New round of funding allocated to Working Washington Grants for small businesses

July 15, 2022

For small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington State Legislature has allocated $70 million for the next round of Working Washington Grants: Round 5.

In this round of Working Washington grants, available funds are set aside for specific targeted groups or sectors:

• 60% is identified for the arts, heritage, and science sectors, including those that operate live entertainment venues
• 40% is identified for most other sectors, including hospitality, fitness and personal services

Starting Monday, Aug. 15, the application portal will be open and will close on Aug. 31. Applications will be reviewed throughout September and by the end of the month grantees will be notified.

Eligible for-profit and non-profit businesses, including Native-owned businesses operating on a reservation with a license issued by a federally recognized tribe in the state, may apply.

In order to be eligible for the grants, several requirements need to be met:

• Active for-profit or non-profit business* (identified by UBI number or EIN number) located and operating in Washington state. (Non-profits are eligible to apply if they have a primary business activity that is similar to the eligible businesses who qualify for this program). If you need an EIN number, you can learn how to apply for one here
• Be able to demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Have been in operation prior to January 1, 2021
• Have not reported annual gross receipts of more than $5,000,000 in calendar year 2019. If no revenue was generated in 2019, must provide gross receipts from 2020
• Have reported total revenues of at least $10,000 in 2019 or 2020
• Generates at least 51% of revenue in Washington state
• Have not permanently closed or intend to permanently close in 2022
• Have expenses that are necessary to continue business operations and the expense is not a federal, state, or local tax, fee, license, or other government revenue
• Have experienced a reduction in business income or activity related to COVID-19 or as a result of state or local COVID-19 related public health measures
• Adherence to all required COVID-19 public health measures
• Self-attest that the expense is not funded by any other government or private entity

Also, recipients of grants using federal funds are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier number (UEI), which replaces the DUNS Number. If you don’t have one yet, you can apply for one here. You can apply for grants without one, but you can’t receive funds until you have it.

Award amounts will vary and are subject to review and adjustment pending application volume, reported losses, and take into account previous Working Washington grant awards received from the Washington State Department of Commerce or affiliated partners.

You can learn more about the round of funding, its eligibility and guidelines, and find an FAQ here.