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Seattle Allocates $5 Million to Support Small Businesses and Hospitality Workers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Seattle has allocated $5 million in relief funds to support small businesses and workers in the hospitality industry. The funds will be used to provide grants to restaurants and bars, as well as cash assistance to hospitality industry workers who have been financially impacted by the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Seattle has allocated $5 million in relief funds to support small businesses and workers in the hospitality industry.
  • $2.5 million will be directed toward small businesses, specifically restaurants and bars, to support continuing operations including outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery.
  • $2.5 million will be allocated for cash assistance to hospitality industry workers who have been financially impacted by the pandemic.
  • The grants will be administered through the City's Office of Economic Development and the Human Services Department.
  • Approximately 1,100 restaurant or bar owners applied for grants through the Small Business Stabilization Fund (SBSF) in the most recent round, which closed on November 30.
  • To date, the City has invested $8.6 million in small businesses through its emergency Small Business Stabilization Fund.
  • All eligible applicants for the small business grants will receive funding, and restaurants and bars who receive grants through this new relief package will remain eligible for an SBSF grant as well.
  • The City has also implemented additional relief programs, including emergency grocery vouchers, rental assistance, and support for immigrants and refugees.

Statistics:

  • Over 600 restaurants and bars have permanently shut down in Seattle since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
  • $2.5 million will be directed toward small businesses, specifically restaurants and bars.
  • $2.5 million will be allocated for cash assistance to hospitality industry workers.
  • Approximately 1,100 restaurant or bar owners applied for grants through the SBSF in the most recent round.
  • $8.6 million has been invested in small businesses through the City's emergency Small Business Stabilization Fund.
  • $7.94 million has been distributed to 3,730 applicants through the City's Disaster Relief Fund for immigrants.

Sources:

  • Seattle Office of the Mayor: "Small Business Grants to Focus on Restaurants and Bars; Worker Grants to Focus on Hospitality Industry" (December 14, 2020)
  • Seattle Office of the Mayor: "Mayor Durkan Calls on Congress to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package" (December 14, 2020)
  • Seattle City Council: "City Council Unanimously Approves $5 Million Relief Package for Small Businesses and Workers" (December 14, 2020)

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