Covid

Posted 6/9. Updated June 19 Some members who fall into the category of essential workers have expressed frustration with requirements for keeping their doors open. One member told me today, “It’s a full time job keeping up with everything. That’s all I have been doing for the last few months.” Previously, a written safety plan…

As businesses work to meet the criteria for reopening, some are incurring some pretty hefty expenses with the new safety practices. Pierce County recognizes that and has created a grant program to help offset some of the costs. To be eligible, businesses must: If you qualify, you may be awarded grants up to 50% of…

The SBA has announced that they are accepting new applications for economic injury disaster loans and advance which provides up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) in emergency grants for small businesses that are experiencing temporary economic hardships. These grants do not require repayment. Visit the SBA website for more details.

The Small Business Administration‘s website has indicated that there is still a considerable amount of money that is available for first time PPP applicants. But the clock is ticking. Deadline is 6/30/2020. That does not mean that you should apply by the end of the month. It typically takes at least a few days for…

With reopening, guidelines require businesses to post a variety of posters for their staff and customers. I’ve found a couple of locations with a variety of free downloadable posters. The Retail Association Services has posted a page that is full of valuable posters and could save you a ton of time in trying to create…

Late on Wednesday, June 3, The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act and it is expected that the President will sign this into law. Original post: 5/28. Updates: 6/4 On May 29 , the House passed legislation giving more leeway to businesses in how they use PPP funds, yet still be…

Last week the chamber posted information about L&I fines for unsafe working conditions. On today’s Zoom Business Information call, our guest speakers were from Impact Washington, an organization dedicated to assisting manufacturers in our state. In the call, they shared that they have access to non-competitive grants. They’ll even write proposals to help manufacturing businesses…

The Association of Washington Businesses has a PPE Marketplace. It helps to connect you with the manufacturers that may have the personal protective equipment that your business needs in order to comply with re-opening requirements. You fill in a form to then help you get matched with manufacturers that match your supply needs.

While businesses are eager to get back to work, and may even push the limits on the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, there’s a new reason to reconsider that plan. While L&I always addresses safety concerns, Covid brings more to worry about now. On May 26, the Department of Labor and Industries announced that businesses…

The Tacoma News Tribune reports that today through Wednesday (May 26-28), from 10 am to 4 pm, a drive through testing site will be set up at the Tacoma Dome and will have capacity to do up to 250 covid tests per day. Testing may be extended, but for now, it will be available this…

Now that businesses are slowly being allowed to open back up under the phased approach, new considerations must be made. As outlined by the governors office, employers must have a health screening plan for employees. Download this one from the US Chamber if it fits your industry needs.