighborhood this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance will be working with partners and hiring vendors to provide supplemental cleaning to the neighborhood. Please complete this 3 minute survey to tell us which supplemental cleaning activities to prioritize. The top ranked cleaning activities will be prioritized in our Public Realm work this spring.

• *NEW* Join the Alliance for Pioneer Square at a virtual information session on Friday, March 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 this month are guests from the Seattle Department of Transportation and Sound Transit. 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 [email protected].

• *NEW* First and Goal Incorporated (FGI) has partnered with the City of Seattle and Swedish to make Lumen Field Event Center (LFEC) a COVID Mass Vaccination Site beginning on March 10th. The vaccine site will be opened to only those with scheduled appointments on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11:00am to 7:00pm. At this time, it is estimated LFEC will receive around 5,000 does per week with the potential to expand to over 100K per week. The Lumen Field Garage and the North Lot will be available for free parking to individuals with appointments.

• *NEW* Seattle Restaurant Week is back this spring (April 1-30) and is continuing to supportSeattle restaurants with a month-long promotion, giving diners a unique chance to support local establishments while sampling their menus. Seattle Restaurant Week is also presenting another FREE promotion that offers greater flexibility for each restaurant, and highlights a variety of dining experiences available that include takeout, outdoor dining, delivery, ready-to-heat, and more. Read here for more details and how to participate.

• 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.