(Edmonds - WA) In July the Edmonds City Council approved the Edmonds Rescue Plan Fund (ERPF), a comprehensive set of programs funded by an allocation of approximately $11.9 million to the City of Edmonds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, intended to help local communities recover from the COVID-19-related economic crisis.
The ERPF contains a Business Support program, to which $1,125,000 has been allocated to fund general business support activities, tourism support, and Small Business Grants -- the latter with an allocation of $625,000.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be available to up to 50 businesses in 2021, with an additional $5,000 available in 2022 for up to 25 businesses.
“The City’s intent with this grant program is to reach those small businesses that were heavily impacted by the COVID-related economic crisis but may also have been somewhat left behind in the flurry of financial aid programs that have come out over the past year and a half,” stated Economic Development and Community Services Director Patrick Doherty. “We have mailed out a postcard to every registered business in the City – with information in five languages.”
Eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:
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Have zero to 30 employees
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Can demonstrate at least a 50% loss in year-over-year revenue by the end of 2020 compared to 2019
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Have not received more than $5,000 in other grants, tax credits or other financial assistance
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Must intend to stay in business at least four months after receipt of any grant
All businesses that apply and meet these criteria will be considered. Businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, and other minorities, as well as creative-sector businesses and businesses located beyond Downtown Edmonds will be given particular consideration.
Applications must be received by 5:00pm, Monday, September 13, 2021 to be considered.
For more information, business owners may contact Patrick Doherty at
[email protected] or 425-771-0251.