Small business emergency grant program gets additional $5 million

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The Washington State Department of Commerce is making an extra $5 million in aid grants available to small businesses through its Working Washington Small Business emergency grant program.
 
The program launched on April 7 with $5 million from the state’s $200 million emergency response fund. Applications were due April 17, but the window for Whatcom County businesses closed early due to an overwhelming volume of applications.
 
In light of that, the department of commerce has doubled the amount of funds available. The department of commerce is not accepting new applications, but will fund more of the businesses that already applied.
 
The grants offer up to $10,000 to businesses with up to 10 employees. Grant money can be used to pay for rent, utility bills, supplies, inventory and other operating expenses, according to a press release from the department of commerce.
 
This new $5 million comes from the governor’s Working Washington economic development strategic reserve fund, the press release said.
 
In Whatcom County, 752 businesses applied for the grants. Before the department of commerce doubled the fund, commerce spokesperson Penny Thomas said the program could provide 68 Whatcom County businesses with $10,000, and that more businesses would receive money if some applied for less than the full amount. Commerce officials said in the latest press release most applications are under the $10,000.
 
Funds are expected to start reaching businesses in May, the press release said.
 

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