Beyond its direct health implications, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is causing massive disruption to organizations large and small worldwide. We at the Economic Development Council for Island County (EDCIC) take seriously the economic hardships faced by Island County businesses. We’ve compiled the following list of resources to stay on top of the latest developments as it pertains both to well-being of your employees and the operations of your business. This list of resources is being continuously updated.
Please Share Your Views!
Your perspective is very important to us. This is a new survey, updated on May 11th, requesting information that is relevant to now and moving forward. By filling out our short survey, you'll help us to better develop the programs you currently need to support your business.
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Resource Matrix
We have created a matrix of resources at the local, state, and federal levels that we are updating as we find new information. Within this spreadsheet, there are separate sheets for different types of resources. Within each sheet, you can find resources focused on different audiences (e.g. businesses, employees, etc; column D, “Who’s it for?”) or scroll down the columns on the right to find ones that provide specific services (e.g. loans, counseling, etc.).
Are we missing a resource or program that Island County businesses need to know about to prepare themselves for COVID19 and mitigate its economic fallout? If so, please contact us at Business@edcislandcounty.org.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgiveness applications still being accepted
There has been some confusion about whether applications for PPP loan forgiveness were due Oct. 31 but the U.S. Small Business Administration has reassured applicants there is no defined deadline. Business owners can still apply and use the simplified application which significantly reduces the time and paperwork needed for PPP loan forgiveness. Read the SBA’s “6 Things About PPP Loan Forgiveness You Should Know” for more info.
Unemployment benefits for self-employed workers, independent contractors, gig economy workers and individuals
The CARES Act expanded unemployment benefits for self-employed workers, independent contractors, gig economy workers and individuals unable to start a new job or contract due to COVID-19.
Here is what the Washington Employment Security Department says you need to do to be prepared to apply for benefits 
Sign up for COVID-19 Action Alerts 
Check your eligibility
Download the application checklist
Set up your account
Visit https://esd.wa.gov/ to prepare today
General questions? Call 833-572-8400
Claims questions? Call 800-318-6022
Daily webinars - https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/introduction-to-unemployment-insurance-public-webinar
COVID-19 resource list for businesses and workers. This list will continue to be updated.
Businesses
Association of Washington Businesses: COVID-19 Employer Resources Webinar Series Link
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Interim guidance for businesses and employers Link
Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S.: Business interruption insurance for COVID-19 claims Link
Employment Security Department: For businesses affect by COVID-19 Link
Island County: Latest novel coronavirus outbreak information link
Small Business Administration: Export assistance Link
Small Business Administration: Disaster loan assistance Link
Small Business Administration: Lender Match helps you find lenders Link
Small Business Administration: Guide to the CARES Act Link
Small Business Development Center: Business survival strategies Link
Small Business Development Center: Business resiliency webinar Link
Spokane Regional Health District: Cleaning for health in a business Link
State Department of Financial Institutions: Financial resources for Washington residents impacted by COVID-19 Link
State Department of Commerce: Export assistance Link
State Department of Commerce: Small business crisis planner Link
State Department of Commerce: Insurance for businesses, events Link
State Department of Commerce: Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants Link
State Employment Security Department: Layoff assistance Link
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: Small Business Recovery grant program Link
Washington Governor: Inslee statement on statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and limits on size of gatherings expanded Link
Washington Governor: Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers Link
Workers
Employment Security Department: For workers affected by COVID-19 Link
Employment Security Department: Eligibility Checker Link
State Department of Health: What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease Link
State Labor & Industries: Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) Resources Link
State: Paid family and medical leave program Link
State Employment Security Department: Layoff assistance Link
Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to apply for a variety of services such as Food, Cash, Child Care, Long-Term Care, and Medicare Savings Programs. Link
Retailers
Washington Retail Association: Retailer Resource Guide Link
National Resources
Federal and state government entities and nonprofits are working together to control the spread of the coronavirus and to support the businesses and individuals impacted by the virus and/or the protective measures being taken.
Resources for Businesses
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is working with regulated financial institutions to help them meet the needs of their customers.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) is working with state Governors to provide low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- SBA Products and Resources
- Government Contracting
- Local Assistance
- The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is an SBA program that works directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest rate working capital loans of up to $2-million to small businesses and nonprofits.
Federal COVID-19 Resources
Health and Safety
- Information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention, Symptoms and FAQ
- Share Facts about COVID-19
- CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Web page
- John Hopkins provides information on the virus, treatment and research.
- Visit the Mayo Clinic for information on symptoms and treatment.
- Administration for Community Living offers information for older adults, and people with disabilities.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is studying the virus worldwide and helping communities respond locally. Check the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page for news and guidance.
- Corporation for National and Community Service guidance for volunteers and programs.
- Defense Commissary Agency is ensuring the quality and safety of food available at commissaries world-wide.
- The Department of Energy is researching COVID-19 at the National Labs.
- The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is developing new medical treatments.
- The Department of Homeland Security is facilitating a whole-of-government response in confronting COVID-19
- The Department of Labor has information for employers and workers on preparing workplaces and responding to COVID-19 in the workplace.
- The Environmental Protection Agency has information about disinfectants that can kill COVID-19 and facts about water safety.
- The Food and Drug Administration is working with the medical industry to develop vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic tests. For healthcare professionals, they offer FAQs about diagnostic testing.
- The Military Health System offers health advice, and updates on travel restrictions for members of the military.
- The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center published guidance for healthcare providers.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture answers questions about food safety and pet safety.
- U.S. Fire Administration published infection control guidance for first responders.
Travel and Transportation
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers guidance for air travelers.
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) offers guidance to transit agencies.
- Traveler Responsibilities
Money and Taxes
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) advice for deducting COVID-19 costs from your taxes.
- Trump Administration to delay tax payments for most individuals.
Housing
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued guidance for public housing authorities, landlords, shelters, non-profits, grantees, and stakeholders.
International Cooperation
- Department of State is working with international governments to combat COVID-19 and has also issued travel advisories.
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing funding to international organizations to combat COVID-19.
Workers
- OSHA COVID-19 Resources
- Some states are extending unemployment benefits to those quarantined or laid off due to COVID-19.