Worker and Business Resources

As of Tuesday March 1st, the vaccination verification policy is no longer in effect. While businesses and organizations will no longer be required to check for proof of customers vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, they may continue to implement their own vaccination verification rules for their establishments.

Starting March 12, masks will no longer be required in many indoor public spaces. Private businesses, organizations, schools and childcares may still choose to implement their own mask requirements. Please respect people’s choices to continue to wear a mask. For updates and the most up-to-date guidance on masks, please refer to the King County Masking guidance website.

Pioneer Square Business Owners and Managers Facebook Page

As the neighborhood continues to navigate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, we want to offer an opportunity to reconnect. We’ve heard from several of you that the opportunity for business owners and retailers to participate in an online forum would be a valuable outlet during these times to share resources, support, and stories. In responding to these requests we would like to invite you to join Pioneer Square Business Owners& Managers Facebook group. While this Facebook group has been inactive in recent years, we believe the time is pertinent to leverage the space and the opportunity to connect one another. Click here to join the Pioneer Square Business Owners and Managers Facebook page.

Workforce Resources

• Guidance from Employment Security Department Washington State for Workers and Businesses (ESDWA)
  • Resources offered: unemployment insurance, paid family & medical leave, shared work, and standby status
  • ESD COVID-19 Scenarios and Benefits Fact Sheet
  • ESD Unemployment Application Checklist
• Governor’s Office resource list for Washington State business and workers impacted by COVID-19
  • Resources offered: financial assistance, export assistance, insurance assistance. Note, this list reiterates ESDWA worker resources.
• WorkSource Seattle-King County offers a unique resource for businesses and job seekers: a “one-stop” for career development and human resources support. WorkSource incorporates employment services, skills training, and community services all in one package.
  • Job seakers can help with your online job search, computers access, training, and workshops and hiring events. One-on-one support is also available to identify training and resources to help you meet your goals. Please visit or call a local WorkSource location in Seattle-King County. Resources are available at no cost.
  • Businesses can recieve assistance in supporting businesses with available no-cost tools and resources which includes talent acquisition, labor market information, retention strategies and layoff assistance. Additionally, the team is here to support connecting businesses to our diverse community partners in government, education, and community-based organizations. Resources are available at no cost.

Financial Resources (Federal)

• SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Washington Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
  • OED provides technical assistance to businesses applying for SBA loans and understanding the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aids, Relief & Security). This includes helping businesses navigate the application process and documentation. For general inquiries, please email OED@seattle.gov or call 206-684-8090.

E-Commerce and Delivery/Takeout Resources

• The Alliance for Pioneer Square, in collaboration with DEI Creative, has launched an online marketplace as a tool for member businesses to generate revenue through online sales during the Coronavirus pandemic (read DEI Creative’s press release here). The site is a collective for Pioneer Square businesses to sell items such as clothing and apparel to gift cards and merchandise from Pioneer Square restaurants and bars. The Support Local – Pioneer Square Marketplace is open and ready for customers. To participate in the Pioneer Square Marketplace, complete the following steps:

1. Register your business here
2. Submit up to 5 products for your business (as applicable)
3. Complete delivery/take out information for your business (as applicable)
4. Periodically update products and delivery/take out information (as applicable)
5. Share the Support Local – Pioneer Square Marketplace on your business’ communications channels using the #SupportPSQ hashtag
6. Please reach out to us at supportpsq@pioneersquare.org with any questions, comments or concerns regarding the Support Local – Pioneer Square Marketplace.

• A Brief Primer on Setting Up an Online Store and Delivery/Take Out
  • The Alliance for Pioneer Square has created a brief primer on starting up the various e-commerce and delivery/takeout third party sites. Note, the payment system Square also offers an e-commerce store function.