Ready for Business Fund Distributes Grants to Washington Small Businesses

Originally launched in 2020, the Ready for Business Fund was expanded to support small businesses statewide this year with a $100,000 investment from Comcast and GSBA continuing its role as the fund and program manager. The Ready for Business Fund was created to support small businesses in Washington, especially those owned by LGBTQ people, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and women, who are at greater risk in today’s uncertain economy.

In addition to supporting small businesses that are owned by diverse entrepreneurs, this year’s statewide expansion also focused on providing support for qualifying small businesses located in rural areas of Washington who have been particularly impacted by the pandemic and lack of proximity to resources.

Grants from the fund were made possible by securing additional contributions from companies and individuals. Including Comcast’s investment, GSBA has received $200,000 in contributions from T-Mobile, BECU, DoorDash, 1^st Security Bank, Harborstone Credit Union, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle Foundation, Symetra, Verity Credit Union and other generous community members. These funds will now support small business owners across all industries, including local restaurants, bookstores, bistros, shops and stores, which are an important part of the social fabric in our communities.

“Over half of Washington’s workforce is employed by small businesses, and we know that especially within marginalized communities, these businesses serve as important gathering spaces,” said Ilona Lohrey, GSBA VP of Membership & Programs. “For example, Washington’s gay bars have served as safe-havens for the LGBTQ community for decades. Immigrant-owned businesses often serve as little slices of their own countries of origin, where employees and patrons often speak their native languages, can come together in community, and share histories. These small businesses are not only a critical part of Washington’s economy, but essential components of the American experience. When these businesses are forced to close because of this pandemic, it hurts all of us. That’s why the Ready for Business Fund exists.”

GSBA assembled a selection committee consisting of diverse community and business leaders to evaluate the applications received. Notifications to grant applicants about the status of their application have begun and awards will be delivered beginning this week. All grant recipients will also receive wrap-around services, including GSBA membership and consulting.

“GSBA is a fantastic partner that is absolutely dedicated to supporting our small business communities and neighborhoods throughout Washington and it was an honor to work with their team again this year to expand the fund to applicants throughout the state,” said Diem Ly, Community Impact Director, Comcast Washington. “Our participation in the Ready for Business Fund compliments additional efforts, like Comcast RISE, which seek to strengthen and empower small businesses hard hit by the economic downturn.”

Ready for Business Fund grant recipients include:

More information is available at theGSBA.org/ready-for-business.