Issaquah Business Grants

Many Issaquah businesses have experienced negative economic impacts of COVID-19. These businesses are employers in our community and provide critical and unique products and services. To address these needs, the City allocated over $550,000 of federal CARES Act funding for two business grants: 

  • Small Business Response Grant (July 2020)
  • Business Reinvention Grant (Aug. 2020)

In Sept. 2020, the City allocated additional federal CARES Act funding:

  • $200,000 to fund additional Small Business Response and Business Reinvention Grants from previously submitted applications
  • $30,000 to fund a new Restaurant Winterization Grant program

Restaurant Winterization Grant (now open)

This business grant program will support restaurants and food service businesses for exterior or interior alterations and equipment to enhance inclement weather dining options during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Tents and canopies
  • Heating equipment
  • Plexiglass and other alterations that help meet the public health and social distancing requirements 

Please note, all tents and canopies must comply with code requirements and a no-fee Temporary Outdoor Use Application must be submitted. Open flames (gas heaters, fire pits) are not allowed under a tent or canopy.

Businesses that have received direct assistance through the Downtown Streatery Winterization Program are not eligible for this grant program. Nonprofits are not eligible to apply.

Applications will be accepted between Sept. 22 and Oct. 7, 2020 at 4 p.m. 

Applications will be randomly ordered and priority will be given to businesses that did not receive funding from previously awarded City of Issaquah grant programs. All grant awardees must meet eligibility criteria and provide documentation of expenses.

Program details

  • $30,000 in City-administered grants for restaurants and food service businesses.
  • Grant awards will be made between $500 - $5,000; partial grants may also be awarded.
  • Eligible expenses must be within the time period of Mar. 1, 2020 to Nov. 30, 2020. Businesses may apply for equipment and alterations already purchased if within this time period.
  • Grant recipients are required to enter into a Grant Agreement with the City which will require the filing of a report on how the funds were spent and submission of receipts.
  • Grant recipients must also submit a W-9.
  • Grant funds may be taxable income; please consult with your financial advisor for guidance. A 1099 will be issued to a grant recipient as required by the IRS no later than Jan. 2021.

Eligibility

Business must meet the following eligibility criteria in order to apply: 

  • Been in business since Jan. 1, 2020
  • Have a physical location within Issaquah that is open to the public
  • Experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19
  • Have not received direct assistance for Downtown Streatery Winterization funding  
  • Are in good standing (e.g. have current business license; City taxes and fees paid; current on all State and regulatory requirements; not facing pending litigation or legal action, including Issaquah code enforcement)

Privacy Information

This application and any supporting documentation is considered a public record and may be subject to public disclosure under Washington’s Public Records Act, chapter 42.56 RCW. 

Small Business Response Grant

The City allocated $500,000 to help businesses recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. This program accepted applications from July 1 – July 15, 2020. Applications were received from 220 businesses requesting over $2 million. In Sept. 2020, an additional $155,000 was allocated to fund previously submitted applications. View the 70 business grant recipients. 

Business Recovery & Reinvention Grant

The City allocated $50,000 to fund innovative solutions to address business needs due to business changes necessary as a result of COVID-19. The program accepted applications from Aug. 3-19, 2020. Applications were received from 50 businesses requesting over $400,000. In Sept. 2020, an additional $45,000 was allocated to fund previously submitted applications. View the 11 business grant recipients.