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Business Resources
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, Issaquah is committed to supporting local businesses with resources, information, promotion, regional collaboration and more. Sign up for the Economic Development Department’s Newsletter to stay up to date on changing information and resources.
Directive to Wear Face Coverings
Public Health – Seattle & King County issued a directive to wear face coverings in most public settings.
Businesses are required to post signage advising individuals to wear face coverings on the premises.
Learn more, and read a full FAQ, online.
- Doing Business During COVID-19
- Financial resources
- Relief Measures
- Temporary closures
- Virtual Assistance
Reopening Your Business
“Governor Inslee’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order may still affect your business! The four phase plan is still being implemented as businesses and other activities reopen. View updated reopening guidance for businesses and workers for your industry from the Governor’s office. Questions about your unique or specific business operations should be directed here.
Reopening your business will not only be specific to your business type, but also the size of your business, how you operate and several other factors. You can begin planning for your business reopening by reviewing these resources:
- Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce Toolkit
- Back to Work Toolkit
- Planning for a "New Normal"
- Downtown Issaquah Association
- Issaquah Highlands
- Visit Issaquah Travel Advisory Information
Technical Assistance
Understanding the new financial resources and how to best keep your business viable during this time can be challenging. Professional business advisers are available to help you at no-cost.
- Business Response Team at (re)Startup425
- Small Business Development Center Business Adviser
- Virtual Small Business Counseling: Navigating COVID-19
- SCORE Small Business Counseling
- Partner America, a collaboration with the U.S. Conference of Mayors
- Communities Rise offers no-cost legal assistance for small businesses and nonprofits
Change for To-Go and Delivery Cocktails
Starting May 6, 2020, licensed restaurants and bars can sell sealed mixed drinks with a full meal for takeout and delivery. This allowance will expire 30 days after the county, where the business is located, enters Phase 4 of Washington’s recovery plan.
Creative Industries
- COVID-19 Handbook for Creative Industries-
- 4Culture- Cultural Relief Fund- As closures, cancellations and loss of work due to COVID-19 impact the King County cultural sector,4Culture will distribute $1 million over the coming months.
Marketing Your Business
In addition to the changes to business operations, the COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the way businesses advertise to their customers.
- Add or update your businesses listing on What’s Open Eastside, created through a partnership of Eastside cities
- Use Issaquah Loyal branding in your marketing
Social Media Business Group
- Issaquah businesses have created an informal Facebook group to share resources
State and Regional Resources
Learn more about public health best practices and other programs available for businesses.
- Recommendations to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in retail food establishments (Public Health - Seattle & King County
- Resource List for COVID-19 Impacted Businesses and Employees (Governor’s Office)
- Business Guide for Planning for Coronavirus Pandemic (Public Health–Seattle & King County)
- Business and Nonprofit Preparedness (King County)
- Business Resiliency Toolkit (WA Small Business Development Center)
- FAQs, fact sheets, and live updates (Public Health–Seattle & King County)
- Regional Resources and studies (Greater Seattle Partners)
Federal Government Assistance
CARES Act
The federal stimulus Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides assistance to small businesses to address the immediate needs of the owners and employees. This Small Business Owners Guide provides more details:
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently only accepting applications from agricultural businesses for Economic Disaster Injury Loans. Visit the website for the latest information.
- The SBA is accepting new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Contact your lender for more information and to apply. If your business has received a PPP loan, learn more about how to proceed with the application for loan forgiveness.
Other Resources
- Business Impact NW provides low-interest loans to community-based nonprofits and small businesses.
- Craft3 provides low-interest loans to community-based nonprofits and small businesses.
- 4Culture- Cultural Relief Fund- As closures, cancellations and loss of work due to COVID-19 impact the King County cultural sector,4Culture will distribute $1 million over the coming months.
Tax Relief
- Washington State Department of Revenue is offering filing extensions and penalty waivers for state-level B&O taxes. Eligible businesses can get more information and apply here.
- King County property tax information can be obtained and provide information specific to your location.
Waste Collection: Reduction Needs?
- Recology: If you anticipate a reduced need for collection service or have questions about alternative payment options, please contact Recology at 425-837-1234.
- Cedar Grove Compost: With the recent restrictions put on businesses and establishments, please review your options. Additional questions for Cedar Grove can be sent to a representative at 877-994-4466.
Temporarily closing your business may be something that few businesses have planned. There are several resources that can help you during this period:
- Review this list of tasks created by Issaquah Police.
- Better understand Unemployment Insurance options for your employees such as temporary layoffs, standby and furloughs as well as the Shared Work Program.
- Visit the Virtual Assistance tab to explore business planning and other e-learning opportunities to prepare for re-opening.
Connect with Business Advisers
Have a question about how to access the new financial resources? Want to better understand marketing, human resources or other aspect of your business? Access no-cost, one-on-one business technical assistance through the following organizations:
- Business Response Team at (re)Startup425
- Small Business Development Center Business Adviser
- Virtual Small Business Counseling from King County Library: Navigating COVID-19
- SCORE Small Business Counseling
- Partner America, a collaboration with the U.S. Conference of Mayors
- Communities Rise offers no-cost legal assistance for small businesses and nonprofits
E-Learning
- Small Business Information from King County Library System
- Training Webinars from the Washington Small Business Development Center
- Business Resiliency Toolkit from the Washington Small Business Development Center
Business Resource Webinars
- Startup 425 compiles helpful webinars and events into a calendar. Browse to see what might interest you.
- The Issaquah Chamber of Commerce hosts weekly webinars with resources dedicated to business hours.
- The King County Economic Development Department has resources for businesses.
Contact Us
Need further assistance? Please contact the City’s Economic Development team.
Sign up for the Economic Development Department’s Newsletter to stay up to date on changing information and resources. Read past issues.