Make it tacoma business Resources

Financial and Other Business Resources​

• CONTINUING:  Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness.  Recently, the SBA launched a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.  The forgiveness platform is accepting applications from borrowers. Learn more.

• CONTINUING:  SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Has Expanded Eligibility to Millions More Small Businesses and Non-Profits.  The $25 billion Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Advance Programs are open to the hardest hit businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic, including sole proprietors and independent contractors, and private non-profits that meet the following eligibility criteria:
  
  
• Targeted EIDL Advance
  • Up to $10,000 that does not have to be repaid 
  • Must first apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) 
  • Be in a low-income community 
  • Can demonstrate more than a 30% reduction in revenue, and 
  • Have 300 or fewer employees.  
• Supplemental Advance
  • $5,000 supplemental payment that does not have to be repaid 
  • Complete the Targeted EIDL Advance application 
  • Be in a low-income community 
  • Can prove more than a 50% economic loss, and 
  • Have 10 or fewer employees. 
• Access more information here.

• CONTINUING:  SBA Increased Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Amounts for Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations.  As of April 6, 2021, the SBA raised the loan limit  for the COVID-19 EIDL Program from six months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to $500,000 to cover up to 24 months of economic harm. Terms are 30 years with funds lent at 3.75% to for-profits and 2.75% to non-profits.  For further information, click here.    

• CONTINUING:  Small Business Flex Fund.  The Washington State Department of Commerce has created the Small Business Flex Fund to help small businesses and non-profits access loan funds at a competitive interest rate to rebound from the pandemic and grow.  Eligible businesses and non-profits include:
  • Fewer than 50 employees 
  • Have been in business for one year prior to June 30, 2020 
  • Annual revenues of less than $3 million 
  • Experienced direct economic hardship due to COVID-19. 
• Loans may be used for:
  • Payroll 
  • Utilities and rent 
  • Marketing and advertising 
  • Building improvements or repairs 
  • Other business expenses. 
• Loan terms are:
  • Borrow up to $150,000 
  • 4-4.5% interest rate for small businesses; 3-3.5% interest rate for non-profits
  • No fees and interest-only payments for the first year 
  • 60-month and 72-month loan terms (72-month term available only until 12/31/21).
    
    
• As of August 2, 2021, over 1,300 applications had been matched with CDFI lenders requesting  $127.4 million.  An estimated 48% are women-owned businesses, and 52% are non-white business owners.  The Flex Fund website is available in seven languages, and technical assistance providers can assist business owners with the application process.  Learn more at https://smallbusinessflexfund.org.
  
  
• CONTINUING:  Washington Materials Marketplace.  Participate in the circular economy in Washington.  The City of Tacoma in partnership with the Seattle Good Business Network and the U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development has officially launched the Washington Materials Marketplace.  This online platform is designed to create a closed-loop, collaborative network of businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs where hard-to-recycle waste and by-products become another organization's raw material.  This tool is available at NO COST to any company or organization in the State of Washington. In addition to diverting waste from landfills, these recovery activities will generate cost and energy savings, reduce carbon emissions and create new business opportunities and jobs. Request an invitation to create an account at https://washington.materialsmarketplace.org/.

• CONTINUING:  Record-keeping and Reporting Guide for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Award Recipients.  The National Restaurant Association has created a "Next Steps" Guide with resources for record-keeping, reporting and eligible expenses.  Access it here at https://restaurant.org/downloads/pdfs/business/rrf-now-what.pdf.

• CONTINUING:  Washington State Microenterprise Association Resources.  Access resources to help your small business succeed at https://www.wamicrobiz.org. Services include training, technical assistance, microloans and advocacy.  
  
  
• CONTINUING:  Impact Washington Recovery Assistance for Small- and Medium-Sized Manufacturers Now Open Until September 24, 2021.  Federal CARES Act funds are available to small- and medium-sized manufacturers to support their ability to recover from the coronavirus.  Funding is available based on a 50%:50% match up to a $4,000 grant.  There is no formal application process.  It starts with your company's inquiry and a no-cost Recovery Assessment.  Applicants include manufacturers, producers and value-added processors in sectors such as agriculture, food and beverage, seafood processing, aerospace products and parts, wood and paper products, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, maritime, clean technology and more.  For further information, contact bdevol@impactwashington.org or click here.
  
