State grants announced for border town businesses

Blaine businesses may soon see some state relief, thanks to a new Washington state Department of Commerce grant program aimed at small businesses along the U.S./Canada border. Businesses have two weeks to apply for the grants starting Monday, October 4.

“We appreciate the support of the governor and legislators in our many efforts to support communities disproportionately impacted by Covid-19,” department of commerce director Lisa Brown said in a statement. “While recovery is going well for some businesses, many continue to face daunting challenges. It’s very uneven at this point. A strong, equitable recovery requires us to focus on those who still face barriers to getting back on their feet.”

The Border Business Relief Program is part of the Working Washington grant series the state started to help businesses with the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Up to $50,000 in grants will be given to businesses impacted by the border restrictions; have revenues less than $5 million in 2019; and are located in specific counties including Whatcom County, according to a department of commerce news release on the grants.

Grants will be considered if businesses contain one or more of the following:

• The business relies on a significant amount of in-person interaction with customers (i.e. stores or nail salons)
• The business is located within 20 miles of the U.S./Canada border
• Industries with the most amount of impact from the closure (i.e. retail, tourism, recreation and entertainment)
• 2019 revenue
• 2019-2020 loss of revenue and/or additional expenses to run business safely during the pandemic
• Businesses in rural or low-income communities, and/or owned by a historically underserved population (i.e. veteran, minority, women or LGBTQ+)

The department of commerce will also base grants on if the business has received a Working Washington grant before.

The program was announced September 20, the same day the U.S. government extended its non-essential travel border closure to Canadians until at least October 21. This was the 19th extension since the border closed in March 2020 and indication from the Biden administration suggests the U.S. will extend the border closure through November.

The department of commerce plans to release a large round of state legislature funded business grants in a few months, according to the release.

The grant application closes Monday, October 18. More information is available at commercegrants.com.