Meet The Grant For Business Owners In Everett, Washington

Normally on Saturdays we run a story called “Meet the Owner” where we feature a business owner in Everett, Washington and share their story. This week we wanted to make sure you saw that there is a new round of grants for business owners, especially those with small businesses who suffered losses during the pandemic. It’s called the Everett Forward Grant Program. If you can show your Everett business suffered a loss during the Pandemic this program may help you build your business in 2023. Here are the details please pass this along if you know a business owner in Everett who could benefit..

The City of Everett has launched the second round of the Everett Forward Grant Program, which offers one-time grants to eligible applicants with innovative ideas and solutions to move Everett’s economy forward.

“Our community is still feeling the impacts of the pandemic and so it’s more important than ever to offer innovative funding opportunities like the Everett Forward grant program,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “I look forward to seeing how these creative and impactful projects play a role in improving quality of life for our residents and encouraging visitors to come see what Everett has to offer.”

Eligible organizations can apply for grants of $5,000 or more to fund projects that support economic recovery from the pandemic. Funds are available for businesses, nonprofits, community organizations and individual sole proprietors. The program will allocate $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds.

Round one of the program provided funding to over 50 projects across the city. This included improvements to storefronts, help for local early childhood education providers and support for arts and cultural programs and special events.

“Round one was hugely successful in addressing the diverse needs across Everett. We want to use this next opportunity to further build up Everett’s economy, vibe and amenities, so they’re better than before the pandemic,” said Dan Eernissee, City of Everett Economic Development director.

The program and application process are designed to be simple and accessible for many different types of organizations. Application materials are available in English and Spanish, and the City of Everett offers translation services for other languages.

Grant applications will remain open until 11:59 p.m. PST on February 28, 2023, and late applications will not be accepted. Awards will be announced in late March 2023. Visit everettwa.gov/forwardgrant to learn more and apply.

Here are the eligibility requirements:

To be eligible to apply for an Everett Forward Grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Your organization was open in Everett before March 2020.

If awarded a grant, your organization must be licensed by the City of Everett. If you do not have an Everett business license, you can apply for one and write “applied” on your Everett Forward Grant application.

Your organization must be either: (1) a small business with less than 500 employees or (2) a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization. The term “small business” includes corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships and other business entities.

Prove that your organization has suffered economic loss due to COVID-19 and that the Everett Forward Grant would help your organization recover from these losses.

Whether brick-and-mortar or home-based, your organization must be located within Everett city limits. Or, if not located in Everett city limits, it must primarily serve the people of Everett.

Your organization cannot be a national chain.

If applicable, all city taxes and fees must be paid and current.

Your organization cannot be facing any pending litigation or legal action.

Your organization does not have unresolved state or city compliance or regulatory issues.

Your project will be completed by 12/31/2023. More time may be allowed for certain projects. Please indicate on your application if your proposed project will extend in 2024.

These are the eligibility requirements to submit an application. During the review process, the City of Everett also will review your application for compliance with other and additional federal, state and local requirements that may affect your eligibility.