Spokane County Allocated CARES Act funding to Greater Spokane Inc. to Administer Program
(SPOKANE, Wash.) – On Monday, July 27, Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI), the County’s designated Associate Development Organization (ADO), will launch the OPENTogether Small Business and Non-profit Grant program to help small businesses and non-profits offset safety and operating costs, rent and other allowable expenses with $10 million of Spokane County-allocated CARES Act dollars.
Small businesses with fewer than 50 FTE (full-time equivalent) employees and non-profits (with any number of employees) can apply beginning Monday, July 27 at 9 a.m. for a grant of up to $10,000. These funds are to assist small businesses and non-profits with costs related to business interruption caused by related closures and compliance with COVID-19 public health emergency mandates.
Chair of the Spokane County Board of Commissioners, Al French, stated, “During this time last year, our region was experiencing unprecedented growth in our economy and record low unemployment. Those gains were due in large part to the prosperity of small businesses. The success of our economy is directly tied to the success of small businesses in our County. While we know these grants will not replace the lost revenue caused by the pandemic, our hope is that they will act as a bridge to better days ahead.”
“Our community is thankful to the Board of County Commissioners for investing in our region’s business and non-profit organizations,” GSI CEO Alisha Benson said. “Our region is built on thriving small businesses and non-profit organizations, both of which remain in great need of continued support as we manage through this unprecedented pandemic.”
The OPENTogether Small Business and Non-profit Grant program is administered by GSI and Innovia Foundation and in partnership with Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce (GSVCC), West Plains Chamber of Commerce (WPCC), Visit Spokane, Downtown Spokane Partnership. AHANA and Spokane County United Way provided expertise to the grant process and Innovia Foundation is hosting the application site.
An informational webinar to assist applicants is scheduled for Monday, July 27 at 4 p.m. The webinar can host up to 500 individuals, so pre-registration is necessary to reserve a spot. Go to https://greaterspokane.org/opentogether-small-business-and-non-profit-grant to register for the webinar. For full grant program details, including the application link, eligibility conditions, documentation requirements, a dynamic Q&A, and a recording of the informational webinar visit www.greaterspokane.org. Send any questions to grantinfo@greaterspokane.org.
About Spokane County
Spokane County serves over half a million citizens and 13 municipal jurisdictions, making it the fourth-largest county in the State of Washington. For more information, visit www.spokanecounty.org, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
About Greater Spokane Inc.
Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) is the Spokane region’s business development organization. GSI creates the place where organizations come together to advocate for the region, drive strategic economic growth, and champion a talented workforce. GSI is funded through a combination of private and public investment, including nearly 900 private-sector members; Spokane County; Washington State Department of Commerce; and the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Millwood, Newport, and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. For more information visit GreaterSpokane.org.
CONTACT: Cara Coon VP, Communications & Public Affairs (509) 321-3636 ccoon@greaterspokane.org
CONTACT: Jared Webley Public Policy and Communications Manager Office (509) 477-2479 | Cell (509) 960-1082 jcwebley@spokanecounty.org
