Pierce County Council takes more action to support hurting local business

The Pierce County Council passed additional legislation Thursday to support local businesses that are struggling.

According to a press release, the council:

• Waived the repayment requirement of the county’s emergency small business relief loan program for all pending and future applicants and set a Dec. 4 deadline to ensure applications are processed by Dec. 3;
• Streamlined the process to forgive loans previously issued under the emergency small business relief loan program; and
• Added a need-based grant program to assist Main Street and arts and culture-focused businesses to allow these businesses to receive a grant up to $10,000.

The council approved the latest round of legislation using CARES Act funding after Gov. Jay Inslee's latest round of closures following a rise in COVID-19 cases in the state.

According to the press release, Councilmember Marty Campbell proposed the legislation that will benefit in-store retail, arts and culture establishments like theaters, museums and entertainment venues, fitness facilities and gyms, restaurants, tap rooms and similar eating and drinking establishments that do not have a drive-thru and did not participate in the Pierce County Restaurant Rally program.

Eligible businesses can receive a need-based grant up to $10,000. Businesses that already received assistance from the county’s COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Program can apply for this latest round of funding.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Businesses with 20 or less full-time equivalent employees;
• Demonstrate at least 25 percent reduction in revenues due to COVID-19 pandemic;
• Located in Pierce County;
• Independent business (no corporate chains or corporate franchises).

Additional information will be available soon on the Pierce County CARES Business Relief website.