Business Resources COVID-19

Grants & Loans

Small Business Flex Fund: (Open) 

City Small Businesses and Non-Profits can apply for a low-interest loan of up to $150,000 to finance expansion and growth as well as recover from the pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown.  

Commercial customers that submit an application and meet eligibility criteria will receive a one-time $250 credit on their water/sewer account until funding is exhausted. Utility credits are not applicable to storm water and irrigation only accounts.

PPP Loan Forgiveness Portal (Open)

Businesses who received a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program can now apply for forgiveness through the new streamlined portal launched last month by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small business owners with loans up to $150,000 can apply. Visit the SBA’s PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal for information. Customer service is also available by phone at 877-552-2692.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (Open) 

Small businesses that originally took out an EIDL loan for up to $150,000 for six months can extend that loan for up to 24 months and receive additional funds for a total of $500,000 in relief. Businesses that received an EIDL loan for up to six months and $150,000 need not submit a request to increase their loan amount. Rather, the SBA will reach out via email for details on how businesses can request additional loan funds prior to the April 6 launch date of the extended program.

SBA Debt Relief (Open) 

The latest bill extends a provision that pays the principal and interest on behalf of borrowers that have certain SBA loans, such as 7(a) loans. It also provides support for the 7(a) program by increasing the amount of the SBA’s guarantee for lenders.

SBA 7(a) Loan Calculator (2022) 

Calculates the borrower guaranty fee that will be due for loans made in FY 2022 considering the loan type and existing loans made to the borrower within a 90 day period. Must download the XLS. File. 

Small Business Development Centers (Open) 

These centers will help you navigate available SBA loans and provide you with no-cost business consulting.

Export Credit Insurance (Open) 

This program protects you in case your customers overseas are slow on paying receivables or go out of business. It allows you to commit to export sales without fear of loss during the pandemic.

USDA Loan & Grant Resources (Ongoing)

The USDA is are taking a number of steps to help rural communities and agricultural producers through their single-family, multi-family, business-cooperative, and utility service provider programs.

Other Financial Assistance

City of Arlington Grants

Closed. (November 20, 2020) Expanded Arlington Business Rent and COVID-19 Relief Grant, Round 4. City Expands Business Rent and COVID-19 Relief Grant with Funding from Snohomish County. $117,000 to distribute to qualifying small businesses for grants up to $3,500 to cover rent and expenses related to COVID-19. The grant application closed on November 30.

Closed. (October 30, 2020) Arlington Business Rent and COVID-19 Relief Program, Round 3. Funding is possible through the Federal 2020 CARES Act and distributed to Arlington through the WA Department of Commerce. 

Closed.  (October 31, 2020) City of Arlington Utility Customer Support Program.  A one-time utility credit to qualified applicants.  Commercial customers that submit an application and meet eligibility criteria will receive a one-time $250 credit on their water/sewer account until funding is exhausted.  Utility credits are not applicable to stormwater and irrigation only accounts.

Closed. (June 2020) Arlington Business Rent Relief Grant Program. Applications were accepted through June 29. Arlington Business Rent Relief Program was funded through the Federal 2020 CARES Act and distributed to Arlington through the WA Department of Commerce. The City distributed almost $200,000 to qualifying small businesses.

COVID-19 Updates for Employees and Employers

Reopening Guidance

Washington Ready Plan, replaces Roadmap to Recovery- Safe Start Plan 

(June 2021) On June 30 Washington state has reopened under the Washington Ready plan. All industry sectors previously covered by the Roadmap to Recovery or the Safe Start plan may return to usual capacity and operations.

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Business questions about the Roadmap to Recovery - Safe Start plan?

(Nov 2020) Ask questions about workplace safety, Safe Start phases, relief programs, paid sick leave, unemployment and more. The Washington State Coronavirus Business Response Center is standing by to respond.

Submit your question here.

Arlington Economic Recovery Taskforce Resources

Essential Business Information

City of Arlington Outdoor Dining Areas, Right of Way Permit: Application Questions, email ced@arlingtonwa.gov or call 360-403-3551.

Webinars on unemployment insurance, returning to work, business relief, and more: State agencies have partnered to bring monthly webinars presenting information specific to Washington small businesses. Webinars feature brief presentations from state and federal partners and open-mic Q&A time. Topics include unemployment insurance, returning employees to work, Small Business Administration (SBA) relief funding, workplace safety, contracting with the state, paid family and medical leave, and other timely topics. 

Mask Mandate:

WA State Department of Health Mask Information

(Feb 28, 2022) 

With declining case rates and hospitalizations across the west, California, Oregon and Washington are moving together to update their masking guidance. After 11:59 p.m. on March 11, California, Oregon and Washington will be adopting new indoor mask policies and move from mask requirements to mask recommendations in schools.

State policies do not change federal requirements, which still include masks on public transit.

Statement from Gov. Jay Inslee, Washington:
“We’ve continued to monitor data from our state Department of Health, and have determined we are able to adjust the timing of our statewide mask requirement. While this represents another step forward for Washingtonians, we must still be mindful that many within our communities remain vulnerable. Many businesses and families will continue choosing to wear masks, because we’ve learned how effective they are at keeping one another safe. As we transition to this next phase, we will continue to move forward together carefully and cautiously.” 

In Washington, indoor mask requirements will be lifted as of 11:59 p.m. on March 11. This new date does not change any other aspect of the updated mask requirements Inslee announced last week. Masks will still be required in certain settings including health care, corrections facilities, and long-term care facilities. The Washington State Department of Health will be issuing new guidance for K-12 schools next week so schools can prepare to implement updated safety protocols.