Snohomish County launches program to help small businesses, start-ups recover from pandemic

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash, — Snohomish County is launching a new program aimed at helping small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs.

Executive Dave Somers announced the launch of the Small Business Innovation Assistance program on Wednesday.

In partnership with Ventures, a Seattle-based non-profit, the SBIA will provide technical assistance services, as well as microgrants and loans, to small businesses and start-ups disproportionately impacted by the impacts of the pandemic.

“Our small business community is the backbone of our main streets and local economy. They provide the goods and services that make our communities thrive,” said Somers. “The Small Business Innovation Assistance program will boost economic growth and innovation across our county and help business owners and entrepreneurs build long-term resiliency.”

The SBIA also plans to focus on assisting small businesses in industries that were highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic particularly affected businesses in the childcare and manufacturing industries in the county.

The program is financed by federal funding received by the county as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

Details on who is eligible for the program and how to apply are available on the Ventures website.

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