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State to offer new small-business grant opportunity

The Washington State Department of Commerce is set to launch a new small-business grant program, with an online application portal set to open early next week.

The portal link will be available here, with additional information about eligibility and prioritization to come. It is important that you apply at the earliest possible date to give yourself the best chance of success.

Grant awards will be up to $20,000, with a total of $50 million available statewide. The grant is for businesses that have lost money due to COVID-19. This grant is not a reimbursement so not receipts will be required, but you will be required to sign a statement regarding other grants you have received.

Who can apply?
These grants are prioritized for:

  • Small businesses with annual revenues of $5 million or less in 2019 and 2020

AND

  • Businesses in the sectors that are most impacted by the recent public health measures as well as businesses in sectors that have experienced significant, cumulative impacts. Examples include full-service restaurants, fitness centers, bowling alleys and music and event venues.
  • Certain nonprofits may also be eligible if they have a primary business activity that falls into a similar category as noted above. Example – a nonprofit nonprofit music or events venue or museum.

If the state Department of Commerce is able to fund all the eligible applicants from the priority pool, and funds remain, Commerce may be able to provide grants to additional businesses or nonprofits from other sectors or who have annual revenues larger than $5 million.

How can I apply?

  • The online application portal on the Washington State Department of Commerce website will open early next week (the week of Nov. 30). The portal link will be available at commerce.wa.gov/bizgrants. Additional information about eligibility and prioritization will also be posted there. The webpage will also list resources to help you complete the application, including translation services if needed.
  • Priority will be given to applications received by Dec. 10. If Commerce is able to fund all the eligible applicants who submit by that time, it may be able to consider eligible applicants who submit after the 10th.
  • Checklist of the information you’ll need to have ready:
    • Applicant W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number
    • Copy of valid government issued photo I.D.
    • For Tribal-member owned businesses: license or certification if business activity is conducted outside the tribal jurisdiction; letter or certification from the tribe recognizing you as a business if business activity is within the tribal jurisdiction.
    • Copy of 2019 Tax Return or other confirmation of Business Gross Revenues for 2019.
    • For businesses with a physical location, evidence of that location, such as lease, tax statement, utility bill, etc.

NAICS code or clear description of your primary business activity. A NAICS code is helpful, but not necessary. If you have never used a NAICS code, you can learn more here: What is a NAICS Code? and explore NAICS codes to see which one fits your business.

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