Test program to open a “Help Desk” for small businesses in King County

Seattle Port Commission approves $ 650,000 grant to launch Community Business Connectors

The Community Business Connections program works as a help desk for small businesses, helping them refer to a variety of resources. Small businesses, community-based organizations, or anyone in the “Center” can apply for a ticket. Once the ticket is in the online form, the Seattle Metro Chamber will assign the ticket to a Connector – a person who knows about the assets of a contracted company or small business. This link communicates directly with the business and provides referral options to business professionals such as consultants, lenders and advocates.

“Covid’s surviving businesses have shown resilience, but after several listening sessions with the community, it is clear that business owners are now facing chronic epidemics and new challenges with new lease contracts, staff shortages, inflation, and interest rates. , More, ” Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho. “While federal aid resources are coming to the states and local communities, going out there now gives us the best chance to save jobs and build stability in unexpectedly unexpected communities and businesses.”

“Small businesses have been severely affected by the epidemic, and this is especially true for small businesses owned by people of color who are facing significant obstacles to accessing capital, receiving state and local grants, and online sales,” he said. Rachel Smith, President and CEO of Seattle Metro Chamber. “We need to ensure that fair, all-inclusive recovery not only keeps small businesses from falling behind, but also provides them with the direct support and resources they need to move forward.” Chamber Member – We are proud of this public and private partnership.

Small businesses say it is getting worse

To better understand what small business owners need to survive in the current business environment, the port has been able to review how BIPOC businesses are operating after 10 years of the epidemic. In total, the port received 318 surveys in nine languages. Most of the surveys come from businesses representing South and East King County.

The results of the survey show that small businesses owned by BIPOC are facing challenges and need help.

• Eighteen percent of businesses are doing better than they did a year ago.
• Compared to a year ago, 47 percent of businesses are doing worse.
• Lack of business, inadequate customers, and low income or unemployment are some of the major challenges.
• Businesses need help applying for financial assistance, marketing and advertising, and increasing sales.
• Fifty-four respondents said they needed help in pursuing government contract opportunities.

How is your business doing compared to what it was a year ago?

Watch a video from community activist Lori Wada, the American American Resource Center, about the challenges faced by small business owners or the experiences of entrepreneurs Samuel Rodriguez and Bing Quan Cha over the past two years.

Why community business links

The Community Business Connection Initiative finances seven to ten “linkages” organizations in King County and helps influential small businesses get the vital help and resources they need to survive. As federal recovery resources flow to regions and local communities, the links provide significant access and technical assistance. The initiative supports existing community-based outreach efforts and uses resources to connect small businesses with consultants, both nonprofits.

The motivation for hiring community connectors grew out of regional talks on the Small Business Management (SBA) Community Navigator Pilot Program. Local cities, community groups, and small business consultants have led economic development staff to lead overall program development and support greater community participation. Hiring cultural and linguistic counselors will help close the gap in access to economic justice in low-income communities.

Program funding

Although there are many partners in King County that provide services to small businesses, there is no organization that offers a wide range of small business resources as a result of the new community business initiative.

The CBC program is co-sponsored by Seattle Harbor, King County, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, city partners and several partners. In its first year, the Port of Seattle plans to raise $ 300,000 to support the new program. The Seattle Chamber of Commerce is allocating $ 380,000 to King County Covide-19 Environmental Rehabilitation Fund. The port will partner with the Seattle Metro Chamber to implement the new small business. Interested city partners are also donating an estimated $ 30,000.

In its second year, the port plans to support $ 350,000 by hiring three additional business partners. The Seattle Chamber of Commerce will provide an additional $ 90,000.

Connect

Peter Magraw | Seattle Port Media Officer
(206) 787-3446 | mcgraw.p@portseattle.org