Permanent Regulations Adopted for Onsite Outdoor Seating 

On September 12, 2022 the Shoreline City Council adopted Development Code amendments that require a permit for on-site Outdoor Seating areas. Outdoor Seating areas are allowed as part of a restaurant or drinking establishment. There are minimum standards for these spaces, such as safety standards, and what they should look like. As a benefit to small businesses, some on-site parking may be converted to Outdoor Seating, see the full ordinance below for more details. City staff is developing a helpful guide for small businesses to outline the Outdoor Seating permitting process that should be available in Fall 2022.

Ordinance No. 969

Resolution No. 493

For More Information: See the Outdoor Seating webpage

Questions? Contact Planning and Community Development by Phone at (206) 801-2500 or email at pcd@shorelinewa.gov.

Low Interest Loans from Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

•  Small Business Flex Fund: This new fund, supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce, is a simple, low-interest, flexible loan for Washington’s smallest businesses and nonprofits. As of May 3, 2022, 500 loans have been funded totaling $42,660,000. As of May 3, 2022, 4,487 pre-applications have been matched with CDFI lenders, totaling $431,647,562. Of the application pool, WMBE ownership is above 70%. For more information, visit https://smallbusinessflexfund.org.  
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• Business Impact NW is a CDFI providing low-interest loans to community-based nonprofits and small businesses, with more flexible criteria than traditional financial institutions.
  
  
• Craft3 is a CDFI providing low-interest loans to community-based nonprofits and small businesses, with more flexible criteria than traditional financial institutions. Open for new loans between $25,000 and $3 million.
  
  
• Ventures is a CDFI offering small business loans from $500 – $35,000 and other resources for small businesses. To learn about loans visit Ventures on the web where you can also sign up for a free orientation on the programs and services this CDFI provides.

 CPA Assistance for Small Businesses: CPAs are standing by to help assist small businesses make the best use of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) second draws and the Employee Retention Tax Credit for 2020 and 2021. Our local Area Development Organization, REACH King County, and the Business Health Trust are sponsoring accounting consulting services for small businesses to help navigate and strategize around these two government funding options.

• • Who qualifies for CPA assistance? Any business in Washington with 100 employees or fewer who needs accounting assistance for the two programs listed above.
  • What to do? Email leighj@seattlechamber.com and she will connect you with a CPA from Clark Nuber.
    
    

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

• Low interest loans for eligible financial hardships resulting from COVID-19. The COVID-19 EIDL program is not accepting new applications, increase requests, or reconsiderations.
• STATUS: ENDED 

• IMPORTANT EIDL UPDATES FOR EXISTING BORROWERS:
  • Manage Your COVID EIDL Guidance from the SBA: The SBA's "Manage Your EIDL" page covers how to monitor loan status, make payments, and servicing actions.

Paycheck Protection Program

• The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ended on May 31, 2021. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.  
  • STATUS: ENDED

Unemployment Insurance

• Federal pandemic unemployment benefits have ended. To learn more about what unemployment assistance is available, visit the Employer Resources page on the Employment Security Department's website.

Medical Insurance

• Visit Washington Healthplanfinder, the state's health insurance exchange, for information on Apple Health (Medicaid) and for special enrollment in health insurance plans if you are uninsured or have a qualifying life change such as losing job-based coverage. Visit Washington HealthPlanFinder for more information.

General business information

• Small business support website: SmallBizHelpWA.com is an information and resource hub powered by the National Development Council and Washington Economic Development Association (of which the City of Shoreline is a member) with support from the Washington Small Business Recovery Working Group. The purpose is to provide current and accurate information on the available relief programs for Washington’s small businesses and eligible non-profits, as well as those organizations that assist them. You’ll also find answers to frequently asked questions, how to find individual technical assistance, how to find a lender, training opportunities and where to find more detailed program information. It is meant to simplify and supplement the details provided by the US Small Business Administration. The goal is to help as many Washington small businesses and non-profits as possible access the help they need.
  
  
• Business Response Center: The state Economic Resiliency Team started a Business Response Center to answer general business inquiries around financial help or other business assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit the frequently asked questions page to find the answer to many questions.
  
  
• America's Small Business Development Center offers a variety of materials on their website, including a Small Business Resiliency Guide and free live webinars. Visit their site for more information.

Webinars

• Small Business Requirements & Resources: The Washington State Small Business Liaison Team webinar series has concluded, but the presentations are available to view on their website. The series provided information to business owners about getting ready to operate safely and doing business while caring for the health and safety of employees and customers.
  
  
• Small Business Training: The Washington SBDC is offering FREE online small business training sessions. Visit the Washington Small Business Development Center's webpage.
  

Small Business Resiliency Assistance

• One-on-one counseling with a SCORE mentor to help you with your startup or assist with your existing business. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit organization supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Register online at https://bit.ly/KCLS_SCORE.

• Technical assistance for small business owners from culturally and historically disadvantaged communities. In partnership with Washington State’s ethnic commissions, Commerce is contracting with community-based organizations to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate help to business owners. Visit StartUp Washington to learn more.

Grant and Loan Opportunities

• Craft3 offers bridge financing for nonprofits to help them get started on projects before a capital campaign is complete or grant funding has been received.

Information and Other Resources

• Washington NonProfits offers a wealth of information, webinars, virtual coffee hours and online learning opportunities. Learn more on their website.