Burlington Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on June 3
June 03, 2020Twenty-nine Skagit County small businesses were awarded grants of up to $10,000 each through the state’s Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program, supporting businesses facing serious financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic emergency.
An estimated 149 jobs will be saved by the grant funds, according to the state.
The selected pool of grantees includes 10 retailers, six manufacturers, two healthcare businesses, two professional service companies, one restaurant, one hospitality establishment, one salon, one gym, one marketing business, one driving school, one preschool, one marine repair company, and one health treatment facility.
EDASC also received grant funds to administer the program, which includes ongoing reporting and reimbursement.
Eligible grant expenditures include rent, utilities and more (excluding payroll).
In total, Skagit County businesses received $243,116 in support. These funds will go right back into the community in the form of lease payments, supply purchases and payment of other bills. This has a second positive fiscal impact on the community.
Grant recipient Travis Crabb, owner of Mount Vernon manufacturer Neptune Marine, said the grant will help ensure his company remains successful.
“My focus right now within Neptune Marine is not one of profits, but of health, safety and basic needs for my employees,” Crabb said.
He said the grant will help with safety and health training for employees, as well as other basic expenses that support his workers such as utilities, rent, fuel, and more.
Grant recipient Nick Rennis, owner of Anacortes retailer The Business, said the grant will help his business continue through the unexpected disruption.
“It is heartwarming to see a focused local effort,” he said.
Grant recipient Jessie Mattingly, owner of Birdsview Brewing Company in Concrete, said sales were down 54 percent in May year-over-year.
"That is so damaging to a small business like ours," Mattingly said. "This grant will allow us to purchase the yeast and grain to make over 400 gallons of beer to sell to-go or in-house once we reopen in future phases."
The 29 grant recipients were among a pool of 61 applicants that EDASC submitted to the state for review. In total, about 400 Skagit County businesses applied for the grant.
“We are pleased to play a role in supporting these 29 businesses through this grant process,” said EDASC CEO John Sternlicht. “That said, we continue to work diligently to support the hundreds of businesses in need of assistance during this pandemic, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of applications submitted for this grant in a matter of days.”
EDASC’s website is continually updated with COVID-19 resources for businesses and workers. Click this link to view our COVID-19 Updates page. EDASC staff are also always available to provide support. For support, contact Economic Development Manager Tamsin Bell at tamsin@skagit.org. There may also be additional opportunities on the horizon, so stay tuned.
The responses from both businesses both receiving and not receiving grants has been positive, indicating the level of caring and support for the entire community.
EDASC would like to extend a special thanks to Governor Jay Inslee and the State Department of Commerce for making the grant funds available, even bumping the statewide total grant funds from $5 million to $10 million. Leftover funds in that pool -- either those declined or not validated for reimbursement -- will be re-allocated at the discretion of Commerce.
EDASC would also like to thank its volunteer review committee, who put in many hours to review applications and contribute their perspectives and insights, Bell, who organized this enormous undertaking.
List of Skagit County grant recipients
Bananabelt Boats
Birdsview Brewing Company
BrandQuery
Cap Sante Inn
Casey J Andrus OD, PLLC
Chuckanut Lighting
Copy & Print Store
Earthenworks
Ferris Robbin
Garden Path Fermentation
Gregg's Diesel Service
Jennings Yarn and Needlecraft
Kids Stuff
Lisser & Associates
Lyon's Furniture and Sleep Center*
Makers Compounding Pharmacy
Mount Baker Gymnastics
Neptune Marine
Pasek Cellars Winery
Sedro-Woolley Family Dental Center
Signmart
Slow Loris Inc.
The Bony Pony
The Business
Through the Garden Gate
United Northwest Recovery Center
Vehicle Training Group, LLC dba Cascade Motorcycle Safety
*Lyon’s Furniture and Sleep Center declined to accept the grant, citing an improved business outlook and wanting the funds to go to a business in greater need.
Original source can be found here.
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