COVID-19 Emergency Funding
Over the last year, Washington State has provided small businesses throughout the state with more than $500 million in grants to address the economic outfall of COVID-19. This effort continues as we look to new funding strategies for businesses in the process of rebuilding and recovering.
Important notice to grant applicants!
The federal government recently changed its requirements for businesses and organizations receiving federal funds in the form of grants. It no longer uses the DUNS (Data Universal Number System) and has shifted to a new system known as the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier).
As of April 2022, recipients of grants using federal funds are required to have a UEI, which replaces the DUNS Number. If you don’t have one yet, you may want to apply now. You may apply for grants without one, but cannot receive funds until you have an UEI. Click here to apply now.
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OPEN – Festival & Events Grants
The Washington Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Washington Festivals and Events Association (WFEA) and ArtsWA, is administering a $3.5 million grant program to provide festivals, events and celebrations across the state with relief disruptions caused by COVID. This grant program supports “legacy-level” community events, festivals, civic and holiday celebrations, cultural and heritage events, music festivals, and street and arts fairs in communities with populations of 100,000 or less. Funding supports the 2022 calendar year.
Grants are designed to either restart and stabilize “legacy-level” festivals and events suspended in 2020 and 2021, recover from disruptions and losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or both. Covered expenses include deposits on infrastructure (security, temporary fencing, staging, lights, sound equipment, etc.) and staff and labor costs. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000. Award amounts are based on need and demonstrated losses. “Legacy-level” is defined as established festivals and events that have been held for five years or more in a community.
As of April 2022, recipients of grants using federal funds are required to have a Universal Entity Identifier (UEI), which replaces the DUNS Number. If you don’t have one yet, you may want to apply now. You can apply for the grant without one, but will need an UEI if you are a grantee.
The application period closes July 1 at 5 p.m.
Ready to apply? Go to the Application Portal.
COMING – Working Washington Grants: Round 5
The Washington State Legislature has allocated a new round of grant funding for small businesses affected by the pandemic. $70 million was appropriated by the legislature for the next round of Working Washington Grants: Round 5.
In this round of grants, portions of the available funds are set aside for specific targeted groups or sectors:
- 60% is identified for the arts, heritage, and science sectors, including those that operate live entertainment venues
- 40% is identified for most other sectors, including hospitality, fitness and personal services
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria, with additional details to be shared in the coming weeks:
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- Active for-profit or non-profit business or organization, with a UBI or EIN number, and physically located in Washington State.
- Be able to demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak
- Have been in operation prior to Jan. 1, 2021
- Have not reported annual gross receipts of more than $5,000,000 in calendar year 2019
- Minimum total revenues of at least $10,000 in 2019 or 2020.
- Generates at least 51% of revenue in Washington State
- Have not permanently closed or intend to permanently close in 2022
- Have expenses that are necessary to continue business operations and the expense is not a federal, state, or local tax, fee, license, or other government revenue
- Have experienced a reduction in business income or activity related to COVID-19 or as a result of state or local COVID-19 related public health measures
- Adherence to all required COVID-19 public health measures
- Self-attest that the expense is not funded by any other government or private entity
Applicants must apply for one business only. Those with multiple businesses should apply on behalf of their largest or most impacted business.
* As of April 2022, recipients of grants using federal funds are required to have a UEI, which replaces the DUNS Number. If you don’t have one yet, you may want to apply now. You may apply for grants without one, but cannot receive funds until you have an UEI. Click here to apply now.
COMING – Convention Center Grants
The Washington State Legislature has allocated $5 million for a grant program to assist businesses and nonprofits that are dependent to maintain their operations on the economic activity created through conventions hosted in Washington state.
Information regarding eligibility and criteria will be posted here in the coming weeks.
OPEN – Small Business Flex Fund Loans
Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for a low-interest loan of up to $150,000 to finance expansion and growth as well as recover from the pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown.
These grants are managed by the Washington State Department of Commerce and are meant to provide relief to organizations that have been severely impacted by COVID-19.