The effects of COVID-19 are being felt locally and globally. We are committed to helping our community navigate the rapidly changing times and provide as much support to small, local, and independent businesses as we can. We are working with Whatcom County’s Unified Command to assist with economic recovery and food insecurity as well as local business support agencies such as the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, WWU’s Small Business Development Center, Port of Bellingham, and more. Working together, we can weather this storm.
Business Resources
Economic Injury Worksheet
- This form is not required, but is a convenience in clarifying the supporting documentation the state is required to submit to the U.S. Small Business Administration when requesting an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration.
Small Business Development Center
(The go-to place for all business support. Updated daily)
- Loans
- Tax relief
- Alternative lending platforms
- Employee assistance
- Paid family medical leave
- Customizable small business guides
Whatcom Unified Command
- A landing page for Whatcom County resources related to COVID-19.
- Maintained by agencies involved in Whatcom Unified Command:
- City of Bellingham
- Whatcom County
- Whatcom County Health Department.
Business Impact NW
- Provides coaching, classes and access to capital to community small businesses
- Emphasis on working with traditionally underserved populations – entrepreneurial low/moderate income earners, women, people of color, veterans, immigrants or members of the LGBTQ community.
WA Retail Association
- Retailer specific guidance on business operations
WA State Dept. of Commerce
- Small business tools
- Financial assistance
- Employment
- Insurance
- Health updates
Food Recovery
- Businesses can donate excess food to those in need
Farmer Resources
- WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
- WASHINGTON YOUNG FARMERS COALITION
- WASHINGTON FARM BUREAU
- WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- RURAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL
- CORNELL SMALL FARMERS PROGRAM
- HOSTING A DROP SITE FOR A FARMER
- FARMER TOOLKITFOR DIRECT SALES AND PICK UP SITES
- WA STATE DEPT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention in Agriculture and Related Industries (English)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention in Agriculture and Related Industries (Spanish)
Food Processing-Warehouse Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet (English)
Food Processing-Warehouse Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet (Spanish)
How to Support Local Businesses
Seven Things You Can Do to Support Local Businesses Right Now
- From purchasing gift cards to social media shout outs and more
Eatlocalfirst.org
- Restaurants offering curbside service, home delivery, and take-out during COVID-19 closures
- Farms offering CSAs (Farm Boxes)
- Businesses that support local food
Think Local First Business Directory
- Locally owned businesses and contact information
- Connect easily to business websites and social media
Biz to Biz Support
Intellitonic
- Video/phone conference assistance
- Assistance with remote working
Veritas Media
- Free one minute profile videos for businesses
- Contact Kevin Coleman: kevin@veritasmediapro.com or 206-251-2611
Image 360
- Free banners for Skagit County restaurants offering take-out and delivery
Katheryn Moran Photography
- Restaurant To-Go Session Special
Probably Shouldn’t Distillery
- Donating hand sanitizer to homeless shelters, school districts, and more
BelleWood Distilling & Events Center
- Giving hand sanitizer away at their farm