  
• CONTINUING:  No-Cost Accountant Services Statewide Now Available to Washington Businesses with 100 Employees or Fewer.  The Seattle Metro Chamber's REACH Program and Business Health Trust are sponsoring accounting consulting services for small businesses to help employers navigate PPP, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and Employee Retention Tax Credits.  CPA assistance is available to Washington businesses with 100 employees or fewer.  E-mail Leigh (leighj@seattlechamber.com) to get connected with an accountant at Clark Nuber. 

Healthy Washington--Economic Reopening

• NEW:  Tacoma-Pierce County Health Directive 2021-01 Related to Wearing of Face Coverings.  On August 18, 2021, the following directive became effective:
  • Everyone at least 5 years of age in Pierce County should wear a face covering within indoor public spaces or outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible regardless of vaccination status.  Children age two, three or four years old, while exempt from this official directive, are also recommended to wear a face covering with the assistance and close supervision of an adult in accordance with the current Order (20-03.3) of the Washington State Secretary of Health.
  • Everyone in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, schools, childcare, public transportation and health care settings, including doctors' offices, long-term care and hospitals should, regardless of vaccination status, also wear a well-fitted face covering in accord with state requirements already in place. 
  • This Directive applies to indoor spaces that are open to the public, including retail, grocery stores, government buildings and other businesses where members of the public can enter freely.
  • This Directive does not apply to indoor non-public spaces, including businesses, offices and other places of employment with limited access.  Employers should continue to follow current guidance and requirements from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries on worker safety. 
  • Further information is available at https://www.tpchd.org.   

• Guidance documents are posted on the governor's website. 

• CONTINUING: The Washington State Department of Health guidance on use of masks and face coverings. https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/ClothFaceCoveringsandMasks 

• CONTINUING:  Cap on Restaurant Delivery Fees.  On November 15, 2020, City of Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards signed a proclamation of emergency capping restaurant delivery fees at 15%, which the City Council approved on November 17, 2020.  The proclamation of emergency will be in effect "until restaurants are allowed to offer unrestricted dine-in service (which has been met), and the City's emergency order confirmed by the City Council is rescinded" (which has not been met).  The 15% cap on restaurant delivery fees in Tacoma is still in effect.

Employer/Employee Resources

• NEW:  New City of Tacoma Planning and Development Services Virtual Counter Meeting for Land Use, Residential Building and Site Development, and Commercial Building Code Inquiries.  The City of Tacoma Planning and Development Services team is providing new ways for customers to interact with its staff and provide better services throughout the pandemic.  Here are the opportunities:
  • For general land use and zoning information about:
    • Property research 
    • When a land use permit is required and understanding the process 
    • Finding permit information or public notice information 
    • Subdividing property and understanding the process 
    • When SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) is required 
    • How a property can be used, and 
    • Information about critical areas. 
  • For residential projects (single and two-family dwellings and accessory units):
    • Zoning 
    • Building code 
    • Traffic 
    • Off-site improvements, and 
    • Sanitary/storm sewer regulations. 
  • For general building code information about buildings and structures for all occupancies other than single and two-family dwellings (commercial, industrial, multi-family buildings, etc.):
    • Building life safety (exiting, egress, accessibility) 
    • Structural, and 
    • Building systems (plumbing, mechanical, energy). 
  • Virtual Counter Meetings.  This free service offers a 15-20 minute meeting conducted via a computer, tablet or smartphone using Microsoft Teams.  Customers may select a date and time to meet, speak virtually with staff, share electronic documents and ask questions.  For more information, visit https://www.tacomapermits.org/tip-sheet-index/virtual-counter-meetings or access the direct scheduling links below.
  • Land Use (click here to schedule a meeting) 
  • Residential Building and Site Development (click here to schedule a meeting) 
  • Commercial Building Code (click here to schedule a meeting) 
  • By Appointment-Only Limited In-Person Services are now available every Tuesday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.  This opportunity is provided to meet with the permit specialist team in order to drop off permit documents or make payments by check, cash or credit card at the Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market Street, Room 332, Tacoma, WA. 98402).  To schedule an in-person appointment, visithttps://www.tacomapermits.org/planning-and-development-services-reopening or call (253) 591-5030 Option 9.  For further assistance, visithttps://www.tacomapermits.org/contact-us for multiple ways to connect with the permit team.
  • In-Person Services and Virtual Counter Meetings are not intended to be a discussion with reviewers about an existing application or permit.  Please contact your reviewer for specific questions or reach out to the permit specialist team at (253) 591-5300 or permits@cityoftacoma.org to be directed to the appropriate reviewer.  
  • To apply for permits, check permit status, schedule inspections and pay for permits, visitTacomaPermits.org or Permit Portal (Accela). 

