City of Tacoma Media and Communications Announcements

Visit this site to stay informed of what the city is doing to ensure continuity of services, learn of any changes or delays to services, and to read updates from the Mayor’s office.

#SupportPugetSoundSmallBiz

The City of Tacoma has joined a regional effort to put Puget Sound food businesses on the map. Led by the City of Seattle and in cooperation with 16 cities and counties, the platform offers diners a map of restaurants open for takeout and delivery, searchable by location. The site has been receiving upwards of 2,200 visitors per day since its launch, providing a crucial tool for food businesses to pivot operations and increase visibility while following guidelines set by the statewide Stay Home, Stay Healthy executive order.

To use the map, residents can enter their location or drop a pin and find all the available restaurants near them. Once they select their restaurant, they can place a takeout or delivery order directly through the app or can receive directions to the restaurant. The map also connects users directly to third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Caviar to easily patronize a restaurant. Seattle Information Technology (ITD) built the map, and staff from municipalities across the Puget Sound, including Tacoma, partnered with community leaders and small business owners to populate the map with businesses. Users can access the map here: Maps.seattle.gov/PugetSound/SupportSmallBiz.

Restaurant, bar, café, and brewery owners can enter their information into a brief survey to see their business appear on the public-facing map within minutes. To help ensure quality and consistent data, ITD has created an internal map and survey that business owners can use to enter their information. If you are a business owner and want to add yourself to the map, please email at supportsmallbiz@seattle.gov for instructions.

Rental Assistance Program

The City of Tacoma has allocated $1.2 million to assist eligible households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with rent payment. The Rental Assistance Program provides a one-time payment of up to $1,000 directly to landlords of selected individuals or families who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Households located in the City of Tacoma
• Households who have experienced loss of employment or reduction in wages due to COVID-19.
• Households at or below 50% Area Median Income for Pierce County

To submit an application, visit the city’s Coronavirus Updates page.

Some funds have been set aside for direct referrals by community agencies that are helping to address inequities faced by people of color in our community. If you are a service provider that would like to make a direct referral, please contact LASA at communityengagement@lasawa.org.

COVID-19 Tax Relief for Tacoma Businesses

COVID-19 Stabilization Loan Program

The City of Tacoma is no longer accepting applicants for its COVID-19 Stabilization Loan Fund. If you are still in need of financial assistance your business may qualify for the Small Business Administration’s programs. For more information about eligibility please visit the SBA’s funding program page for Coronavirus Relief Options. Please continue to review other funding opportunities on this page and check back for updates.

Office of Arts and Cultural Vitality

Visit this page to view local, state, and national resources and funding options for the creative community.

Tacoma Public Utilities

Tacoma Public Utilities’ Emergency Assistance Program has pledged $2.4 million in emergency assistance for customers facing financial hardship. Learn more about eligibility and the application process here.

If you have questions about a commercial account, you may contact Business Solutions Office directly M-F 8am to 530pm at 2535028606 or businesssolutions@cityoftacoma.org.

Puget Sound Energy Responds to COVID-19

Puget Sound Energy is taking measurable actions to help our customers and communities during this coronavirus situation.

Pierce County Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Program

Pierce County small businesses who have experienced significant economic injury as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for this loan program if they meet the below criteria. The Pierce County Council expanded this loan program on April 21, 2020 to include employers with up to 20 employees for businesses located anywhere in Pierce County, including incorporated cities.

The intent of this loan program is to help as many small businesses as possible. Therefore, there will only be one loan per business owner or owner group regardless of the number of business locations an ownership may have.

Loan amounts of $1,000 per employee will be awarded up to $20,000. Loans will be offered to qualified applicants at no interest and no payments for 12 months. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, subject to available funds.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be a business physically located anywhere in Pierce County including incorporated cities
• Have 20 or fewer employees (including business owner)
• Be in operation for one or more years (businesses that have had a change in ownership in the past 12 months may be eligible)
• Demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in revenues attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Companies who have already received funding under this program are not eligible to re-apply.

BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION HERE

Pierce County CARES: Free personal protective equipment (PPE) available to businesses

Pierce County is providing free personal protective equipment (PPE) to county businesses to help them comply with COVID-19 workplace safety practices and protect employees and customers. This program is funded through $158 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act federal dollars. A total of $30 million will be focused on economic stabilization and recovery projects in Pierce County.

To receive PPE, businesses must fill out a PPE Request Form at www.piercecountywa.gov/BusinessPPE and indicate the type of PPE needed. Available PPE includes disposable, non-surgical masks and no-touch infrared forehead thermometers, while supplies last.

PPE will be distributed June 1 – June 3, and businesses that request PPE will receive additional details regarding pick-up locations in Pierce County.

Business owners or managers should visit www.piercecountywa.gov/BusinessPPE to request PPE. Businesses must be located in Pierce County to be eligible.

For more information, contact the Pierce County Economic Development Department at (253) 798-6150 or PCBizPPE@piercecountywa.gov.

