COVID-19: News and Updates
To the men and women of Pend Oreille County - this page was designed to keep you informed of all actions you can take for your family and businesses during these times of hardship caused by COVID-19. This page will continuously be updated as new information is made available. Please check back regularly.
Washington State Department of Commerce News Release - June 30, 2021
As businesses look to COVID-19 reopening and recovery, Commerce announces a new public-private Flex Fund loan program for Washington small businesses and nonprofits.
The program works with and through trusted local lending institutions to support historically underserved businesses.
Click here to read the full press release.
POCEDC "Support Local" Business Guide
Business owners and community members! We have created a spreadsheet for you access that includes special hours, operations, and other essential pieces for information on businesses and services in Pend Oreille County and the surrounding area. If you are a business owner and want to submit your information to be shared on the spreadsheet, click here.
If you are a community member looking for information on new business hours, how to place an order, or other information, click here.
Submit My Business Information
POCEDC "Support Local" Business Guide
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Pend Oreille County Small Business Stabilization Grant
Pend Oreille County is partnering with Tri County Economic Development District (TEDD) to administer a Small Business Stabilization Grant program made possible by federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The County has committed up to $300,000.00 for small business assistance that will be distributed in the form of grants of up to $10,000.00 each, and will be awarded to local businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications are being accepted through September 30th, or until the available funds are depleted. Click the button below to access the application.
This project was supported by a grant awarded by the US Department of Treasury. Points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the US Department of Treasury. Grant funds are administered by the Local Government Coronavirus Relief Fund thru the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Small Business Emergency Grant Program - Gov. Inslee has created a Working Washington Small Business Grant program using a portion of the state's Strategic Reserve Fund. The Pend Oreille County Economic Development Council is working with the Washington State Department of Commerce on the implementation of a grant program to assist small businesses in the county impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read our official statement here: Small Business Assistance Press Release
Learn more: http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/links/crisis/covid-19-resources/
- Note: Ongoing Documentation of Economic Impact. As we await more information on the grant program, the Pend Oreille County Economic Development Council encourages all businesses in Pend Oreille County to document any financial hardship that the outbreak is creating. Economic Injury Worksheets are used to continue collecting information on impacted businesses. This is a relatively simple form for businesses to complete.
Association of Washington Business Resources for Employers
Temporary Tax Relief. The Department of Revenue was given the authority to waive interest, fees, and due dates for a broad range of taxes, including property tax exemptions, business license renewals and others. Visit the DOR website for detailed information.
https://dor.wa.gov/about/business-relief-during-covid-19-pandemic
Guidance for Essential Critical Infrastructure. For businesses where individuals cannot work from home, the governor's office is providing guidance on what businesses are essential.
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6817885-FINAL-WA-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure.html
Business COVID-19 page. This website includes a list of resources available to small businesses affected by COVID-19: https://www.business.wa.gov/covid-19 (including financial support). Specifically, the bottom of the page has some non-profit organizations offering assistance (Ventures, Business Impact Northwest, etc.) and community development organizations that may have grants available.
STATE RESOURCES
Washington's Commerce and Employment Security Department leaders are working with other state partners to provide up-to-date information on resources and services available to support businesses and workers affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses and workers can access these sources in one place: https://coronavirus.wa.gov
Governor's Coronavirus page: https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources
Washington State Coronavirus Response: For more information including details on loans and grants: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/business-workers
STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Unemployment Benefits. Emergency rules have been adopted for workers and employers affected by COVID-19. If you are unemployed due to COVID-19, check the COVID-19 page for details specific to your situation.
https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19
- Download the unemployment application checklist to prepare before you apply.
* Check back periodically as all of these websites are being continually updated.
FEDERAL RESOURCES
SBA Resources and Disaster Loans. The entire state of Washington is now eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Get more information on Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources