Loans and Grants
U.S. Economic Development Funding Opportunities
FISCAL YEAR 2022 CARES ACT ECONOMIC RECOVERY CORPS AND EQUITY IMPACT INVESTMENTS PROGRAMS
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has published the FY 2022 CARES Act Economic Recovery Corps and Equity Impact Investments Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This NOFO funds two distinct programs that are designed to provide support to underserved communities across the country in their efforts to develop successful economic development plans and projects. The first program (NOFO pages 4-8) is a network of Economic Recovery Corps fellows to add human capital to local organizations focused on improving economic resilience and competitiveness in distressed regions across the country. The second program (NOFO pages 8-11) is Equity Impact Investments that provides technical assistance to enable organizations serving underserved populations and communities to participate in economic development planning and projects.
Current Closing Date: Applications are due August 5, 2022
Working Washington Grants: Round 5 - Available August 17
Washington’s small businesses took a devastating hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Working Washington Grants gets funding into the hands of businesses and nonprofits so they can return to what they do best- creating jobs, enriching communities, and making Washington one of the world’s best places to call home. $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.
Arts, heritage, and science are key to the creative economy. The creative economy is a critical engine of Washington’s workforce, contributing $53.2 billion to the state in 2019 and representing 1 of every 12 dollars in state revenue. But by July 2020, the pandemic’s devastation had erased $5.2 billion in revenue from the most vulnerable parts of the creative sector.
Washington needs a thriving creative sector. From podcasters to software developers, craft breweries to children’s museums, these jobs and spaces form the fabric of our daily lives and drive our state economy.
Who is eligible for Working Washington Grants: Round 5?
Eligible businesses need to have earned at least $10,000 in revenue in 2019 or 2020 and no more than $5,000,000 in 2019. They will need to demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The full list of eligibility requirements are online at commercegrants.com.
Learn more and apply at commercegrants.com
Applications Open: August 17, 2022
Applications Close: September 9, 2022
Make sure to submit your application by 5:00 p.m.
Ellensburg Downtown Association - Business Fund Grant Program
The Ellensburg Downtown Association announces the launch of their second Business Fund Grant Program designed to support the economic vitality of local businesses.
In 2021 the EDA awarded four - $1,000 grants to local Ellensburg businesses through this program. Funds were used to support these local Ellensburg businesses finance projects ranging from marketing improvements to remodels and expansion of useable space to increase sales. Questions? Email The Ellensburg Downtown Association at Director@EllensburgDowntown.org or call (509) 962-6246.
2022 Business Fund Program Details:
- Applicants may receive funding for approved project cost up to $1,000.
- Eligibility includes downtown retail and/or service businesses who have a physical address within the downtown boundaries.
- Must have been in business within the downtown core for the last 12 months Project Proposal May Include Façade improvements/beautification/expansion Building and IT upgrades Infrastructure Equipment replacement or updates Systems or process enhancements Business development expense Inventory expense Health/Safety improvements Ineligible Expenses Owner/Employee wages Business operating expenses, rent/mortgage/utilities Funding may not be used for expenses that have been or will be reimbursed by other federal or state funding programs Funding may not be used for a project already completed.
Applications Open: August 1, 2022 at ellensburgdowntown.org
Applications Close: September 1, 2022
Award Announcement: October 15, 2022
Micro-Grants Available for Promotion of Small and/or New Events
Small Business Flex Fund
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.
Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.
Eligible entities include:
- Live venue operators or promoters
- Theatrical producers
- Live performing arts organization operators
- Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
- Motion picture theater operators
- Talent representatives
- Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements
Other requirements of note:
- Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
- Venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount
Central Washington United Way Grant
United Way of Central Washington is currently accepting funding requests to support:
- Critical services for food, housing, health care, homeless services (to include additional needs due to cold weather season)
- Services supporting behavioral or mental health
- Staffing needs to support critical service delivery
- Technology resources for critical service delivery These requests are reviewed by a funding partnership of the United Way of Central Washington, Latino Community Fund, and the Yakima Valley Community Foundation.
Requests are considered on an ongoing basis as funding becomes available. For more information, please contact: info@uwcw.org or (509) 248-1557, grants@yakimavalleycf.org or (509) 457-7616, and/or info@latinocommunityfund.org or (509) 901-2798
Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Grants
As Washington State’s only statewide preservation advocacy organization, the Washington Trust plays a key role in advocating for good preservation policy on both the state and national levels.
There are grants and advocacy opportunities available on their website.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program is a federal stimulus program designed to provide quick access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans for companies with 500 or fewer employees to assist with payroll and covered operating costs during short-term business disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
In response to the 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. This advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available following a successful application.
As of January 1, 2022, we are not able to accept applications for new COVID EIDL loans or advances. SBA will continue to accept requests for increases, reconsideration, and appeals.
Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave Grant
Small business assistance grants are here!
These grants provide up to $3,000 to help cover costs associated with employees who take Paid Leave. Learn more about eligibility, requirements and the application process in the help center.
SBA Express Bridge Loan
Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
SBA Debt Relief
As part of our coronavirus debt relief efforts, the SBA will pay 6 months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all current 7(a), 504, and Micro-loans in regular servicing status as well as new 7(a), 504, and Micro-loans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020. This relief is not available for Paycheck Protection Program loans or Economic Injury Disaster loans.
Central Washington Disability Resources CARES Act Funding
Beginning October 1, 2020, Central Washington Disability Resources (CWDR) is able to provide a one-time financial aid to individuals with disabilities in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding can be utilized for rental assistance, food assistance, medical payment/COVID-19 testing fees, utility bills, phone bills, necessary transportation, or to secure PPE and cleaning supplies.
Contact CWDR a (509) 962-9620 or email ashley@mycwdr.org or joshua@mycwdr.org.