County Assessor-Treasurer extends property tax due date to June 1

In response to financial hardships resulting from the recent public health emergency, Assessor-Treasurer Mike Lonergan, in coordination with the County Finance Director, has extended the due date for first-half property tax payments to June 1, 2020.  Interest charges will not be assessed on payments made by that date.  Learn the details in the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s official press release.

Pierce County Department of Emergency Management

• Guidance on Federal Disaster Loans for Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits

Rapid Response South Sound

Governor Jay Inslee’s Office

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

• $200 million to State agencies, local governments and tribal governments who are responding to COVID-19
• $25 million to assist businesses with unemployment impacts
• Increases hospital capacity to address greater health care demand
• Reduces credentialing delays for health care workers
• Helps ensure providers can treat the people who need care
• Funds virus testing at the University of Washington
• Creates a plan to enforce social distancing efforts for Washingtonians experiencing homelessness
• Allows school employees to access benefits due to school closures, quarantines or if the employee’s childcare is closed
• Adjusts shared leave program requirements
• Imposes statewide moratorium on evictions of residential tenants for the next 30 days starting on March 18, 2020
• Allows the State Utilities and Transportation Commission to enable the use the of ratepayer dollars to provide economic assistance to customers affected by COVID-19, such as those out of work or working significantly reduced hours
• Waives the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment insurance
• Allocates up to $5 million of the Governor’s Strategic Reserve funds as grants to small businesses across the state to help prevent closure due to COVID-19; State Department of Commerce to coordinate an application process
• Authorizes the State Department of Revenue (DOR) to waive late filing fees for property tax exemption renewals; business license renewal late fees; and excise tax interest on B&O, real estate sales and other taxes DOR administers, including interest related to tax preferences for biotechnology and medical device manufacturing—all tax-related measures are retroactive to February 29, 2020
• Directs the State Department of Social and Health Services to expand eligibility for the Family Emergency Assistance Program to include families without children
  Suspends rules regarding nursing home assessment requirements to allow for faster admissions and suspends long-term care inspections and surveys on particular timelines except in specific circumstances
• Requests cabinet agencies to be led by the Employment Security Department and the Department of Commerce to support economic retention, resilience and recovery efforts
• Waives restrictions on hours worked for delivery drivers carrying groceries, medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals, fuel and pet food and supplies; drivers must have a current safety rating of “satisfactory” and cannot extend their hours if they feel fatigued, ill or have been on duty for more than the allowed number of consecutive hours
• Emphasizes behavioral health community assistance for those who need emotional or mental health support, or treatment resources for substance use (call the Washington Recovery Help Line at 1-866-789-1511)

Rental Housing Association of Washington

COVID-19 Resources and Information for Housing Providers and Renters.

Washington State Department of Commerce

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

The team is currently able to answer questions as quickly as they are received. If you’re a business owner or operator with a question, Ask Your Question Here. 

Washington State Department of Enterprise Services: For Manufacturers/Distributors of Essential Products

The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is prioritizing and organizing procurement of essential products in coordination with the Governor’s Office. More specifically, specific infection-control products and other health care supplies identified in the link above are needed immediately and in the foreseeable future. The State is able to buy these products with a purchasing card or purchase order. Impact Washington, a State-funded technical assistance provider, is working with DES by interfacing and coordinating with manufacturers/distributors.

View this information sheet to learn more about how manufacturers/distributors of Personal Protective Equipment can get involved.

The first step is to record what companies have available through this online form.

Joint Statement by SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin on the Resumption of the Paycheck Protection Program Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Jovita Carranza and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin issued the following statement today on the resumption of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP): “We are pleased that President Trump has signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which provides critical additional funding for American workers and small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. We want to thank Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy for working with us on a bipartisan basis to ensure that the Paycheck Protection Program is funded so that small businesses can keep hardworking Americans on the payroll. “The Small Business Administration will resume accepting PPP loan applications on Monday, April 27 at 10:30 AM EDT from approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower. This will ensure that SBA has properly coded the system to account for changes made by the legislation. “The PPP has supported more than 1.66 million small businesses and protected over 30 million jobs for hardworking Americans. With the additional funds appropriated by Congress, tens of millions of additional workers will benefit from this critical relief. “We encourage all approved lenders to process loan applications previously submitted by eligible borrowers and disburse funds expeditiously. All eligible borrowers who need these funds should work with an approved lender to apply. Borrowers should carefully review PPP regulations and guidance and the certifications required to obtain a loan. “The Trump Administration is fully committed to ensuring that America’s workers and small businesses continue to get the resources they need to get through this challenging time.” Learn more about the Paycheck Protection Program

Economic Impact Payments: What You Need to Know

The Internal Revenue Service offers guidance on the distribution of CARES Act economic impact payments to individuals. 

US Small Business Administration/Department of Treasury Coronavirus Relief Options

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Treasury have begun releasing the information that will guide the programs created through the (CARES) Act. For your convenience, we have linked the programs below with a short summary of their details, plus any documentation created for further clarification.  

Additional Guidance:

This FAQ sheet from the Association of Washington Business may help you decide which program is best for your business. 

View a matrix comparing the CARES Act loans.

