The Department of Commerce has awarded grants to Snohomish County businesses under the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant (WWSBEG) program. A total of $707,000 will be distributed to 130 Snohomish County companies. Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) partnered with local jurisdictions and other community organizations to review over 2,200 applications. EASC is responsible for contracting and distribution of the funds.

The program is offered to companies with less than 10 employees. Grants are valued from $3,000 to $10,000. The range of businesses located in cities across Snohomish County is broad, including healthcare, construction, retail, food service/hospitality, services, childcare/early education and manufacturing. Grantees include women, minority, veteran and tribal-owned businesses. The primary use of these funds will be to pay for rent, utilities and other operating expenses. Statewide distributions total $10 million and are made from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund.

Dom Amor, Interim President/CEO of EASC, stated “We are proud to play a part in providing financial support to our small businesses. We understand the integral roles these firms play in our daily lives, especially during times like these. A year from now, we expect to look back and acknowledge the value of this investment.” The WWSBEG program is one of several grant/loan programs offered at the federal, state and local level. Everett recently closed their application window for Everett Cares. Snohomish County’s application deadline for their two programs is June 3 at 5:00pm PDT.