As the fight for equality and the end of police brutality continues throughout our country, we are filled with grief and anger at the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many others. We mourn the precious lives taken by the racism that leads to such heinous acts.
As our Executive Director, Darryl Smith, has said in a public statement, “HomeSight has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the black and brown communities that we are privileged to serve.”
Our equity statement says in part that “HomeSight is committed to fostering racial equity in our work and communities to create prosperity that is truly shared by all.”
In this unprecedented time, never have these sentiments meant more. Let’s not let this latest chapter in a very long story conclude with the same ending we’ve experienced over, and over again. There are countless ways to make a difference and it is up to each and every one of us to choose the way in which we do so.
That is why we have decided to share some valuable resources that you can use to make a change in the community. The following links include lists of petitions, donation funds, maps of protests, as well as ways you can educate yourself on black history and be the change yourself.
Small Business Resources
Rainier Valley Community Development Fund
Resources & Opportunities
- Online Learning – The Seattle Public Library
- Digital Sales Access Program
Small businesses can apply for the Digital Sales Access Program by June 24, 2022: APPLY HERE. The Seattle Office of Economic Development and Kay Tita are partnering to remove digital access barriers negatively impacting small businesses through the Digital Sales Access Program. The program will support small businesses using cash only by providing a free point of sale (POS) system as well as connecting businesses with tools and training needed to grow their business with the new technology
- Digital Sales Access Program
- ORCA Recovery Card
The ORCA Recovery Card is a temporary, unlimited, and full-subsidized ORCA card provided to food service and grocery/ convenience store employees who work at a business in Pioneer Square, the Chinatown/International District, Othello, or Rainier Beach. The pass is valid for use on King County Metro, King County Water Taxi, Seattle Streetcar, Seattle Center Monorail, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Everett Transit. The ORCA cards may not be used on Washington State Ferries.
- ORCA Recovery Card
- Small Business Flex Funding
Small businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $150,000 and the money can be spent flexibly, including on payroll, utilities & rent, supplies, marketing & advertising, building improvements or repairs, and other business expenses.
- Small Business Flex Funding
Low interest rates:
– Borrow up to $150,000
– 3% – 4.5% Interest rates
– No fees & interest-only payments for the first year
– 60-month & 72-month loan terms
– 72-month loan term only available until 12/31/21
Eligibility requirements:
– Fewer than 50 employees
– Annual revenues of less than $3 million
– Experienced direct economic hardship due to COVID-19
– Have been in business for one year/prior to June 30th, 2020
- City of Seattle Office of Economic Development
The OED is offering free technical assistance to all businesses looking to apply for an SBA loans, including EIDL, PPP, SBA Express Bridge Loan, and SBA Debt relief. Call OED at (206) 684-8090 from Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm or email OED at oed@seattle.gov anytime and receive free assistance. Interpreters available - Seattle Office of Labor Standards Resource List
The Office of Labor Standards has compiled a comprehensive list of resources and FAQs for both workers and employers affected by COVID-19. - State Unemployment Benefits for Workers and Businesses
The Washington State Employment Security Department has programs designed to help individuals and employers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. They have an easy -to-read guide listing some of the most common scenarios that may occur and possible benefits. - Financial Support for Nonprofit Organizations Impacted by COVID-19
The COVID-19 Response Fund will provide flexible resources to organizations in the region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by a coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak. - Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. Find more information about how to manage your mortgage, rent, and personal finances at the button below. - Small Business Resiliency Toolkit
The Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) Business Resiliency Toolkit can help small businesses handle disaster. - Technical Assistance from Trusted Community Messengers
The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering culturally and linguistically relevant assistance for business owners and organizations affected by COVID-19. Twenty partner organizations are available to help small businesses and nonprofits find and apply for resources; access translation assistance; navigate local, state, and federal resources; and more. - TechConnect Washington Community Helpdesk
The TechConnect Washington Community Helpdesk provides FREE technical support to Washington residents to help them engage in a virtual environment. Helpdesk Technicians are standing by to provide technical guidance, digital navigation support, and connections to other community resources to support parents, students, elders, and all community members during this time. The team is available to provide guidance via chat, email, or phone in the languages Spanish, Tigrinya, Afaan Oromoo, Amharic, Sidamo, Wolaytta, and English.
Support Hours: 9-5 PST
800-216-1132
- City of Seattle Office of Economic Development