Covid
How to Complete a PPP Forgiveness Application
If you missed the free webinar from Washington Retail Association on completing a PPP Forgiveness Application, on September 17, here’s another chance to get some assistance. The NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses) is also hosting a free webinar covering the same topic. The webinar will be this Wednesday, September 30 at 9 am (PST.)…
Read MoreNew Standards for State Airports
Governor Inslee announced new standards for all commercial airports in Washington state. The governor also issued recommendations for airlines flying into our state. These measures were put into place to protect the health and safety of employees and passengers who must travel during the pandemic. However, the approach is not all that different from what…
Read MoreDeadline for Business Relief Programs through Pierce County CARES
The deadline for applications is Oct 2 for this round of funding with the Pierce County CARES Business Relief Programs. Do not wait until the deadline to apply if you can avoid it. Pierce County has funds available through the CARES Act for Business Relief Programs. These include Commercial Rent and Mortgage assistance, and Forgiveable…
Read MoreUpdated Guidance for Venues
Inslee issued updated guidance for venues on Sept 21. The governor has announced guidance so that miscellaneous venues can be a part of Washington’s Safe Start phased reopening plan. This includes spaces such as convention/conference centers, designated meeting spaces in hotels, events centers and other similar venues. The guidance allows business meetings, professionaldevelopment training and testing,…
Read MoreCommercial Rent and Mortgage Assistance
Limited funding is available, as with other programs. In this case, $7.75 million is available for rental and mortgage assistance. According to Tacoma Weekly, the demand will be higher than the allotted funding. Qualifications As with the forgivable loans for small businesses in Pierce County, businesses must meet certain qualifications including: Being physically located in…
Read MoreApplying for PPP Loan Forgiveness Free Webinar
Applying for PPP Loan Forgiveness can be a daunting task. Many small businesses are struggling to survive. Therefore, the time and resources required to apply for loan forgiveness may take a backseat to business stabilization. Although the SBA and treasury announced an EZ application, in June, many businesses did not qualify to use it. If…
Read MoreAir Quality Poor Due to Fires
Unhealthy air quality means suggestions for staying inside this weekend. If Covid and wild fires were not enough for Pierce County businesses and residents to handle, now their air quality adds another layer to already trying times. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency recommends the community stay inside this weekend. Air quality is not suitable…
Read MoreGradual Return to In-Person Learning
Dr. Chen, director of health at Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, has introduced discussions with school officials about the gradual return to in-person learning for students. The Director of Health for Pierce County spoke with schools on Sept. 3, 2020. As a result, a letter was sent to school officials. Topics included: Access the full…
Read MoreVitality Grant from Economic Development Board
On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, the Economic Development Board will open applications for the Vitality Grant. These grants will be available to Pierce County small businesses. However, the window for accepting applications is limited. Apply between: 10AM PDT Wednesday, September 9, 2020 and 5PM PDT Sunday, September 20, 2020. These vitality grants are available due to federal…
Read MoreIs Childcare a Business Issue?
Is childcare a business issue? A report shared by the Washington State Department of Commerce that indicates that “Yes” is the short answer. The FME Chamber also held a virtual forum with a panel of speakers with interests in childcare. Watch the full zoom call with our expert panelists, who are introduced below. Speakers on…
Read MoreFree Covid Testing
Pierce County is bringing COVID-19 mobile testing to Fife on Tuesday, Sept 2. The testing is free and identification is not required. While on-site staff can help you register, filling out this form ahead of time can make things go faster. The free covid testing will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday …
Read MoreUnemployment/Lost Wages Assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that Washington has been approved for a grant under a lost wages assistance program. For a quick summary, read the details below. For greater details on the LWA, visit FEMA’s lost wages supplemental payment assistance page. Update 8/24 Published 8/21: Unemployment continues to be a concern for Washingtonians. That’s no…
Read MoreZoom Call with Superintendent of Fife Public Schools
Who could have predicted that a global pandemic would mean a complete overhaul of how students are educated in our schools? To this end, who thought twice about the massive implications of what this new “home schooling” would bring? The Fife superintendent, Kevin Alfano, spent an hour with the Fife Milton Edgewood Chamber to answer…
Read MoreBusiness Liability Protection
You’ve installed acrylic shields at the cash registers at your business and given all staff a week’s worth of washable masks. Every staff member will take their temperature as they enter the building. You’ve posted all the signs reminding people to wear masks and wash their hands. Disposable masks and gallons of hand sanitizer are…
Read MoreGuidance for Long Term Care Facilities
The state has offered more guidance to anyone who has a loved one in long term care. Family members know the challenges of not spending time with that person. While it may be hard on visitors, the emotional strain on the resident is tremendous. Though social isolation leads to a mental health issue for many,…
Read MoreSchool Recommendations from Inslee
While educators and students are wondering what school recommendations will look like this year, the entire community wonders as well. What will happen with the schools with Covid? Previously, the Chamber brought Dr. Chen to a Zoom call after his recommendation that Pierce County schools operate remotely. Now Governor Inslee has offered his recommendations for…
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