Small Tri-Cities businesses can apply for grants to weather coronavirus impacts

The Tri-City Development Council will process applications in the Tri-Cities area for a new Washington state Department of Commerce program providing $5 million in new small business grants.

“We’ve targeted small businesses as the people who are having the most difficulty weathering financial storms, and we look forward to these small businesses continuing,” said Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday.

Businesses with 10 or fewer employees that have been hurt by the new coronavirus pandemic may apply for grants of up to $10,000.

“$5 million isn’t a lot,” said Karl Dye, TRIDEC president. “It is imperative that Tri-Cities business owners act quickly to maximize the share we receive.”

TRIDEC is ready to advocate for Benton and Franklin county businesses, Dye said, but advised that businesses need to provide a complete and compelling account of their importance to the community.

The “Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants” will be awarded as money lasts based on the severity of the impact the new coronavirus is having on the business, including from being forced to close because of government mandates, social distancing measures or a COVID-19 illness.

The grants can be used for expenses related to consulting, marketing, training, rent, supplies, inventory or utility bills, but cannot be used for payroll, travel, office equipment, computer software or to launch a new business.

More information and a list of resources for business owners is posted at tridec.org. Find the new grant program under “business loans and grants.”