COVID-19
State agencies have been working with federal agencies, employers and workers to support businesses and workers affected by COVID-19.
- The Employment Security Department has information for employees and employers about possible benefits such as paid family and medical leave, unemployment benefits and SharedWork.
- The Department of Commerce is working with the federal Small Business Association to secure loan assistance and has also information for businesses experiencing trade impacts.
- The Department of Labor & Industries oversees the state’s paid sick leave law, the workers’ compensation program and workplace safety issues. The agency has FAQs on these and other topics related to coronavirus.
- The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommendations to help employers keep their workers safe with sick leave policies, cleaning routines, and more.
- The state Department of Revenue has information on relief for taxpayers, including extensions for filing and paying tax returns.
- To mitigate barriers to capital for Seattle's most vulnerable businesses, the City of Seattle will commit approximately $1.5 million in one-time Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the Small Business Stabilization Fund, an emergency fund that provides working capital grants in amounts up to $10,000 to qualifying small businesses.
- To further support small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Jenny Durkan signed an Emergency Order that temporarily halts evictions of small business and nonprofit tenants in the City of Seattle.