City Announces Kirkland CARES Grant Opportunity

Published on August 26, 2020

Media Contact:
Kellie Stickney
Communications Program Manager
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562 

KIRKLAND, Wash. – The City of Kirkland is making grants to small businesses and nonprofits that were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the second quarter of 2020 (April 1 to June 30).
The grants provided through the Kirkland CARES Small Business Relief Fund do not need to be repaid. Awardees can use grant funds for rent, utilities and normal operating costs and expenses. Applications will be available on Wednesday, August 26 at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Residents/Public_Safety/Resources_for_Kirkland_Businesses_Impacted_by_COVID-19/Kirkland_CARES_Small_Business_Relief_Fund.htm.

“The vibrancy and diversity of Kirkland’s small businesses are vital to our city’s sense of community and its long-term economic health,” said Councilmember Amy Falcone. “We know that across our nation, thousands of businesses are shuttering their doors permanently. The City Council is dedicated to taking meaningful steps to help our small business community survive. This grant program is another step in a series of actions to address immediate financial challenges our small businesses are facing during this pandemic.”

To receive a grant, for-profit or nonprofit businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Small business must be located in Kirkland (including home based businesses) with a current and active Unified Business Identification Number (UBI) and City of Kirkland business license endorsement;

2. Small businesses must have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees as of April 1, 2020;

3. Small businesses must demonstrate a minimum 25% reduction in gross revenues (including a reduction of at least $5,000) due to negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during the second quarter of 2020 (April 1 to June 30);

4. Small businesses must demonstrate a minimum of $5,000 of normal operating costs and expenses (as specified as eligible under the grant agreement) during the qualified period (second quarter of 2020, April 1 to June 30); and

5. Small businesses must not be involved in the production, processing, promotion, distribution, or sale (wholesale or retail) of marijuana and cannabinoid products, concentrates, or extracts; and

6. Small businesses must meet all other eligibility requirements specified in the grant agreement.

More information on eligible expenses, ineligible expenses and restrictions on use of grant funds is located on the Kirkland CARES Small Business Relief Fund page on the City website.

The City will accept applications from Wednesday, August 26 to Wednesday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m. If the City receives more than 150 qualified applications, the awardees will be randomly selected through a lottery. The City will announce awards as applicants are confirmed.

Please direct questions about this grant to the City of Kirkland at kirklandbusinesssupport@kirklandwa.gov. Businesses can request paper applications at kirklandbusinesssupport@kirklandwa.gov. Applications and eligibility requirements will be available in Spanish, Chinese, and Russian. If you need assistance completing the application in another language, the Business Response Team has translation services available to support you. Contact the Business Response Team by visiting https://re.startup425.org/technical-assistance-request/.

###