||| FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL |||


Small Business Flex Fund

Have a leak? Broken equipment? Is this the last thing your business needs after a long year? If you’re thinking about taking out a business loan, consider the Small Business Flex Fund. It offers flexible, low interest loans for Washington’s smallest businesses and nonprofits – so you can get back to thriving.

Find out more at SmallBusinessFlexFund.org #SmallBusinessFlexFund

For more information and to apply, visit: www.SmallBusinessFlexFund.org

Source: Washington Economic Development Association


New, Lower Costs on Health Insurance Plans

Continue You may be eligible for more savings and lower costs on health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace due to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

What’s new:

  • More people than ever before qualify for tax credits that lower the cost of health coverage, even those who weren’t eligible in the past.
  • Most people currently enrolled in a Marketplace plan will qualify for more tax credits.
  • Health insurance premiums after these new savings will go down.
  • 4 out of 5 customers can find a plan for $10 or less per month.
  • Fill out and submit your application on HealthCare.gov (or CuidadoDeSalud.gov for Spanish speakers) by August 15, 2021.
  • After you submit your application, you have 30 days to enroll in a plan. Coverage starts the first day of the month after you enroll. 

Source: Small Business Administration



Getting back on Track!

SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute are hosting several webinars through August to help you get your business back on track.  Hear about what steps you can take now to learn and take advantage of new and existing programs that are available at the SBA; get an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration; have your questions answered by SBA Leadership and small business experts; learn how you can become a vaccine leader in your community; discover tools and resources you can use to take your business digital.
When: Thursday, July 29, 2021 – 2:00 PM EDT:
 To register, click here
Source:  SBA Pacific Regional Office


How to Discover New Business Opportunities

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Capital Access will host a small business webinar series with Public Private Strategies Institute on the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The program was designed to help hard-hit small businesses and nonprofits recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic by providing advances and low-interest disaster loans. 
•    Wednesday, July 28, 12:00 p.m.  EDT, Click here to register. 
•    Wednesday, July 28, 6:00 p.m.    EDT, Click here to register. 
•    Monday, August 2, 12:00 p.m.     EDT, Click here to register. 
•    Monday, August  2, 6:00 p.m.       EDT, Click here to register.

  Source: U.S. Small Business Association


Attention: Women in Business!

Register for upcoming webinars to learn how to get certified for the Women-Owned Small Business federal contracting program, what to do after you’re certified and more. The webinars will be held from July-December 2021.
Register

 

Source:  SBA Pacific Regional Office


No-Cost Accountant Services Available

The Seattle Metro Chamber’s REACH program and the Business Health Trust are sponsoring accounting consulting services for small businesses to help employers navigate PPP forgiveness, Employee Retention Tax Credits, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and financial record-keeping for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The CPA assistance is available to Washington businesses with 100 employees or fewer. Employers can reach out to Leigh (leighj@seattlechamber.com) to get connected with an accountant at Clark Nuber. Many thanks to the Seattle Metro Chamber for offering this amazing resource statewide!

Source:  SBA Pacific Regional Office

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Loans still available!Did you know that an EIDL has a lower interest rate than most credit cards?

An EIDL helps businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. The terms are for 30 years at a 3.75% fixed interest rate for businesses and 2.75% fixed interest rate for nonprofits. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31, 2021. 

Learn more: click here!

Source:  SBA Pacific NW Regional Office


Shuttered Venue Operator Funds still available!

The SBA is currently accepting applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. To submit an application, visit sba.gov/svogrant.

Source:  SBA Pacific NW Regional Office


**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**