Invest in Small Business Recovery

Small businesses are the heart and soul of our economy, the backbone of our communities, and they are facing a severe crisis. With small businesses being America's largest employer, this unprecedented hardship puts millions of employees at risk, directly impacting the livelihood of families and communities across the country. 
 
GSBA and Comcast Washington co-created the Ready for Business Fund in 2020 to support small businesses. This spring, the second round of the Ready for Business Fund kicked off with a $150,000 fundraising goal to support small businesses with a focus on LGBTQ-, BIPOC-, and women-owned businesses. This goal was increased to $200,000 following another contribution from Comcast and additional investments from BECU, T-Mobile, Symetra, Harborstone Credit Union, Verity Credit Union, 1st Security Bank, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle Foundation, DoorDash, and several generous community members. We successfully met this goal at the end of April, allowing us to provide support to 66 small businesses across Washington.

With increased support, we are extending eligibility to these small businesses across Washington State, and also focusing on supporting small businesses located in rural areas of Washington who often have less access to resources. 

Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our goal!

By making a donation to the Ready for Business Fund, you are directly empowering small business owners and strengthening your community. Donations of any size can make a difference for small business owners in addressing fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, lost sales, and other working capital expenses that could have been remedied sooner if that COVID-19 pandemic not occurred.

Join the challenge and become a Ready for Business donor to strengthen the economic recovery for small and minority-owned businesses. Twenty percent of funds raised will be used for wrap-around services from GSBA including consulting, advertising, and membership for recipients, as well as administration of the grants.

For more information contact Ilona Lohrey (She/her), VP of Membership & Programs or call the office at 206-363-9188.

Apply for Small Business Relief

Applications for the second round of the Ready for Business Fund closed on April 9. Stay tuned for another round of funding soon!

Has your business experienced financial loss and hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, the Ready for Business Fund is here to help your business bounce back.  
 
A $2,500 cash grant will be awarded to selected small businesses. 
 
Additionally, awardees will receive wrap-around support services including GSBA membership, technical support, marketing, and consulting. This grant does not have to be repaid, and it can be used for any purpose to help the business recover from the economic crisis. 

The grant is open to any small business in Washington State established prior to March 2, 2020. Priority will be given to small businesses within the communities most impacted by COVID-19, including LGBTQ-, *BIPOC-, and women-owned businesses, as well as businesses located in rural areas.

(BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)

Watch the video below to hear more about Ready for Business

Meet the Recipients of Ready for Business's First Round of Funding