(SPOKANE, Wash.) – Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI), as the designated Associate Development Organization (ADO) for Spokane County, is facilitating applications for a new small business relief program called the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant (WWSBEG).
The program is administered with $5 million from the Department of Commerce (Commerce) and is being facilitated through ADOs and counties across the state. This grant is for small businesses and can be used alongside other local, state and federal programs to help provide relief to businesses that are affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
“We welcome the opportunity to assist in deploying Commerce funds directly to small businesses around our community,” said Alisha Benson, CEO of GSI. “The Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant serves as an important layer of support for very small businesses in a time of great need.”
To be eligible for up to $10,000 in relief funds, a business must have between one and 10 employees, be a for-profit entity and have been in business more than one year. The emergency grant can be used to support operational expenses such as rent, supplies/inventory, utility bills, consulting, marketing and training.
Small businesses can go to http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/covid-grants/ to review Commerce guidelines and application details. GSI will recommend and forward qualified applicants to Commerce and all grant award decisions will be made by the Department of Commerce.
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 1,200 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
