On May 4th, 2020 Governor Inslee signed Proclamation 20-25.3 and outlined the "Safe Start" plan, a phased approach to re-open Washington's economy. Under the plan, businesses and activities will re-open in phases with adequate social distancing measures & health standards in place. Businesses may also need to meet additional requirements developed specifically for their industry. Find the guidelines here.
The Rebound and Recovery Task Force aims to get Washington businesses open safely and quickly. The Washington State Department of Commerce partnered with the Association of Washington Business during the pandemic response to help businesses make it through the downturn and prepare to restart. The task force launched an online resource to connect businesses to tool kits with customizable guidance and materials and a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) marketplace to help them get ready to safely welcome back employees and customers.
Businesses can seek a deferral of one to three months of City charges for water, sewer, stormwater and garbage with an agreement to pay those charges over six to 12 months without interest. Specific terms would be tailored for each business seeking a deferral. Assistance is available immediately. Businesses can begin the process by filling out a simple online form. For more information on City utility bills and payment options, please call 3-1-1.
The City of Spokane's Community, Housing, and Human Services Board is investing funds to help small businesses stay resilient in the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding, which comes from federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, will provide eligible Spokane businesses with access to affordable loans through a partnership with non-bank community lender Craft3. Check out this success story of Kitchen Spokane. There are still funds available, learn more on the Business Resilience Loan Program page.
The City of Spokane's Restaurant + Retail Expansion Program has been established to ensure businesses have the greatest ability to operate successfully during the COVID-19 economic recovery. The program entails leveraging available private and public space to be used as expanded areas for restaurant and retail activity while maintaining public safety requirements.
As part of the regional effort to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, the City of Spokane is partnering with Spokane Public Library to provide a Financial Helpline for all businesses and individuals countywide trying to access COVID-19 financial recovery programs.
Spokane Public Library staff operate as "Resource Navigators" to take calls and work one-on-one with callers to connect them with local, regional, state and federal resources for assistance. This resource is available for any business or individual in Spokane County. Businesses and citizens can learn what programs are available to access based on their situation. Please call (509) 625-6650 for help!
The City has started the #OrderUpSpokane campaign to encourage people to order take out from their favorite restaurants. 10-minute parking zones near restaurants in the City core will allow citizens and delivery drivers to efficiently pick up to-go orders. Choose from these great lists!
Contact Teri Stripes,
Economic Development Specialist at:
509.625.6597
incentives@spokanecity.org
