COVID-19 Bi-weekly Update: November 24th, 2020

Pioneer Square Business Stakeholders-

The Alliance for Pioneer Square is working diligently to support the Pioneer Square community through the COVID-19 virus outbreak. This is part of a series of weekly messages outlining impacts and resources available. Find each weekly email to date on our website.

*Please see this week's new resources and opportunities highlighted in RED*

What's Happening

*NEW* Gov. Jay Inslee has announced additional financial support funds for families and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to funds announced earlier, the total new economic supports amount to $135 million. Included in that total is:
$70 million in business support grants.
$30 million for the recovery loan program.
$20 million for rental assistance.
$15 million for energy bills for low-income households.

Included in the $70 million in business support grants is $50 million for a new round of Working Washington grants focused on the hardest-hit industries. Remaining funds will go toward historically disadvantaged businesses who applied for earlier business grants and bolstering Commerce’s business resiliency network.

The grants will be allocated first to businesses most impacted by both COVID-19 and the most recent measures taken to address public safety. Equity will also be a priority in making allocation decisions. In addition to the new funds, there will also be separate business support programs coming from local governments. Find more information here.

Worker and Business Resources

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan has announced that the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) temporary street use permits are extended through October 31, 2021. The City will also provide free tent and heating permits to help businesses maintain outdoor operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In addition, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) will immediately begin issuing free tent permits and heating permits to help businesses maintain operations during the colder, rainier months ahead. Read the announcement here.

The Alliance for Pioneer Square partnered with Merchant Method to facilitate a series of free workshops with the goal of providing BIA businesses technical assistance. In October and November, Merchant Method hosted a series of workshops that included a range of topics, from marketing and content creation to profitable pricing and creative collaborations. These and other technical assistance resources are available on the Alliance's website.

King County is providing reopening business tools for Phase 2 guidance and requirements. The new tools include a safe work plan template, owners guide to reopening and reopening checklist. Businesses can access these resources below:
King County Safe Start: Businesses and Workplaces
City of Seattle: COVID-19 Reopening Business

The Office of the Mayor has created a page containing information and links for City of Seattle programs and services that may be helpful for residents significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Government has launched a comprehensive webpage for small business owners to research their options.

Reopening Resources

The Association of Washington Businesses has created a hub where businesses can get access to PPE and other resources to assist with reopening. The site is free to use and available to all Washington businesses.

The Alliance for Pioneer Square has introduced a section on our website to help provide businesses guidance and resources for best practices as they prepare to reopen their doors to customers.

Financial Resources

Applications for the City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development (OED) Small Business Stabilization Fund will close soon, on Monday, November 30th, 2020. OED is investing an additional $4 million to stabilize small businesses with $10,000 grants available for small businesses throughout Seattle who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. The fund prioritizes businesses in areas at high risk of displacement or high disadvantage, microenterprise businesses, creative sector businesses, and businesses experiencing the greatest economic impacts.

Those who have previously applied for SBSF must re-apply to be considered for this round of funding. For more information about the selection criteria and award process, visit the OED website. For assistance completing the application, email OED@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-8090.

Neighborhood Advocacy

*NEW* The Alliance for Pioneer Square held its 9th Pioneer Square Monthly session on Friday where we presented on the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on Pioneer Square, relief and resources available from the City, State and Federal government to all those impacted by the crisis, and the Alliance’s response to support our neighborhood. The information session presentation slides and recording are now available here.

The Pioneer Square Residents’ Council seeks to partner with neighborhood cafes, restaurants, and bars to encourage residents to eat and drink at Pioneer Square businesses as part of a Neighborhood Loyalty Program. The Pioneer Square Residents’ Council has proposed working with neighborhood businesses to offer discounts, such as 10% off, for residents when they mention what building they live in when purchasing goods. If your business is interested in partnering with the Pioneer Square Residents’ Council on the Neighborhood Loyalty Program, email Chris Woodward at chris@pioneersquare.org.

The Alliance for Pioneer Square, in collaboration with DEI Creative, has launched an online marketplace as a tool for member businesses to generate revenue through online sales during the Coronavirus pandemic. Read DEI Creative's full press release about Support Local here. To participate in the Pioneer Square Marketplace, register your business here.

As the neighborhood continues to navigate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, we want to offer an opportunity to reconnect. Click here to join the Pioneer Square Business Owners and Managers Facebook page.

Partner Efforts

*NEW* The City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development (OED) has launched the new Shop Your Block campaign that aims to support small businesses throughout the holiday season. Shop Your Block connects consumers to local small retail businesses throughout Seattle using the new retail map and online neighborhood marketplaces. You can access the campaign website, retail map, neighborhood marketplaces and shoppers guides here. Businesses can sign on to the map and/or edit their information here. For assistance, reach out to OED at shopyourblock@seattle.gov.

*NEW* Reach Local Diners with Google Workshop: Join Grow with Google on December 1st from 10:00 AM for a one hour workshop to learn how you can reach nearby diners and increase sales for your restaurant during uncertain times. This workshop will share tips on how to connect and communicate with millions of potential customers across Google Search, Maps, YouTube, Google My Business, and more using one simple ad solution, Local campaigns. Register here.

*NEW* How to Leave a Customer Review Workshop Hosted by Merchant Method: Did you know that 97% of people read reviews of local businesses? And that 90% of buyers read reviews online to help them make a decision about a purchase? Customer reviews play a huge part in helping to promote your favorite businesses. So how can you take advantage of Small Business Saturday, and make an impact buying small and supporting local? During How to Leave a Customer Review, customers will learn a simple structure of an effective customer review, choose and customize from 3 review templates, and take action by posting at least one customer review online. We invite you to share this 30 minute, live Small Business Saturday event with your customers to help them promote your business and their other favorites. Learn more here.

The Alliance for Pioneer Square is proud to champion the "Do Something" campaign, a joint effort by Visit Seattle and the Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority. The campaign, running from October 2020 to January 2021, encourages locals and neighboring drive markets to explore and support businesses throughout King County and to do something nearby. Businesses may download the the following digital marketing toolkit to help promote the DO SOMETHING messaging on their social media platforms.

Additional Resources

Between weekly messages please review our website, which features an in-depth series of resources intended to assist small business owners, managers, and employees impacted by the COVID-19 virus crisis, along with public health recommendations.

Please let us know how we might best support you. Feel free to contact any of us with comments, questions, suggestions, or concerns.

Sincerely,

The Alliance Team

ALLIANCE FOR PIONEER SQUARE