economic recovery resources for Businesses, Non-Profits

The City of North Bend recognizes the hardships our local businesses and non-profit organizations have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the City strives to offer resources to assist businesses in recovery.  

This page provides guidance and resources for employers, non-profits and business owners.

Open Business Sign

grants & programs

  • Employee Retention Credit (ERC): The ERC is a refundable payroll tax credit worth up to $26,000 per W-2 employee. The ERC can still be claimed in 2022 despite ending on October 1, 2021. Employers can retroactively go back to March 13, 2020, and claim wages until October 1, 2021. Learn if you qualify here.
  • Application portal for $3.5 million in grants to Washington community festivals and events open: The application portal for the grants is open at CommerceGrants.com now through July 1 at 5 p.m. The program supports “legacy” events, festivals, civic and holiday celebrations, cultural and heritage events, music festivals, and street and arts fairs – those that have taken place for five or more years - in communities with populations of 100,000 or less. Grants are designed to either restart and stabilize these legacy festivals and events that were suspended in 2020 and 2021, recover from disruptions and losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or both. Covered expenses include deposits on infrastructure (security, temporary fencing, staging, lights, sound equipment, etc.) and staff and labor costs. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000. Award amounts are based on need and demonstrated losses.
  • Behavioral Health Facilities funding round now open: This grant opportunity closes August 8. The Behavioral Health Facilities (BHF) grant application is now open. Eligible categories include Enhanced Services Facilities, 90/180 Day Civil Commitments, Intensive Behavioral Health Facilities and Peer Respites. Grant funds can be used for new construction, renovation and acquisition. Funded capital projects must result in an increased number of beds. The competitive funding round is open to nonprofits, for-profit businesses, public entities, and Tribes who are either a community hospital or a community-based behavioral health provider. Apply here.
  • New Funding Opportunity for the Preservation of Affordable Multifamily/Rental Housing: The funding is intended for applicants at risk of losing affordability due to expiration of use restrictions that otherwise require affordability for low-income households. The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) outlines specific information regarding eligibility, funding requirements and priorities, the process for submission and dates of significance. The application period opens May 12. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Read the notice here.
  • Tourism Skillshop, 3rd Thursday of every month, at 10 a.m.: The State of Washington Tourism (SWT) has launched a new, free educational webinar series. Each month, SWT will host a webinar highlighting a specific topic or skill for tourism professional to discuss with industry experts. Special attention will be devoted to issues affecting those in rural and underserved communities. 
  • Free Digital Tools for Small Businesses: The Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA), a new public-private co-sponsorship between the SBA and Business Forward, Inc., published a comprehensive suite of free resources to help small businesses expand their customer base, manage their growth, find and retain talent, and enter new markets. Small businesses can navigate the SBDA national members’ tools and resources through the library for more personalized learning by visiting smallbusinessdigitalalliance.com. The library will be updated monthly with new resources throughout the year.
  • Free Tax and Accounting Advice: OneEastside SPARK offers free, one-on-one tax and accounting advising assistance with a Clark Nuber CPA. To schedule, contact Samantha Paxton at samanthap@oneeastside.org or (425) 885-4014 ext. 5.
  • Creative Economy Initiative: King County has long been a home for filmmaking. But our state tax incentives and local infrastructure has not remained competitive with our neighbors to the north and south, making it difficult to attract films. King County will work to improve our edge, generate jobs and stimulate business in the local economy through film.
  • Small Business Flex Fund: A simple and flexible loan for small businesses and nonprofits in Washington. Eligible organizations can apply for low interest loans of up to $150,000. Eligible organizations will experience low interest rates, longer payback timelines, and community-based lenders with decades of experience helping businesses like yours to thrive. 
  • Ascent Digital Platform: The Ascent e-learning platform is focused on educating women business owners about venturing into government contracting to help expand their businesses. The Government Contracting Journey 6 identifies opportunities and prepares businesses to pursue those prospects. The new journey has six components or excursions:
    • Government As Your Customers – helps the user understand government as a customer.
    • Government Contracting Opportunities – evaluates contracting opportunities with local, state, and federal governments.
    • Government Subcontracting Opportunities – helps to identify subcontracting opportunities.
    • Set-Aside Certifications - guides the business through what is needed to plan and pursue federal government contracting certifications.
    • Federal Solicitations – analyzes the components of the federal solicitation process
    • General Services Administration (GSA) Contracts – analyzes opportunities for GSA contracts.
  • New Funding Opportunity for Crisis Stabilization Facilities in King County: The Behavioral Health Facilities program began accepting applications  May 17. The competitive funding round for crisis stabilization facilities located in King County is open to nonprofits, for-profit businesses, public entities and Tribes. View program guidelines, the Notice, frequently asked questions and more, here. Awarded funding is required to:
    • Be used for the construction, renovation or purchase of a facility
    • Increase the number of beds or service capacity


PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS

  • Free Supplies for Restaurants and Food Service Workers: King County will be distributing FREE disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer for restaurants and food service workers at an event in Kent on June 28, from 9 to 1 p.m. Register here.
  • Report Tracking for COVID-19 Re-Infection Rates: The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has published a new weekly report that provides an insight into COVID-19 reinfections in Washington State. This report includes information on hospitalizations and deaths, demographics, trends over time, and vaccination status of people with reinfection, where DOH has information about both infection events. Reinfection means a person was once infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, recovered, and later became infected again. A person with reinfection could be fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated. This report is located on the DOH COVID-10 Data Dashboard and is updated weekly. Click here to learn more.
  • Need Masks? We Can Help: North Bend City Staff are handing out free cloth face masks to residents and businesses. Should you wish to pick up masks for your family or business, or request a local delivery, email Erin Mitchell.
  • SmartWA Business Decision Support System: SmartWA uses numerous data sources and artificial intelligence to provide small businesses most impacted by the pandemic with real-time outlooks about public health, economic and community conditions by county and industry. The decision support system features an interactive simulator that provides industry-specific predictions about which safety protocols are most likely to increase customer traffic in specific sectors. 
  • The CISA Cyber Essentials Guide: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Cyber Essentials is a guide for leaders of small businesses as well as leaders of small and local government agencies to develop an actionable understanding of where to start implementing organizational cybersecurity practices. Download the Cyber Essentials Starter Kit, the basics for building a culture of cyber readiness.
  • Business Tips to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats: Cyber-attacks are a growing threat for small businesses. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, the cost of cybercrimes reached $2.7 billion in 2020 alone. Small businesses are attractive targets because they have information that cybercriminals want, and they typically lack the security infrastructure of larger businesses. Start by learning about common cyber threats, understanding where your business is vulnerable, and taking steps to improve your cybersecurity.
  • Protect Yourself Financially from the Coronavirus Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
  • COVID-19 resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers Information from the Governor’s office
  • Vaccine Locator
  • Eligible Businesses That Allow Employees To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine Can Receive A Tax Credit
  • Free COVID-19 Test Kits: While there are no state programs to distribute free test kits directly to businesses, employees that are residents in the state of Washington are eligible to receive four free test kits directly from the state: 


Growing Your Business

  • Quarterly Business Bulletin: Want to share something innovative your team is doing? Stay up-to-date on local business news? Keep the Bulletin on your radar. To  request  to share local business news, email mnoll@northbendwa.gov.  See the April, 2022 Bulletin here.
  • StartUp Washington - Washington State Department of Commerce 
  • SCORE Greater Seattle: Small business consulting
  • OneEastside SPARK: Consulting, programming and tools to address areas of need amongst businesses and non-profits
  • SnoValleyJobs.com: Access for local business to connect with potential applicants! If you are a member of the SnoValley Chamber of Commerce, conduct business in the City of North Bend or Snoqualmie, you are eligible to post your business' position for hire.  
  • SnoValley Chamber of Commerce: A regional Chamber that connects the business community with elected officials at the state, regional and local level to ensure voices are heard and needs met. The Chamber unites members who believe in creating as vibrant local business community. Not a member? Click here to learn how to join. 
  • Snoqualmie Valley Innovation Center: Every Friday, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. A local nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with mentors to discover, launch or further enhance physical products and/or technology powered services to support innovation in the valley community. 
  • The North Bend Downtown Foundation: The NBDF actively builds community, supports economic development and champions downtown revitalization. Not a member? Email the NBDF for information, at BoardAll@northbenddowntown.org.


Resources for Workers


Additional Resources

  • PLEASE JOIN: North Bend Business Outreach Meeting: July 21, 7:30 a.m., in person, with a hybrid option. Sponsored by the City of North Bend, these meetings serve as a direct avenue for business owners like you to meet up, to be informed of actions the City is considering which impact commercial and business property, to discuss other important topics that relate directly to North Bend businesses, and to communicate with your local government. We recognize that City operations can be a tough but necessary part of community and commercial growth, and hope these meetings continue to provide you with an opportunity to voice your concerns, offer solutions and connect with us and your business community. For current project updates, check out the Project Development Map. To receive meeting notifications for future meetings, email Economic Development Manager, Mark Noll (MNoll@NorthBendWA.gov). 
  • "Washington Listens" Mental Health Resource: Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211. Hours are from 9 AM to 9 PM. Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 6 PM Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. In addition, see resources and self-help tips from Washington Listens by clicking here. 
  • Coronavirus Resource Guide - Industry Resource from wahospitality.org: A variety of business resources, with a focus on the hospitality industry
  • Federal COVID-19  Resources: State, local, and federal agencies are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Check out coronavirus.gov for updates. Go to cdc.gov for detailed information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Visit covid-sb.org, the official federal resource website for U.S. small businesses affected by COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 Recovery Information in Other Languages
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Recovery Hub
  • WA Small Business Guide: The Washington Small Business Guide provides answers to questions surrounding starting, expanding and growing a small business. Review the Guide here.