COVID-19 Resources

 

Need Assistance?

Whether you are a GSBA member business or not, we are here for you. If you have questions about eligibility for the state's assistance grants, how to fill out an application, or other forms of assistance please contact us at biztech@thegsba.org.

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Washington State is open as of June 30, 2021!
All industry sectors previously covered by the Roadmap to Recovery or Safe Start plans may return to usual capacity and operations, with a few exceptions for larger events. Business may choose to operate as they did before the pandemic, with no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements. Any business may choose to maintain capacity limits or physical distancing to protect those who are not fully protected by vaccines.

All employers must follow COVID-19 prevention protocols for employees as required by the Dept. of Labor and Industries.COVID-19 is still present in our communities, and dangerous variants are still spreading.

While business is mostly returning to normal, unvaccinated people must still wear masks at indoor workplaces. Everyone must wear masks on public transit, in schools, healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, and childcare centers. WA Dept. of Health FAQ on masks / business reopening. King County guidance on reopening.

The statewide utility shutoff moratorium has been extended until Sept. 30, 2021. The statewide eviction moratorium is in a "bridge" period to give tenants and landlords time and resources to prepare for the end of the moratorium on Sept. 30, 2021.

Relief for Businesses & Nonprofits

Support and direct assistance for your workplace - includes small businesses, nonprofits, performers, freelancers, gig workers, and more

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Reopening & Recovery

• CDC: Workplace Guidance & Strategies. Includes returning to work, post-vaccine concerns, FAQs, and more.
• WA Workplace Safety Guidelines
• WA Reopening Guidance, incl. Healthy WA Reopening Plan, mask guidance, signage, and more.
• Lease Amendment Toolkit (Seattle OED, Perkins Coie, Communities Rise) - information and template documents to help small businesses and nonprofit navigate the negotiation of their rent
• Economic Outlook: Roaring Back (Wells Fargo, presented on GSBA Rapid Response 6/8/21) 

County, City, and Neighborhood-Specific Resources
 

• Working Washington list of resources for small businesses by county in Washington

• Eastside Recovery Hub - Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Woodinville

• Edmonds Chamber of Commerce

• Seattle Office of Economic Development - Pandemic Resource Hub

• Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce - Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila

• Eviction Rent Assistance Program for Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Douglas, Ferry, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lincoln, Pacific, Stevens, Thurston, and Whatcom counties 

Important Info for Employers

Business.wa.gov - one-stop shop for WA small businesses around COVID-19

• WA Small Business Development Center Business Resiliency Toolkit

• WA Department of Commerce - comprehensive business resource list

• WA Employment Security Dept: Unemployment Insurance, StandBy, and SharedWork programs to assist with retaining and supporting employees during layoffs

  • Comparison guide for common scenarios which may occur and the benefits that may apply
    

• WA Paid Family & Medical Leave

• WA Dept of Labor & Industries: FAQ on workers compensation, workplace safety, OSHA guidelines

• WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner

• City of Seattle Paid Sick & Safe Time

• Seattle Dept. of Transportation - Request a temporary loading zone near your restaurant for curbside pick-up 

• Guide for restaurants and bars with regards to the temporary moratorium on rental evictions (HCMP)

Resources for Employees

Access to public benefits, protections against discrimination, specific supports, and more

• QLaw Foundation - free LGBTQ+ legal clinics; now happening by phone

• Disaster Cash Assistance Program - through WA Dept. of Social & Health Services

• Unemployment Law Project - advice, counsel, and representation for those denied unemployment benefits or whose award of benefits is being challenged. 

• Washington Healthplanfinder - Special enrollment period opened for qualified individuals without insurance 

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Learn about the creative ways GSBA Members are safely connecting with customers.

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