Current Local, State, Federal and Private Sector Financial Resources for Farm and Food Based Businesses in Washington
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This article is from a document shared by the Washington Women in Food Systems (W2FS) network. This page will be constantly updated. For the original, up-to-date document, please visit here.
While there are delays in federal funding requiring a lot of patience, there are also a lot of small grants or funds being set up to help respond to Covid-19 marketplace changes. This document was inspired by Vanessa Garcia Polanco’s national list, Coronavirus Food Systems Media Articles and Other.
Funding and Financial Resources
County-specific programs
Whatcom/Skagit County programs
Community Food Co-op Farm Fund is accepting applications for secured loans of up to $12,000, at 3% interest in partnership with the Industrial Credit Union. Current funding is limited due to high demand. Farms must be based in Whatcom, Skagit or San Juan counties, and must supply Whatcom County. Applications available in Spanish on the website or contact Jean Rogers: jeanr@communityfood.coop.
Skagit Valley Disaster Relief Fund for 501(c)3 organizations, and could be for those that serve farm businesses.
Washington State programs
Washington State Department of Agriculture Small Farm Covid19 Resources consolidated and regularly updated comprehensive information: financial resource list, unemployment insurance, direct market adaptation guidance, public health and safety, and more.
Business Impact NW has an emphasis on working with traditionally underserved populations – entrepreneurial low/moderate income earners, women, people of color, veterans, immigrants or members of the LGBTQ community.
Washington State Employment Security Department, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – Expands the eligibility of unemployment benefits to include self employed, independent contractors, part-time and workers with less than 680 hours. You may file a backdated claim.
SBDC Support for Businesses: The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has posted an updated schedule of webinars on topics such as business resiliency and how to apply for SBA Disaster Loans.
National programs
American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund Award small and mid-size direct-market farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis
Farm Commons has a comprehensive practical audio visual guides for all things Covid related, including financial relief and farmers’ Q&A on unemployment insurance, the CARES Act, etc.
Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) Mini-Grants FACT is accepting applications (waitlist now CLOSED) for mini-grants of up to $500 from livestock and poultry farmers
KIVA 0% Interest Loans Crowd-funded, zero percent interest loans (up to $15,000)
Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loans Community-sourced loans for small businesses impacted by the coronavirus
Native American Agriculture Fund Request for applications due by June 1, 2020 for eligible recipients in the areas of business assistance, agricultural education, technical support and advocacy services
National Farm to School Network COVID-19 Relief Fund to keep supporting the farm to school and farm to early care and education (ECE) community in this rapidly changing and challenging environment.
Funds available to aid F2S Partners, networks, and Native communities in continuing their important work during this difficult time. Any organization working to support farm to school / farm to ECE efforts is eligible to apply, with priority being given to current NFSN Core and Supporting Partners, as well as organizations serving American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian populations within urban, rural and tribal jurisdictions (including schools, farmers/producers and community-based organizations and Tribal entities). The application deadline is May 10, 2020. LEARN MORE HERE or email RFA@farmtoschool.org.
Federal programs
US Department of Agriculture Resources: USDA funding relief for agriculture businesses.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) These forgivable loans require that employee and compensation levels be maintained. While the rollout of the program has been far from perfect, it is important to note that loans will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Employers should reach out to their bankers and/or lenders to prepare applications and apply immediately upon re-opening of the program.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) applications are eligible for an advance/grant of up to $10K. Here is the revised, streamlined application: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/. Updated application link as of 5/4 (the other one is still good, too https://www.sba.gov/page/disaster-loan-applications.
(updated as of 5/4): These new ag business loans will be funded from the most recent round of stimulus funding. Agricultural businesses include those businesses with fewer than 500 employees engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries.
EIDL Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. Applicants who have already submitted their application will still be processed on a first-come, first-served basis
SBA Express Bridge Loans enable small businesses who already have a relationship with an SBA lender to access up to $25K quickly.
SBA is still offering: SBA 7(a), 504 and microloans and Debt Relief. Businesses can connect with the SBA Resource Partner Network for business resiliency readiness advising and training.
U.S. Small Business Administration CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Options Includes the Paycheck Protection Program (funds to pay employees, cover mortgage and rent payments, cover utility costs, etc.) that can be 100 percent forgivable, debt relief programs, and express loan advances.
Private Sector programs
Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund: Grants of up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19, especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital. Applications must be submitted by 4/28/20 at 8:59 pm PT.
Local Funding Opportunities Round-up by LISC Regularly updated funding opportunities and resources
Facebook small business grants – This program offers $100M in cash grants and ad credits, and will fund up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries. Eligible companies must: be a for-profit company; have between 2 and 50 employees; have been in business for over a year; have experienced challenges from COVID-19; be in or near a location where Facebook operates. Eligible applicants should apply ASAP!
Salesforce “Small Business Care” grant program for US-based companies. Details are available here – Washington State businesses can apply from 4/27/20 8:00 am PT – 5/4/20 11:59 pm PT. To be eligible to apply, companies must: be a for-profit company; have between 2 to 50 employees; have been in business for 2 full years as of March 2020; have an annual revenue between $250k and $2M; have experienced challenges from COVID-19
Red Backpack Fund: $5,000 in funding to help women in business, their families and employees. The portal will open for applications on May 4, June 1, July 6 and August 3.
General Covid-19 Farm and Food Response Resources in Washington
WSU Small Farms Covid-19 HUB is 3 things:
a weekly action-based networking meeting (sign up here).
an online compilation of resources and events (view hub here)
weekly needs assessment reporting and deployment (needs assessment tool here).
List Sources
21 Acres
Community Food Co-op
Tilth Alliance
NABC
Skagit Community Foundation
Sustainable Connections Food and Farming Program
