Covid-19 Small Business Resources
Bellingham, Whatcom County, & Washington State
Updated: January 31, 2022
Summit Bookkeeping is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation and acting in the best interest of our employees, clients, and community. To help small businesses during this time, we’ve compiled a list of resources to provide guidance and assistance.
We will be updating this list as we find new resources. If there are any additional resources you are aware of, please let us know! We hope to make this list as useful as possible for everyone in our community.
General Resources
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Q&A on coronaviruses (WHO)
Washington State Resources
Washington State Health Department
Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)
Employment Security Department (ESD)
Department of Revenue (DOR)
Department of Commerce
Whatcom County Resources
Funding Options
[Open] Small Business Flex Fund
Qualifying small businesses owners and non-profits can apply for a low interest (between 3-4.5%) loan of up to $150,000 with a loan term of 60- or 72-months. This fund is a public-private partnership aimed at helping those in low-income communities recover and grow as the state reopens.
Expired Funding Options
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
The SBA has increased the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. These funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital. In addition to this, the SBA has implemented a deferred payment period, established a 30-day exclusivity window, expanded the eligible use of funds, and simplified affiliation requirements.
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Learn More (SBA)
Employee Retention Credit
The Employee Retention Credit is a refundable tax credit for employers that was implemented under the CARES Act to encourage businesses to keep employees on payroll during COVID-19.
Working Washington Grants: Border Business Relief Program
A grant of up to $50,000 will be available for customer-facing businesses that have faced hardship due to the restrictions on the US-Canadian border. Eligible businesses must have a physical location within a 20-mile radius of a Canadian border crossing or port and must be able to prove a reduction in business income or activity related to COVID-19.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
A new grant administered by the SBA targets shuttered venues due to COVID-19. Eligible entities for the SVOG include live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria, motion picture operators, talent representatives, and more.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
As part of the CARES Act, the PPP is a loan designed to provide an incentive for small businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The loan is currently available to eligible businesses for first and second draws.
We’re in this Together
At Summit Bookkeeping, we are committed to providing our clients and community with the resources they need to grow their business and navigate through complex situations. If you have any additional questions for us during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will continue to remain open and available for assistance at this time.