Spokane County has authorized $10.8 million in federal COVID-19 relief monies to fund a local program targeted at local restaurants, hotels and event venues. The funds are coming from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act monies. Local lodging, restaurant and food services, arts, entertainment and recreation businesses with 249 employees or less will be eligible for up to $20,000 in grants to pay for safety measures, rent, utilities and other operating costs. The funds are intended for struggling businesses at risk of closure as well as those trying to reopen amid the pandemic shutdown.
Your local government affairs team has been working on this grant program to ensure members may receive assistance funds. The grant will be administered by Greater Spokane Incorporated in partnership with the Spokane chapter of the Washington Hospitality Association, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Spokane Partnership, and Visit Spokane.
The application period has been extended to November 18 at 5:00 pm. Here are details:
- Information on the program can be found here.
- Watch an on-demand webinar with details, how to apply and Q&A, click here.
The target date for organizations to receive funding is by December 4, 2020. Spokane operators will be notified once the application period opens.
“Our restaurateurs deeply appreciate this relief funding which helps them with the increased costs they pay as a result of the pandemic, and the loss of business and dining capacity,” said Derek Baziotis, Spokane Chapter President, Washington Hospitality Association. “This funding gives our local business owners the direct support they desperately need to help their businesses survive.”
To download a flyer on the program to share, click here.