Businesses, Restaurants, & Community Organizations

Assistance for small businesses is available from the local, state, and federal government.

• Whatcom ReStart offers grants to support businesses and non-profits throughout Whatcom County that have been affected by COVID-19.  Visit the Port of Bellingham’s Whatcom ReStart page for details.  The application period for these grants closed July 31, 2020.
• The Port of Bellingham has compiled economic impact resources for businesses on their Economic Impact and Resources webpage.
• Whatcom Together is a county-wide campaign to increase the effectiveness of health and safety messaging in businesses and organizations throughout Whatcom County.
• The City of Bellingham is offering economic relief measures for businesses, utility customers, and city tenants impacted by COVID-19.  Additional support is available for city businesses including permits to use outdoor sidewalk and road right-of-way space.
• Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington (TAG NW) offers technology consulting on topics that include network and server infrastructure, digital marketing, website design, and more. This service is free for non-profits and by donation for businesses.
• The Western Washington University Small Business Development Center has resources and guidance to help local small businesses. This includes how local businesses can navigate through the process to access state and federal programs.
• Washington State’s Coronavirus Response website provides information and resources to support businesses affected by COVID-19.
• The Washington State Department of Commerce has programs that support both businesses and workers at the state and federal level.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration provides information on COVID-19 related guidance, relief options, and loans.  The Seattle District Office is the regional office for Whatcom County.

• The Washington Governor’s proclamations page will be updated as new or extended proclamations are put out.

Whatcom Unified Command is no longer able to provide direct assistance procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) for local businesses.

• Whatcom Unified Command maintains a local vendors list where businesses can purchase required PPE.
• In June, Whatcom Unified Command provided 100,000 masks to help local businesses reopen. These masks are being distributed by area Chambers of Commerce. Please visit the Bellingham Regional Chamber website to check available supplies.

• The Whatcom County Health Department maintains a comprehensive Safe Start Resources for Businesses and Community Organizations webpage.
• Washington State’s Coronavirus Response website offers the latest information for businesses including an online COVID-19 Business and Worker Inquiries form where you can ask specific questions.
• The Washington Governor’s website offers COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers for different business types. This page will updated as new guidance is published.

• Please use the state’s online reporting tool to report a business not complying with state COVID-19 directives, including face covering orders. Current information on what’s open and allowed in each phase is available on the state’s Safe Start guidance page.
• Employees can file specific safety complaints with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).  Complaints can also be submitted to the L&I DOSH Bilingual Reporting line 800-423-7233 or via e-mail.

• Visit our Travel Information page for links to local, regional, and international travel websites.