Beware of Scams and Fraud Schemes

Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance (EIDL) 

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000 (in grants). 

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. 

Paycheck Protection Program 

The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. 

Who is eligible? Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards. 

Additional guidance:  

Washington Credit Unions Offering Paycheck Protection Program Loans

SBA Participating Lenders – Seattle District Office

Banks Currently or Planning to Accept Paycheck Protection Loan Applications from Non-Customers

SBA Paycheck Protection Program FAQs

Economic Innovation Group Paycheck Protection Program Overview

US Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Checklist

Employee Retention Tax Credit 

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000/per employee in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. 

Additional Guidance: 

US Chamber of Commerce Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit for COVID-19 Impacted Employers 

SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program 

This program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan. 

Terms 

• Up to $25,000 
• Fast turnaround 
• Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan 

Find an Express Bridge Loan Lender by connecting with your local SBA District Office. 

SBA Debt Relief

The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. Under this program: 

• The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020. 
• The SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months. 

The loans eligible for this relief include those guaranteed by the SBA, such as the SBA Business Loan Program (including the Community Advantage Pilot Program, but excluding PPP Loans) or Title V of the Small Business Investment Act. Loans made by an intermediary to a small business using loans or grants received under the SBA’s Microloan Program are also eligible. 

Additional SBA Financing, Exporting and Advising Resources

• SBA Loan Guarantee Program for working capital, microloans, express loans and lines of credit
• Counseling services through the SBA Resource Partner Network to help in creating preparedness plans.
• SBA COVID-19 resources here

National Endowment for the Humanities:  NEH CARES

States and local governments as well as non-profit cultural organizations may apply for emergency relief grants of up to $300,000 to support a range of humanities activities across the fields of education, preservation and access, public programming, digital humanities, and scholarly research through December 31, 2020. Funding may be used for short-term activities that emphasize retaining or hiring humanities staff at cultural organizations across the country to maintain or adapt critical programs during the pandemic.

Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is May 11, 2020.

Visit the NEH CARES: Cultural Organizations page, where you will find:

• Project-specific contacts
• Application package materials and FAQs
• Step-by-step process, including registering for a SAM number and Grants.Gov account
• Application submittal

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?

Export/Import Bank of the United States

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is announcing relief provisions for exporters and financial institutions located throughout the United States that may have been affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus). EXIM is offering the relief measures outlined on their fact sheet, including waivers, deadline extensions, streamlined processing, and flexibility, to our customers for an initial period of 30 days (with the possibility of a further extension of the period, at EXIM’s discretion) to enable businesses and financial institutions that participate in our programs to return to their business concerns and EXIM-related obligations at an appropriate time without penalty.

Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center

• Federal assistance to help manufacturing companies hurt by imports

United States Government

Comprehensive Official verified and updated Information of all aspects of the Federal Covid-19 Response.

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

Congressional Actions

H.R. 266: Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (Approved)

4/22/20 – The following items are included in the most recent coronavirus relief bill passed by the Senate. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the package Thursday 4/23/2020.

• Adds $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program, of which $60 billion will be reserved for small businesses without existing banking relationships
• Adds $60 billion ($50 billion in loans and $10 billion in grants) to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) fund
• Expands eligibility for EIDL funds to include farms and other agricultural programs
• Adds $75 billion for hospitals and healthcare providers
• Allocates $25 billion for coronavirus testing, $11 billion of which is earmarked for states and local governments for testing
• Requires that the federal government create a strategic plan to assist states with testing
• Does not add any other funding for state and local governments, or for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Additional Information:

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Section by Section Summary

H. R. 748 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act–CARES Act (approved)

H.R. 6074: Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (approved)

• developing, manufacturing, and procuring vaccines and other medical supplies;
• grants for state, local, and tribal public health agencies and organizations;
• loans for affected small businesses;
• evacuations and emergency preparedness activities at U.S. embassies and other State Department facilities; and
• humanitarian assistance and support for health systems in the affected countries.  

In this section, the City of Tacoma is providing information especially related to private sector funding, grants and resources to assist small businesses affected by COVID-19.  It does not represent an endorsement.  Businesses are advised to conduct their own due diligence to determine how this assistance may meet their needs.

Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation 

$5 million to support women-owned businesses affected by COVID-19 and has teamed up with GlobalGiving to establish The Red Backpack Fund, which will provide 1,000 grants of $5,000 to female entrepreneurs throughout the U.S. from April through August.  Next application opens:  June 1 – 8.

https://www.globalgiving.org/redbackpackfund/

FedEx #SupportSmall Grants

FedEx is offering 200 grants in the amount of $5000 each, plus a $500 credit for packing and printing. The application process opens on May 25, 2020, and the deadline to apply for a grant is June 12, 2020, at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. Be prepared to apply promptly.

Tacoma Urban League

• Directory of Youth Resources & Programs
• Transportation Support for Food & Essential Workers
• Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Emergency Funding Application Help

Forbes – Small Business Relief Tracker:  Funding, Grants and Resources for Business Owners Grappling with Coronavirus – May 2020

COVID-19 Artist Trust Relief Fund