• CONTINUING:  Workforce Central Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program.  WorkForce Central is in process of developing an employer-based program designed to strengthen the skills and capacities of incumbent workers.  Implementation of it is expected in September 2021.  This $200,000 pilot program is intended to enhance employer and employee competitiveness and avert potential layoffs.  Further information may be obtained by contacting Teresa Delicino at tdelicino@workforce-central.org.   
  
  
• CONTINUING: City's 2021 Construction Projects Forecasting The City of Tacoma has created a forecasting schedule for planned construction projects in 2021. By reviewing the list of projects, firms can prepare for opportunities to form joint ventures and initiate contact with prime contractors and/or other subcontractors.  Click on the link above for a list of upcoming projects.  Contact our Purchasing Department at (253) 502-8468 for information on our procurement process.

Events & Training
UPCOMING SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER WEBINARS

• Updates to PPP Loan Forgiveness Instructions September 3:  10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT  https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271649
  
  
• Are You Ready to Start a Business? September 9:  11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT  https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99271652 
  
  
• ​Small Business Flex Fund Info
  September 30:  11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT https://wsbdc.ecenter.direct.com/events/99271631 
  
  
• Other SBDC webinars:  https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events  

OTHER WEBINARS/TRAINING: 

• Washington State Department of Commerce Entrepreneur/Restart Academy.  Find new pathways to prosperity and success as businesses recover, rebuild and restart.  Learn more athttps://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/tools/restart-academy/ 
  
  
• National Small Business Week Summit.  September 13-15, 2021 (virtual).  Join the SBA for the National Small Business Week Summit to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners and chat with industry experts.  This free online event will include educational webinars, updates on resources for small businesses and a networking chat room for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.  Register
  
  
• Regional Contracting Forum.  September 22, 2021 (virtual).  This forum is designed to connect small businesses and contractors to state and local agencies, school districts and transportation agencies.  Small, disadvantaged, minority and veteran businesses are encouraged to attend.  REGISTER
  
  

• National Development Council Cash Reigns Supreme webinar describing how financial statements can be used to make better business decisions. Click here.
  
  
• Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce presentations on The Progress Process:  A Path to Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racist Business  

• • August 26th
  • September 30th
    
    
• Let’s Talk Inclusion – Leadership Roundtable [SCORE] Last Tuesday of each month thru December 2021:  12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT Join this collaborative conversation to (1) expand your perspectives, (2) reflect and connect, and (3) learn to apply new skills on the topic of equity and inclusion.  During this recurring monthly meeting, participants will enjoy videos from community and business leaders, engage in poll questions and actively engage with other on a journey to create "inclusion for all."
  
  
• University of Washington Supplier Orientation [UW] October 14, November 8 and December 9, 20201:  10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PT Orientations are for new and existing suppliers to the University of Washington and State agencies.  They will provide a learning opportunity to assist in navigating potential business prospects as well as educational and other resources to help businesses.  Orientation sessions are virtual and will include representatives from the University of Washington and other regional business development agencies.
  
  
• MBDA InVision Tour The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) InVision Tour empowers minority innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into successful businesses through access to Federal research and development resources, funding and technology transfer programs.  Join the tour to hear from space industry experts to learn what it takes to commercialize your ideas.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

• Request for Qualifications:  Skills Training.  WorkForce Central is seeking qualified organizations or entities to provide employer-driven, rapid re-skill/up-skill training delivered to cohorts of participants.  Training will be designed to prepare individuals to enter living-wage employment in the industry, occupation and skill development pathways identified as local employer priorities in the Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ).  Learn more atWorkForce Central – Cohort Trainings RFQQ. 

Click here for further information at MakeItTacoma.com and to learn about other events and training.
DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET OPEN.  The Broadway Farmers Market located on Broadway between S. 9th and S. 11th Streets is open each Thursday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.