Employer/Employee Resources

Explore resources for employers and their employees to navigate coronavirus-related business closures. Visit the Financial Support page for information on available funding opportunities and Health + Public Services for additional resources.

 

 

 

 

TACOMA PUBLIC UTILITIES BUSINESS SUPPORT

We’re here to support you and your business. Contact our Business Solutions office to see if you are eligible for extended payment plans and waived late fees. We also remain committed to providing ways for your business to save money with a variety of programs and rebates.

 

City’s 2020/2021 Construction Projects Forecasting

The City of Tacoma has created a forecasting schedule for planned construction projects in 2020 and 2021. Reviewing the list of projects can help firms prepare for opportunities to form joint ventures and initiate contact with prime contractors and/or other subcontractors. Please click on the title link above for a list of upcoming projects.
Please contact the City of Tacoma Purchasing Department at (253) 502-8468) for information on our procurement process.

Workforce Central

In response to COVID-19, Workforce Central is providing links to resources for the community and businesses, a listing of partners and affiliate sites that are temporarily closed, and a listing of events and activities that are cancelled or postponed.

Rapid Response South Sound

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County to respond to the business community’s top concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a Rapid Response Team and Rapid Response South Sound website co-sponsored by the City of Tacoma and other local businesses and organizations.  Answers are provided to specific questions previously posed by businesses regarding the following topics:
  • Financial Assistance
  • Government Regulation Assistance
  • HR & Employee Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Communications Assistance
Businesses and organizations also have the opportunity to ASK THE EXPERTS to resolve their issues.  Reliable responses will be provided within 24 hours. Be sure to join the team for the COVID-19 Business Info series each Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting at 11 am. Visit the Rapid Response South Sound homepage for registration details.

 

Pierce Transit Announces New On-Demand Runner Service for Ruston Way Zone

https://www.piercetransit.org/Runner/

Gov. Jay Inslee March 11 announced that Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery will be transitioning from a regional approach to a county-by-county evaluation process.

The governor also announced a new third phase of the Roadmap, a return for in-person spectators for professional and high school sports.

Effective March 22, the entire state will enter Phase 3.

Sports guidance will change in Phase 3 to allow in-person spectators at events for the first time in a year. Spectators will be allowed to attend outdoor venues with permanent seating with capacity capped at 25%. The change effects both professional and high school sports, as well as motorsports, rodeos, and other outdoor spectator events. Social distancing and facial covering are still required.

Additionally, the governor announced that starting Wednesday, March 17, everyone in Tier 2 will be eligible for their COVID vaccine. This includes workers in agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit, firefighters and law enforcement, among others. Tier 2 also includes people over the age of 16 who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high-risk.

Read the rest of the story on the governor’s Medium page.

Additional $300 unemployment benefit payment to be paid to eligible claimants

The state’s application for the Lost Wages Assistance program has been approved. ESD will start processing payments of $300 to eligible claimants for this new program on Monday, Sept. 21. Payments will be retroactive for all weeks for which the claimant was eligible, and for which funding is available from the federal government. Upon the processing date, eligible claimants will receive the funds as soon as their bank processes the payment. Refer to the Employment Security Department website for details.

Washington State Small Business Liaison Team

A cross-sector team working to make Washington the best place to do business. The team includes 27 agencies participating in subgroups that focus on outreach programs, soliciting ideas for regulatory improvement, and developing new business tools. Download the liaison contact list.

Washington State Department of Commerce Economic Resiliency Team (ERT) Business Response Center.

Business owners and operators may obtain answers to general business inquiries regarding financial assistance, return to work or other business questions related to recovery efforts. ASK YOUR QUESTION HERE.

Governor Jay Inslee’s Office

The Governor’s proclamations page can be found here. ​

Washington Health Benefit Exchange

One in four Washingtonians get health and dental coverage through the Washington Healthplanfinder at wahealthplanfinder.org or the mobile app WAPlanfinder. Individuals can receive free help applying from an expert in their community at wahealthplanfinder.org/find-expert-advice.html.

Washington State Employment Security Department

ESD needs employer assistance regarding unemployment insurance fraud

The State Employment Security Department has advised companies and organizations to check their records carefully to ensure that the list of furloughed/laid off staff is accurate regarding unemployment insurance claims.
To report unemployment insurance fraud, call 1-800-246-9763 or access https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/unemployment-benefits-fraud

 

Tips from the ESD for people applying for benefits and filing weekly claims:

  • The more people prepare before they apply, the smoother their process will be to get their benefits.
  • You can apply for benefits at any time. This is not a first-come-first-served program. There is no risk of funds running out.
  • Payments are retroactive to a worker’s eligibility date. Once you have successfully applied and backdated your start date, your first payment will be for all weeks for which you are eligible.
  • Weekly claims can be filed seven days a week. They can also be filed over the automated phone system: 800-318-6022
  • E-services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The busiest times tend to be in the morning. ESD recommends trying during off-hours.
  • If you are having difficulty filing your application, please visit ESD’s help page.
  • Due to the continued high demand for unemployment benefits, ESD is offering a webinar for customers to learn more about setting up a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account and submitting a claim for benefits online.
  • ESD also has created a tool kit for businesses and workers with the latest information and resources related to filing for unemployment benefits.

ESD launches daily webinars to assist customers signing up for unemployment benefits. Participants will be guided through:

    • Setting up a SAW account,
    • Filing a new UI Claim,
    • Guidance on standby and work search requirements,
    • General UI requirements and information,
    • Services and programs offered through the WorkSource Offices.
    • Register here.

Washington Department of Labor and Industries

  • Paid sick leave
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Workplace safety and health
  • Stay informed

Washington State Coronavirus Response

Central repository of information regarding:

  • Business and workers
  • Childcare/K-12/higher education
  • Health
  • Government emergency actions
  • You and your family
  • Travelers and commuters

National Council of Nonprofits

Visit this site for guidance on the CARES Act specific to charitable nonprofit organizations. Resources include a CARES Act Loan Options matrix and webinar titled: Federal Coronavirus Relief Bills: What Do They Mean for Nonprofits?

America’s Small Business Development Center Washington

Business Survival Strategies

www.USA.gov/coronavirus

Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19 | USAGov

Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19. Learn about international travel restrictions, how you can prepare for coronavirus, and what the U.S. government is doing in response to the virus.

www.usa.gov

 

United States Department of Labor

Report Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) fraud to the SBA Office of Inspector General.

While new programs are helping people through difficult times, unfortunately, it comes with new avenues for scams and fraud. If you suspect fraud on an SBA program or want to learn more about known scams and alerts, visit the SBA Office of Inspector General website.

Report fraud, waste or abuse 

 

US Chamber of Commerce small business guidance to new and returning PPP applicants

https://www.uschamber.com/report/guide-small-business-covid-19-emergency-loans

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