Grant funding for Whatcom County small businesses impacted by last November's historic flooding is now available. Funding comes from the Whatcom Community Foundation (Foundation) in partnership with Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Port of Bellingham (Port) and in coordination with the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG).
Qualified businesses can apply at Whatcom Community Foundation Small Business Relief Fund | LiveStories through May 3, 2022 (application will close at 11:59pm). Individual grants will be up to $5,000 per business with funding coming from the Whatcom Community Foundation’s Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund.
The Business Recovery Task Force, a group organized as part of Whatcom County’s flood response and co-led by the SBDC and Port, has provided guidance on developing priorities for these grant funds and related application processes. The Task Force is comprised of representatives from tribal and local government, including the cities hardest hit by the flooding, Washington State Department of Commerce, Federal Emergency Management Administration, the LTRG and others.
“Sumas is very thankful that the Business Recovery Fund has been made available to our businesses and, for the hard work of all the individuals that helped make it happen. I encourage any business that has need and is eligible to pursue this offered relief,” said Sumas Mayor and Business Recovery Task Force member Bruce Bosch.
To make a contribution to the Whatcom Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund, click here.
About the Whatcom Community Foundation – One of more than 1,000 community foundations nationwide, the Whatcom Community Foundation connects people, ideas and resources so that everyone in Whatcom County can thrive. We have invested more than $55 million from Acme to Van Zandt, Bellingham to Blaine toward community health, happiness and prosperity since 1996. Anyone can contribute any amount of money to a community foundation, which marshals resources to meet local needs and opportunities. Visit whatcomcf.org to learn more.
About the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group – The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) was formed in response to the historic 2021 flooding to provide coordination and recovery services to individuals, families, and entities adversely impacted by disaster in Whatcom County, while also planning efficiently for mitigation and response to ensure that the Whatcom County Area is better prepared for future disasters. The Whatcom LTRG is comprised of representatives from nonprofit, faithbased, business, government, and other entities. For more information visit whatcomstrong.com.
